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.
