Melbourne Fringe Festival is serving up a fresh batch of the hottest, kookiest and most irresistible events from October 1 to October 20.
Led by the daring tastes and whacky palettes of established and emerging artists, this year’s Melbourne Fringe Festival program is a feast for the senses. From public dining performances to a First Nations barbecue, the Fringe team is cooking up a storm. As you’d expect from any Fringe, the events are weird and wonderful, they’re scrumptiously satisfying, and – of course – they’re disgustingly good.
Chock full of over 470 events packed into the festival’s three-week program, Fringe is offering much more on their plate than you’ll be able to gobble up. With the festival’s overarching theme of Eat Your Art Out, there’s a smorgasbord of ideas, concepts, themes and laughs to savour across the festival’s calendar.
Feeling overwhelmed by the massive menu? Fear not – we’ve made it easy for you. Read on to discover which Fringe events you should check out based on what dish you’d bring to a dinner party.
Eat Your Art Out: Melbourne Fringe Festival
- October 1 to October 20
- Full program and tickets here
Explore Melbourne’s latest arts and stage news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Fruit platter: Art is Food for the Soul
- September 27 to October 20
- Laneway Gallery, Laverton
- Free entry
The team behind Art is Food for the Soul have nailed the festival’s theme of Eat Your Art Out. Taking place in Melbourne’s western suburb of Laverton, this free Fringe event is an outdoor exhibition space that explores the unifying powers of food. Like anyone who brings a fruit platter to a dinner party, this event knows what’s good for you. It’s wholesome, nourishing, and tastes best when shared.
Orange juice mimosa: Creative Juices
- October 1 to October 6
- Chinese Museum, Melbourne CBD
- Tickets here
Creative Juices is the perfect event for aspiring artists – talented and otherwise. This immersive theatre experience puts the paintbrush in your hand and your inner artiste on display. Think of it as a paint and sip with a twist. This is the kind of event for anyone who loves a glass of wine – as long as it’s mixed with something sweet like lemonade or orange juice. It’s fancy fun, without taking itself too seriously. Just like the perfect mimosa.
Fairy bread: Fringe for Kids
- October 2 to October 13
- Gasworks Theatre, Albert Park
- Tickets here
Everyone has an inner child, and Fringe for Kids knows how to nurture it. Whether you’re bringing fairy bread to a fancy dinner or enjoying a front-row seat at Fringe for Kids, light-hearted entertainment is hard to resist. Bring along your little ones – big ones are invited too – to any and all of these unique Fringe for Kids shows. You’ll get a different slice of bread each time, with each performance an original assortment of tricks and treats on stage. Like fairy bread, it’ll be fun for all ages, but best enjoyed by kids.
Charcuterie board: Sparrow Showcase ‘24
- October 2 to October 20
- Montsalvat, Eltham
- Free entry
If you can’t decide between camembert cheese, deli prosciutto or spicy capsicum dip, why not bring it all? That’s exactly the vibe that Sparrow Showcase ’24 is bringing to the Fringe Festival feast. This diverse exhibition features an array of the hottest new artists showcasing and selling their work. Just like a charcuterie board, there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy across the plethora of art practices and projects. From ceramic to spoken word performances, textile works to installations, there’s no better showcase to dip your chip in.
The Party: CLUB FRINGE: Creatures of the Blak Lagoon
- October 4, 10pm until late
- Trades Hall, Carlton
- Tickets here
Motherless Collective, the team behind Creatures of the Blak Lagoon, have taken it upon themselves to bring the most vital ingredient to any feast: the party. Part of the Deadly Fringe series at Club Fringe, Creatures of the Blak Lagoon promises a night of DJs, music, performers, costumes and art. While it’s the perfect way to kick off the first weekend of Fringe, it’s best to remember that this is the kind of party everyone is invited to. Be sure to snag a ticket before they’re all gone.
You can check out the full Melbourne Fringe Festival program here.
This article was made in partnership with Melbourne Fringe Festival.
