THE Flinders Fringe Festival is back for 2026, offering over 50 events on the Mornington Peninsula from 26 February to 1 March.
In its fourth year, this year’s line-up celebrates local artists, featuring a diverse mix of new works, returning favourites, and emerging voices that showcase the depth and character of creativity across the region.
Audiences can look forward to an inspiring program of visual arts, live performance, music, literary events, hands-on workshops, and community gatherings, ranging from locally inspired storytelling and contemporary cabaret to Australian premieres and intergenerational experiences.
This year’s program continues the festival’s commitment to providing a platform for new work by local artists.
Artistic director Melissa Jackson said, “The festival remains true to its purpose, to celebrate the creative community, nurture new works, and give local artists and audiences the space to connect and grow.”
“This is our fourth year, and as always, the program is proudly bold, local, and inclusive, with numerous free and low-cost options available.”
Festival highlights include:
Soapboxed: World premiere by Neighbours writer and award-winning political cartoonist, Megan Herbert, starring Lucinda Cowden and Ryan Moloney (Neighbours’ Melanie Pearson and Toadie Rebecchi), followed by Q&A with broadcaster Tracee Hutchison.
Continental Guitar Trio: Sergio Ercole, Vladimir Gorbach, and Ken Murray will perform guitar masterpieces from the Americas, Europe, and Australia.
95 & Still Alive: Liz Hicklin was 93 when she first tried stand-up comedy. Now, at 95, she’s returning to the Fringe to mark nearly a century of life, love, and laughter!
From Arthur to Martha: Satirical cabaret about peninsula life starring local duo Arthur and Martha. Created by Sally Bourne, featuring Lucinda Cowden (Neighbours), with music by award-winning composer John Thorn.
You & I: Intergenerational exhibition celebrating queer identities and creative expression, led by local artists Noa Wolf Smith Fletcher and Roe Bonnici.
The program also features opera performances, First Nations-led walks, family comedy games, visual arts workshops, and everything from flamenco guitar to string quartets.
“The sweeping green landscapes, bushland, and coastal views around Flinders have always been a place of connection where creativity thrives,” Jackson said.
“This festival is about celebrating that spirit, giving artists a platform to experiment, unite, and inspire, while inviting audiences to experience something new or unexpected.”
Sunday afternoon’s Fantastic Flinders Fringe Finale at St John’s Church Grounds will bring the festival to a close, gathering artists and audiences for an afternoon of live music, delicious food and celebration. Whistle and Trick will entertain the kids, and Jack Howard and The Ambassadors of Love will add groove and nostalgic charm with their Burt Bacharach and Beyond show.
The festival runs from 26 February – 1 March 2026. Tickets and complete program at: flindersfringe.com.au