Nelson Fringe Festival is an annual event celebrating the performing arts. We present work across a range of styles, including theatre, comedy, dance, improvisation, music, burlesque, circus and whatever else artists can offer! We embrace a full range of first-timers to seasoned touring gigsters, presenting around 50 show in three venues across ten days, and always at an affordable ticket price.

We are committed to supporting local people across Te Tauihu/Top of the South, especially new talent. Outside the Fringe we run New Play reading sessions as well as workshops and ‘matchmaker’ sessions for artists to connect. The Fringe also welcomes artists from across New Zealand as well as international artists touring to the Motu. We are dedicated both to supporting artists create and present work and to allowing Nelsonians access to high quality arts. In 2025 the Fringe sold over 3,000 affordable tickets to Nelsonians as well as two free family events.