The Dunedin Fringe Festival is the world’s southernmost Fringe Festival. The annual festival happens every March timed to coincide with other fringe festivals in New Zealand and Australia. This year it kicks off from the 17th of March with an amazing programme on offer.

Initiated in 2000, Dunedin Fringe aims to bring experimental contemporary art to a wider audience and to support the work of emerging artists. Otago Community Trust has supported the Fringe Festival from inception and we are excited to see the incredible line up of acts.

Click across to https://www.dunedinfringe.nz/ to view all that is on offer. The festival runs from the 18th to the 28th of March.

Opening Night

The opening night party is at Fringe HQ's very own Emerson’s Festival Theatre, the Fringe team have planned a fitting 21st celebration for Dunedin’s favourite festival.

The hosts for the evening are Michele A’Court and Jeremy Elwood, two of NZ’s all-time favourite comedians, making a welcome return to a Dunedin stage after a long time between drinks. The laughs continue with internationally acclaimed Laura Davis (Australia) making her first appearance in Ōtepoti.

Capacity is very limited so it is recommend that you book early to make the most of the full night of mayhem and merriment. Door sales will be available from the venue. Please note, a ticket guarantees entry but the venue will be a mixture of standing and seated.

The Best Dressed punter will win a $50 voucher from Nova.

Our Funding 

Otago Community Trust provides annual funding to the Dunedin Fringe Arts Trust. The latest grant awarded in December 2020 of $78,000 assists with meeting event costs, develop performance spaces, provide training and organise workshops. The grant supports the planned programmes for 2021 which includes not only the Dunedin Fringe Festival but also the Amped Music Project; the New Zealand Young Writers Festival and the White Box visual art window gallery.