What to See at Fringe World 2026: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Shows and Venues

From local circus legends to the glamour of Bangkok, explore the massive 600-show lineup taking over WA.

Perth is officially under a creative spell as Fringe World 2026 kicks off its massive 15th-anniversary season. For the next month, the city’s streets, parks, and traditional theaters will be transformed into a vibrant hub of circus, comedy, and cabaret. This year’s festival is one for the record books, featuring a staggering 3,000 performers across more than 600 shows, proving that the appetite for the "wild and wonderful" in Western Australia is stronger than ever.

The international spotlight is shining brightly on the Lady Boys of Bangkok, who have arrived in Perth for their highly anticipated debut. Their show, a whirlwind of high-energy choreography and star-studded glamour, is already a festival standout. Arvis Vivas, a performer with the troupe, shared the excitement of bringing the show to a new audience:

"It's a huge party, it's a huge celebration. It’s got a lot of high energy, lots of dancing, lots of beautiful costumes, and it’s just a great night out."

While international acts bring global flair, local talent remains the heartbeat of the festival. Mandurah-born entertainer Morgan James is back with his acclaimed "One Man Circus," a show that blends world-class juggling with high-octane comedy. Having toured the world, Morgan expressed that there is no place quite like home for the Fringe season:

"I’ve performed for kings, queens, presidents, and prime ministers all around the world, but there is nothing better than coming back to my home state and performing here at Fringe World. It’s the best festival in the world."

The festival's reach has expanded significantly for its 15th year, with performances popping up in 38 different suburbs, ranging from the city center to coastal Scarborough and even down to Busselton. This accessibility ensures that the magic of Fringe isn't just confined to the CBD but is a shared experience for the entire community.

For those looking for something truly mind-bending, comedy hypnotist Matt Hale has returned with his brand-new 90s-themed show, "Funbelievable!" Known for his "100% chicken-free" approach, Matt’s show is a staple of the Fringe experience, inviting audiences to either watch the chaos or become the stars of it. Matt highlighted the unique energy that the festival brings to Perth every summer:

"There is just an energy in the air during Fringe. People are ready to be surprised, they’re ready to laugh, and they’re ready to see things they’ve never seen before. It’s that one time of year where the city just feels different—it’s alive."

Running until February 15, Fringe World 2026 offers a massive variety of entertainment, including over 120 family-friendly shows. Whether it’s the gravity-defying stunts of the circus, the sequins of the cabaret, or the unpredictable laughter of late-night comedy, the 15th-anniversary season is a testament to Perth’s love for the arts and the enduring power of the Fringe.

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