Fringe Encore set to debut in Ballarat this October

For one weekend this October, Ballarat will transform into a vibrant cultural playground as Fringe Encore: Ballarat brings an eclectic mix of theatre, comedy, cabaret, circus and music to venues and public spaces across the city. 

Held from Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 October and delivered in partnership with Melbourne Fringe, the curated program combines acclaimed festival favourites with performances created especially for Ballarat, offering visitors and locals a unique opportunity to experience bold, contemporary arts in a regional setting.

Fringe Encore: Ballarat features performances exclusive to Ballarat plus a curated selection of Melbourne Fringe's most exciting works, delivering world-class entertainment, free public events and significant benefits for local businesses and the visitor economy.

The four-day event, secured by the City of Ballarat, is a Regional Victorian exclusive. It is projected to attract more than 10,000 attendees, drawing visitors from across Victoria, interstate and overseas while activating key venues and public spaces throughout Ballarat.

Fringe Encore: Ballarat aims to support regional creatives and communities with the program featuring work by local independent artists. 

There will be a festival hub at the Mechanics Institute, acting as a central point for people to plan what they’ll see that weekend, with opportunities for local and regional artist development.

The festival has a continued commitment to First Nations artists, with a focus on accessibility and sustainability.

The current program for Ballarat includes:

Fountain Lakes: Y2K

• A camp and hilarious parody of the hit TV show Kath and Kim. 
• Four ticketed sessions across the weekend are on sale now. 

Degustation by One Fell Swoop Circus 

•  A contemporary circus and high-end degustation experience, where the diners are seated around the stage to enjoy a meal and acrobatic performance.
• Multiple sessions across the weekend. 

Ocker by Na Dijnang Circus 

• A roving circus show using a portable railway track that is built in real time. 
• Four free sessions across the weekend, held outside Civic Hall 

Sammy J – Hero Complex - One Night Only in Ballarat

• Sammy J performs his show, Hero Complex, an award-winning hilarious tale, for one night only! 
• Performing at Civic Hall Ballarat, Saturday 24 October 2026, get your tickets here.

For more information on all the events and tickets visit the Fringe Festival website. 

City of Ballarat Acting Mayor, Cr Ben Taylor said Fringe Encore demonstrates the important role major cultural events play in driving visitation and supporting the local economy.

"Fringe Encore helps showcase Ballarat as a vibrant and creative city, attracting visitors to our region while delivering real benefits for local traders, hospitality businesses and the wider visitor economy," he said.

"Events like this encourage people to stay longer, explore our city, enjoy our cafes, restaurants and attractions, and experience firsthand what makes Ballarat such a unique destination."

Melbourne Fringe CEO and Creative Director, Danny Delahunty said organisers were really excited to bring the adventurous spirit of Melbourne Fringe to Ballarat for four days of bold, surprising art. 

"Whether making the trip from Melbourne for the exclusive programming or discovering Fringe in your own backyard, it's a chance to experience the best of what Melbourne Fringe is," he said.

"If I could give just one tip: the best way to do Fringe is to stack your schedule with a few unexpected surprises. By the time everyone is talking about an unmissable show, it may already be over. So, take a chance on something new and see where the weekend leads you." 

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Natalie Suleyman said Fringe Encore: Ballarat is the kind of event that reminds you why regional Victoria's creative scene is second to none. 

"The Carroll Labor Government is proud to deliver the Regional Events Fund, which drives visitation, energy and economic benefit to the regions,” she said. 

Member for Eureka, Micheala Settle said Ballarat has a thriving cultural scene.

"World class hospitality and great public spaces – Fringe Encore showcases all we have to offer,” she said. 

Fringe Encore: Ballarat will run for four days, delivering a vibrant program of cabaret, circus, contemporary performance and free public events. Combining major productions and regional exclusives with meaningful community participation and tourism appeal, Fringe Encore: Ballarat will strengthen Ballarat’s reputation as a cultural destination of state significance while driving economic activity across the city.