Queensland Fringe Sets Out Across the State With A Bold New Arts Road Trip
From outback skies to theatre stages and township main streets, Queensland Fringe is hitting the road for its inaugural year, bringing live music, comedy and cabaret to communities across regional Queensland.
Running from the 1–7 August 2026, the first Queensland Fringe route, The Wild West, travels through Charleville, Augathella, Roma and Toowoomba, connecting local and travelling audiences with world-class artists, live performance and vibrant festival experiences along the way.
The festival builds on the success of Wynnum Fringe, expanding its footprint from Brisbane’s bayside to the regions and marks the first step in a broader vision to establish Queensland Fringe hubs planned across the state.
Festival highlights include:
· Charleville | 1 August 2026: Daytime access to the Charleville Horse and Motorcycle Gymkhana, followed by an intimate evening performance at the Cattle Camp Hotel featuring Festival Ambassador Wes Carr alongside local bush poets and musicians.
· Augathella | 2 August 2026: A community celebration at the Augathella Bowls Club with Wes Carr, honouring the long-standing sister suburb connection between Augathella and Wynnum, with bar proceeds supporting the local community.
· Roma | 4 August 2026: An intimate live music and tasting experience at Western Queensland Spirits featuring Wes Carr and local performers alongside whisky and gin tastings.
· Toowoomba | 6-7 August 2026: Queensland Fringe comes to life across The Empire precinct and Walton Stores with performances from Jim Jefferies, Vanessa Amorosi, Dami Im and Wes Carr, alongside MOCKINGBIRD starring Mark Sholtez and Luke Kennedy, Fringe Artist Bar activations, local theatre works, film Q&As, live music and the Queensland Fringe Feast at Bergen.
Festival guests are invited to hit the road and experience world-class performances in town halls, pubs, theatres and community spaces, with audiences encouraged to travel with the fringe by caravan or 4WD as part of the shared festival adventure.
The festival will also be captured in a live documentary-style social series following the road trip across Queensland, offering audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the journey as it unfolds.
Queensland contemporary visual artist Phoebe Paradise joins the festival as Artist in Residence, creating a signature artwork inspired by the people, landscapes and stories of the inaugural journey.
Queensland Fringe is presented in partnership with The Empire, alongside major partners including Toowoomba Regional Council, Port of Brisbane, ALE Clothing & Signs, Enterprise Legal, Brisbane Camperland Jayco, Triple M and Queensland Country Tourism.
Queensland Fringe runs 1–7 August 2026. For the full program and to follow the journey, visit qldfringe.com
Quotes attributed to Artistic Director and Founder, Tom Oliver:
“After six years of building Wynnum Fringe, this feels like a natural next step. We’ve seen firsthand how live performance can help put a place on the map, drive visitation and create real pride within a community - and Queensland Fringe is about sharing that model with regional Queensland.”
“What matters most to me is that this is a two-way exchange. Regional Queensland has extraordinary stories, talent and hospitality. We’re not arriving to present culture - we’re arriving to collaborate, celebrate and help shine a bigger spotlight on places that deserve national attention. I just love how powerful the arts are for change like this!"
Quotes attributed to Vanessa Amorosi:
“Touring in regional Australia always feels incredibly special. There’s a different kind of energy when you perform outside the big cities. People really show up, they listen, and there’s a real sense of connection in the room.”
“To be part of the first Queensland Fringe and to headline in Toowoomba is something I’m excited for. It feels like a celebration of live music and the places that have always supported Australian artists.”
Quotes attributed to Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald:
“Queensland Fringe is a fantastic addition to Toowoomba’s cultural calendar,”
“It brings people into the region, supports local business and showcases what makes Toowoomba Region such a vibrant place for major events and tourism.”
Quotes attributes to Chief Executive Officer, The Empire, Giuliana Bonel:
“As a leading regional arts venue, The Empire is excited to support this new initiative, which shines a spotlight on regional arts and creates new opportunities for audiences and artists alike,” Ms Bonel said.
“We’re proud to transform our precinct into a two-day hub of creative activity, giving audiences the chance to experience an exciting mix of comedy, music and live performance, while also providing a platform for emerging local artists to showcase their talents alongside established performers,”she said.
“The Empire is delighted to support Queensland Fringe in its inaugural year, and we look forward to seeing it grow into a much-anticipated annual event that enriches our region’s cultural and tourism landscape over the next few years.”
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