What’s happening?
Wynnum Fringe will once again light up the bayside this winter.
The award-winning festival returns to the Augathella Spiegeltent with a curated program of live performance, comedy and independent works. It continues as the flagship event for the team behind the broader Queensland Fringe vision.
Founder and CEO Tom Oliver reflected on the journey so far.
“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,” he said.
The focus remains on high-quality programming and community connection on Brisbane’s bayside.
Why it matters?
Wynnum Fringe has helped reposition the bayside as a cultural destination.
It gives independent artists a professional platform while keeping live performance accessible to local audiences. As Brisbane prepares for 2032, festivals like this strengthen the state’s cultural identity.
The event also supports local hospitality and small business during the winter period.
By the numbers:
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Six years, Wynnum Fringe has evolved from a recovery initiative into an internationally recognised arts event.
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18 days, the 2026 festival runs across nearly three weeks on the winter calendar.
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2032, the long-term ambition is to help shape Queensland’s cultural offering ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Zoom in
The Augathella Spiegeltent remains central to the experience.
Its intimate setting brings audiences close to performers, creating a unique atmosphere on the bayside. Over time, it has become a defining symbol of Wynnum Fringe.
An open Expression of Interest is also inviting artists and sponsors to help shape future editions.
Zoom out
Wynnum Fringe now sits within a broader statewide strategy.
While Queensland Fringe prepares to expand into regional hubs, Wynnum Fringe remains the anchor event. It sets the tone for programming and community engagement.
The long-term vision is to grow into Queensland’s largest arts festival by 2032.
Local impact
For Brisbane’s bayside community, the return of Wynnum Fringe means increased foot traffic and economic activity.
Local venues benefit from festival crowds, and creative workers gain valuable opportunities. The event continues to build pride in the area’s arts scene.
What to look for next?
Wynnum Fringe returns to the bayside from 25 June to 12 July 2026.
Program updates and Expression of Interest details are available HERE
As winter approaches, the bayside prepares once again for live performance and shared cultural moments.
