After six years of dazzling audiences on Brisbane’s bayside, the award-winning Wynnum Fringe returns to the Augathella Spiegeltent from 25 June – 12 July 2026.
Today, building on its success as one of the state’s most exciting cultural events, the team behind Wynnum Fringe launches Queensland Fringe – a brand-new festival offering with statewide ambitions.
First up is The Wild West! a new arts celebration delivering high-quality fringe programming west of the capital from 1 – 7 August 2026. This inaugural trail will journey through Augathella, Charleville, Roma and Toowoomba, connecting local and travelling audiences with world-class artists, live performance and vibrant festival experiences along the way.
This trail is just the first step to the wider plan of Queensland Fringe. Hubs are planned across the state, including Brisbane, Cairns, Rockhampton and beyond, creating a lasting network of arts experiences for Queensland audiences.
Tom Oliver, Wynnum Fringe Founder and CEO/Artistic Director, said the launch of Queensland Fringe marks a defining moment for the state’s cultural evolution.
“Wynnum Fringe has grown from a COVID recovery mission into an internationally recognised fringe festival in six short years. With the countdown on until the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, the team and I feel very ready to take our learnings to the rest of Queensland.” said Oliver.
“Starting in the West is a natural progression because of our friendship with Murweh Shire Council region through to our long-standing partnership with the Augathella Spiegeltent Project.”
“Queensland Fringe is about creating meaningful opportunities for artists, communities and audiences, and we welcome local artists, venues and partners to be part of shaping its future,” said Oliver.
International comedy legend Jim Jefferies headlines the Toowoomba hub on Thursday 6 August, supported by a curated program of small-scale independent works over the two-day festival. Queensland Fringe will transform the precinct into a social, celebratory playground.
“I’m really excited to bring my Son of a Carpenter tour to Queensland’s regional towns.” said Jefferies. “It’s where the carpenter himself grew up, so it’ll be great to share a few laughs and join a world class program that Queenslanders don’t have to drive hours to see.”
Joining the star-studded line up is Toowoomba-based singer-songwriter, Sue Ray, who will perform as part of the festival’s Toowoomba program while supporting local engagement.
“Queensland Fringe is doing something extraordinary by taking live art to new places and I feel lucky to be part of this adventure. It’s going to be a lot of fun!” said Ray.
“It’s such an exciting opportunity to perform alongside internationally acclaimed artists while also supporting local voices. Seeing the community come together to celebrate and experience live performance in their own backyard is incredibly rewarding.”
Queensland Fringe has been built with the support of key partners including Empire Theatre, University of Southern Queensland, Murweh Shire Council, Port of Brisbane, ensuring the inaugural trail combines professional artistry with grassroots community engagement.
An open Expression of Interest (EOI) is now inviting artists and sponsors to join the festival, creating opportunities for both headline moments and local participation.
Wynnum Fringe continues as the flagship festival, anchoring the calendar with its bayside magic, while Queensland Fringe begins a new tradition of regional arts touring.
Together, the festivals celebrate place, champion artists and set the foundation for a long-term vision to make Queensland Fringe the largest arts festival in the state by 2032, ahead of the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Queensland audiences can experience the inaugural Queensland Fringe Trail from 1–7 August, with Wynnum Fringe returning 25 June – 12 July 2026. For more information and to submit an EOI, visit: www.qldfringe.com and www.wynnumfringe.com for details.
Image: The Augathella Spiegeltent (supplied)