What is the Dunedin Fringe Festival?
Dunedin Fringe Festival (13-23 March 2025) is an annual 11-day multidisciplinary arts festival that’s open to anyone who wants to participate — any form of creative expression, any level of experience, anything goes! Dunedin Fringe provides a platform for new, innovative and experimental art that helps nurture communities, and supports the work of emerging artists.

Dunedin Fringe has an open access kaupapa (philosophy): it’s not curated, meaning anyone can register and present work, regardless of their experience or artistic reputation. The festival attracts artists from throughout New Zealand and overseas, and provides an important forum for experienced artists to test new work and a supportive environment for emerging talent to explore their identity as artists. 

Each year the festival supports approximately 80 events staged by over 500 artists and crew, drawing an audience of around 15,000. It’s a low barrier, affordable, accessible highlight of Ōtepoti’s cultural calendar.

The Fringe team are here to support you, especially first time artists: just drop us a line at info@dunedinfringe.nz if you’ve got questions about registering. Dunedin Fringe is committed to supporting the development and presentation of new work and to assist with production costs. If you meet the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply for a Fringe Artist Grant. Find both the application guide and application form here.

How to register your event: 

1. Read the Artist Registration Pack

2. Register your event before 17 November 2024

KEY DATES:

Fri 30 Aug 2024: Artist registrations and Fringe Artist Grants (Māori, Pacific and General grant pools) open

Sun 13 Oct 2024: Fringe Artist Grants close

Tues 29 Oct 2024: Artist Grant results announced

Sun 17 Nov 2024: Dunedin Fringe registrations close

Dunedin Fringe Festival 2025: Thurs 13 — Sun 23 March 2025 (Our 25th birthday!)