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Turn Towards the Heat: Melbourne Fringe Festival 2026 Family-Friendly Program
Melbourne Fringe Festival returns from 29 September to 18 October 2026, bringing three weeks of bold performances, creative experiences and plenty of opportunities to discover something new.
This year’s festival theme, Turn Towards the Heat, encourages audiences to embrace curiosity and the unknown. Rather than looking for all the answers, Melbourne Fringe invites us to pause, explore and see where our curiosity takes us.
There’s plenty for families to discover, with a selection of family-friendly performances and interactive experiences designed to get kids laughing, dancing, creating and joining in.
From circus and magic to puppets, music, dance and imaginative play, here are some of the family highlights to check out at Melbourne Fringe Festival 2026.
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Fashion Machine by Theatre SKAM
What happens when kids take over a fashion studio? Fashion Machine gives young people the chance to become the artists, designers and stylists. Five professional artists from textiles, theatre and photography work with local kids, teaching them skills before the young participants take centre stage.
The challenge? Give selected audience members a fashion makeover in less than an hour! Armed with sewing machines, scissors, buttons, ribbons, fabric, needles and thread, the kids transform the outfits before unveiling their creations in a very special fashion show. It’s creative, hands-on and a whole lot of fun, particularly for kids who love fashion, making things and seeing their ideas come to life.
Date: 3 October 2026
Time: 11 am
Location: Bunjil Place Studio
Price: FREE
Peter Combe in Newspaper Mama….Every Day!
A favourite of Australian families for generations, Peter Combe is bringing his much-loved songs to Melbourne Fringe. Best known for children’s classics including Newspaper Mama, Peter Combe has been creating music for young audiences for decades and has won multiple ARIA Awards, along with Gold and Platinum albums.
This is a chance for parents to introduce their kids to one of Australia’s best-known children’s performers, and perhaps sing along to some familiar favourites themselves.
Date: 18 October 2026
Time: 11 am & 1 pm
Location: SPIEGEL HAUS MELBOURNE – Spiegeltent
Price: $10 – $35
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The Greatest Magic Show
Prepare for plenty of magic, laughs and surprises with The Greatest Magic Show. Designed for kids aged 4–12, this family show combines comedy and jaw-dropping magic with an encouraging message about confidence and believing in yourself.
It’s a fun choice for a family theatre outing, with plenty to keep younger audiences entertained while giving grown-ups a few moments of wonder too.
Date: 23 – 24 Sep 2026
Time: 10.30 am
Location: SPIEGEL HAUS MELBOURNE – Spiegeltent
Price: $10 – $33
Nicholas Ridiculous – The Puppet Party
Somewhere in Melbourne, there’s a puppet party, and Nicholas Ridiculous is determined to find it! This energetic children’s comedy takes audiences on a silly search through Preston and beyond, with puppets, live music, slapstick comedy and plenty of audience participation along the way.
Kids aren’t simply watching from their seats. They become part of the adventure as Nicholas encounters one ridiculous situation after another. Designed for children aged 3–8, The Puppet Party is a playful, interactive show for little ones who love puppets, music and getting involved.
Date: 29 September – 4 October 2026
Time: 10 am
Location: Studio Nexus, Preston
Price: $16 – $28
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Imaginations Aglow 상상의 별빛
What happens when artists from Melbourne and Jeonju, Korea, come together to create a world of imagination? Imaginations Aglow is an interactive creative experience developed through a year of collaboration between artists from the two cities.
Families are invited to explore, create and follow their curiosity as they make unexpected companions, discover dream characters and contribute to a shared imaginative world.
There’s no need to stay for the entire session, visitors can stay for a little while or settle in for the full two hours, making this a flexible option for families with younger children. The program is presented in both English and Korean.
Date: 17 – 18 October 2026
Time: 10.30 am & 1.30 pm
Location: ArtPlay
Price: FREE
Big Unicorn Dance Party
Time to sparkle! The Big Unicorn Dance Party is a high-energy interactive dance experience for little ones and their grown-ups, hosted by children’s entertainer Hana Fiesta.
Expect dance-along songs, games, bubbles, dress-ups and plenty of unicorn-themed fun. Kids can also visit the photobooth and finish their look at the eco-friendly glitter bar. It’s designed for children aged 2–6, making it a great option for preschoolers who love music, movement and a little bit of sparkle. Don’t forget the rainbow outfit!
Date: 3 – 11 October 2026
Time: 11.30 am
Location: Studio Nexus, Preston
Price: $24
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The Glow Squad
Get ready to glow with this immersive family concert that combines dance, circus, aerials, live drumming, fire, and interactive fun. The Glow Squad encourages kids to get involved rather than watch from their seats. Young audience members can dance with performers, learn new moves, sing along, wave glow sticks and become part of the action.
The story follows Little Star as she dreams of joining The Glow Squad, taking families on an energetic adventure filled with music, movement, friendship and imagination.
Alongside the spectacular performances is a positive message about confidence, kindness, celebrating individuality and discovering your own inner glow. Part concert, part circus and part dance party, this is one for families who like their theatre with plenty of energy.
Date: 26 September – 4 October 2026
Time: 1.30 pm
Location: SPIEGEL HAUS MELBOURNE – Spiegeltent
Price: $30 – $45
SwashBuckling Circus
Ahoy, mateys! A pirate adventure is coming to Melbourne Fringe. SwashBuckling Circus combines circus skills, comedy and audience participation in a rollicking adventure across the seven seas.
Kids can help solve clues, decipher a treasure map and search for a key while watching acrobatic feats and plenty of silly pirate antics.
The show has been created by neurodivergent performers with sensory needs in mind, and all performances are sensory friendly, although audiences can still be lively and loud during interactive sections. Recommended for ages 6–12
Date: 10 – 18 October 2026
Time: 12 pm
Location: Studio Nexus,Preston
Price: $10 – $30
Melbourne Fringe Festival 2026
One of the best things about Melbourne Fringe is the opportunity to experience something a little different. The 2026 family program brings together performers, artists and creators working across theatre, circus, music, puppetry, dance and interactive art. So if you are looking for something to do with the kids, Turn Towards the Heat has plenty to explore.
Melbourne Fringe Festival 2026
Date: 29 September – 18 October 2026
EXPLORE KID-FRIENDLY PROGRAM
Always check the official Melbourne Fringe website for the latest session times, venue details, ticket prices and age recommendations before attending.
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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
