The Sydney Fringe Festival, New South Wales’ largest independent arts festival, has officially launched its 2025 program, promising an extraordinary celebration of creativity and culture.
With over 460 events and more than 2,900 artists set to perform across four precincts and 10 festival hubs this September, the festival is gearing up to be its most expansive yet. Adding to the excitement, the festival also marks a new chapter under the leadership of recently appointed CEO Patrick Kennedy.
A New Era for Sydney Fringe
Patrick Kennedy, who joined Sydney Fringe in 2024, brings over 15 years of experience in the arts and cultural sector. Known for his work on major Australian productions such as Mary Poppins, & Juliet, and The Phantom of the Opera, Kennedy has also earned international acclaim as the founder of Patrick Kennedy Theatre Machine. His appointment signals a bold new direction for the festival.
Maree Taylor, Chair of the Board at Sydney Fringe, expressed her enthusiasm:
“Patrick is an accomplished leader and internationally lauded theatre maker with a proven track record in championing independent arts, strategic direction, and organisational growth. His rare blend of artistic leadership, sector insight, and commercial acumen makes this a confident and exciting evolution for the organisation as we continue to shape Sydney’s cultural ecosystem.”
Festival Highlights
The 2025 Sydney Fringe Festival offers a diverse and dynamic program, featuring everything from immersive theatre and contemporary dance to cabaret, comedy, and visual arts.
- Opening Night Street Party: The festival kicks off on Thursday, 4 September, with a free street party at The Rocks. Historic laneways and heritage buildings will come alive with hidden performances, live music, and vibrant energy.
- SIDESHOW: Running every Tuesday to Sunday throughout the festival, SIDESHOW offers immersive and experiential performances in pop-up spaces. Highlights include When Night Comes by Broad Encounters, a multi-sensory theatre experience blending cocktails and interactive storytelling at the Union Bond Store.
- Eternity Playhouse Reopens: After more than a year, Darlinghurst’s beloved Eternity Playhouse reopens as the new home of the Off Broadway Hub. The venue will host bold and innovative works, including Lewis Major’s critically acclaimed dance performance Triptych, The Ghana Road Show celebrating West African culture, and Kate Bush Unmoored by vocal ensemble Eklektika.
- First Nations Hub: The Yagali First Nations Hub returns to PACT Centre for Emerging Artists from 28–30 August, featuring powerful performances such as Adam Nobilia’s live reading from his memoir Australia’s Least Wanted and the First Sounds Showcase spotlighting emerging and established First Nations talent.
- Queer Hub: Hosted at Qtopia Sydney from 2–27 September, the Queer Hub amplifies LGBTQIA+ voices with shows like Queen Out (Verb) by LA-based drag queens Lorelei and Annie Biotixx, and Let’s Unpack That, a musical comedy by Kate Wilkins and Nick Harriott.
- Cabaret Hub: Marrickville Town Hall transforms into the Cabaret Hub, featuring standout performances like Upside Down Fantasyland by Troy Rogers and La Dolce Vita…Down Under by Illeana Piptone.
- LIMITLESS Hub: Bondi Pavilion hosts the LIMITLESS Hub from 16–20 September, celebrating d/Deaf and neurodivergent artists, and artists living with a disability. Highlights include The Crooners: Swinging & Spinning and the dynamic variety show Criptonite.
- Fool’s Paradise: Taking over The Entertainment Quarter from 29 August–12 October, this garden of high-energy entertainment features circus spectacles like Elixir Revived and Lash Out, as well as the family-friendly Fringe Kids mini-festival during the school holidays.
- Parramatta’s Lit!: The inaugural open-access literature festival joins Sydney Fringe with a month-long program of panel discussions, live readings, workshops, and a zine and book fair across multiple venues in Parramatta.
- Emerging Artists Share House: Supported by the James Kirby Foundation, this initiative at Erskineville Town Hall showcases contemporary works by rising theatre-makers.
- Dance Hub: Sydney Dance Company’s Neilson Studio hosts stunning contemporary dance performances, including Liv Tennet’s award-winning solo show For You to Know and Me to Find Out.
- TheLab@UNSW: In partnership with UNSW’s School of Arts & Media, this hub will present experimental performances, while The Old Fitz Theatre will host two bold new plays, She Threaded Dangerously and Way Back When.
A Vision for the Future
CEO Patrick Kennedy shared his excitement about the festival’s future:
“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. The 2025 program is our most expansive yet, pushing boundaries and spotlighting new voices, inviting Sydneysiders to rediscover their city through unforgettable experiences in every corner.”
Tickets and More Information
Tickets for all Sydney Fringe Festival events are now on sale. For the full program and to book tickets, visit sydneyfringe.com.
This September, Sydney Fringe Festival promises to transform the city into a vibrant hub of creativity, connection, and cultural celebration. Don’t miss the chance to experience the best of independent arts in Sydney!