Sydney Fringe Festival Unveils 2025 Program With Over 460 Events Across the City

The Sydney Fringe Festival is set to return this September with its biggest program yet, featuring more than 460 events and over 2,900 artists across four precincts and 10 festival hubs.

It follows on from an incredibly successful run in 2024 which included over 400 events across the city.

Sydney Fringe Festival Returns

Taking place from late August to early October, the 2025 Sydney Fringe Festival offers a wide range of performances, from immersive theatre and live music to comedy, cabaret, circus, and visual art.

This year also marks the first under new CEO Patrick Kennedy, who brings over 15 years of experience in arts and culture to the festival.

“I’m thrilled to be stepping into the role of Sydney Fringe’s next CEO, and I am dedicated to advancing the festival’s vision to be celebrated as one of the world’s leading fringe festivals, placing independent artists and cultural creators at the heart of Sydney,” Kennedy said.

Festival Chair Maree Taylor said, “Over the past two months the Board has undertaken a rigorous global search for our next CEO… Patrick is an accomplished leader and internationally lauded theatre maker… This is a confident and exciting evolution for the organisation.”

Major highlights include the return of the Queer and First Nations Hubs, the relaunch of the Eternity Playhouse as the Off Broadway Hub, and the immersive cocktail-theatre experience When Night Comes at The Rocks. Wright & Grainger, known for their unique storytelling style, will also present three shows: Orpheus, Helios, and Grandpa Poseidon.

The festival officially launches with a free street party on Thursday September 4 in The Rocks, featuring hidden performances and live music. The family-friendly SIDESHOW series also returns with pop-up performances Tuesday to Sunday during the festival.

The Eternity Playhouse will showcase cutting-edge works including Lewis Major’s Triptych and Kate Bush Unmoored by vocal group Eklektika. Meanwhile, the Yagali First Nations Hub returns to PACT Centre in August, and the Queer Hub will be hosted at Qtopia Sydney throughout September.

Other venues include Marrickville Town Hall for cabaret, Sydney Dance Company’s Neilson Studio for contemporary dance, and Bondi Pavilion for the LIMITLESS program, celebrating artists with disabilities.

Sydney Fringe Festival will also extend to Western Sydney, partnering with UNSW’s TheLab, and debuting a new literature program, Parramatta’s Lit!

“The 2025 program is our most expansive yet and we’re thrilled to be bringing artists and audiences together across more venues and precincts than ever before. From the return of major hubs, to the highly anticipated reopening of the Eternity Playhouse, this year’s program pushes boundaries and spotlights new voices, inviting Sydneysiders to rediscover their city through unforgettable experiences in every corner” Kennedy said.

Tickets are now on sale at sydneyfringe.com.