Afestivalfor curious minds
WELCO M E
TO
A little curiosity, big adventures.
These October school holidays, Sydney Fringe throws open its doors to our smallest, most fearless audience. The ones who ask “why?” and “what’s that?” and “can we do it again?”
Across two big weeks at The Entertainment Quarter, Fringe Kids presented by Ingenia Holiday Parks is full of shows made to be discovered with theatre, circus, music and mayhem in tents big and small, all at a price that lets the whole family say yes.
So bring the kids, bring their questions, and let them be surprised. The best adventures start with a single curious step.
We can’t wait to see you there.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Sydney Fringe Festival acknowledges the many First Nations People throughout Australia and those who come to us from across the oceans. We are guided by the caretakers of Country, and the footprints they have left behind.
THE GIANT BALLOON SHOW
Take everything you know about balloons, add an award-winning entertainer, an 80s soundtrack, and twist that into a hilarious show for the whole family. The perfect combo of gags, tricks, and great music.
26 SEP–4 OCT
AGES 5–14
It takes a special kind of performer to interact with children in this way. An interactive circus/clown spectacular, where the children are the show creating an infectious environment of pure joy. YELLING AT CHILDREN
26–30 SEP
AGES 5–11
This eye-opening super-fun science show is packed with improbable biology, physics tricks, staggering space science, and incredible chemical reactions. CREATIVE SCIENCE: MIND BLOWN
28 SEP–11 OCT
AGES 2–11
Get ready to stomp, roar, and explore with Ben the Dino Ranger and the Jurassic Guardians. Packed with dinosaurs, music and circus, this ROAR-some theatrical experience is fun for the whole family. JURASSIC DOWN UNDER
2–5 OCT
AGES 2–11
CAPTAIN ADVENTURE MAN
Join Captain Adventure Man on a brand-new underwater adventure. Expect games, dancing, pirates and balloons as you dive deep to discover the legendary Mega Manta.
26 SEP–11 OCT
AGES 2–7
BEN’S MAGICAL FRIENDS
Join best friends Ranger Ben and Fairy Melsa on a magical journey filled with circus, unicorns, dinosaurs, fairies, and more! A wholesome, theatrebased show that the whole family can enjoy.
26 SEP–11 OCT
AGES 5–11
THE
GREATEST MAGIC SHOW
The multi-award winning, sell out SMASH HIT is returning to Sydney with whimsical wonders and magical mayhem that the whole family will love. Pick up your free magic wand on entry!
Perfect for the whole family, All Star Circus brings you brilliant backflips, one arm headstands, incredible human pyramids and more awesome feats by this award-winning cast of performers. ALL STAR CIRCUS
Get ready to get WILD with the ultimate jungle jam. A brand-new high-energy disco guaranteed to have the whole family roaring with delight. Packed with pop music, retro dance hits and non-stop energy. PARTY ANIMALS
12 SEP–11 OCT
THE FLYING BUBBLE SHOW
A visual feast of bubbles and flight that blends gleeful chaos and quiet meditation. Weaving bubbles, circus, storytelling and sound into a sensory tapestry of breath, beauty and heart.
Part concert, part circus, part dance party, all GLOW! Join award-winning The Glow Squad for an interactive show packed with aerials, fire acts, drumming, music, dancing and unforgettable fun. THE GLOW SQUAD
Tonight’s bin night and the Trash test Dummies are on duty. This slapstick circus comedy takes the household wheelie bin to new heights, and delivers a dump-truck of hilarity.
SWASHBUCKLING CIRCUS
Nominated for best kids Melbourne Fringe 2024. Set sail on a laugh-filled voyage of acrobatic amazement and rib-tickling fun. This isn’t your ordinary circus; it’s a pirate extravaganza.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY PLANNER
SHOW DATE
NOTES
Ever dreamed of running away & joining thecircus?
It sounds like something straight out of your favourite storybook. But for the stars of Head First Acrobats it’s not makebelieve, it’s a career built on years of practice, early mornings, and stretching... lots of stretching.
We chatted to real life circus performers Tom and Cal from the multi-award-winning performance company to find out what it’s really like; they also gave us some top tips for getting started.
Turns out, running away with the circus doesn’t mean disappearing into the unknown. It means finding your people, training hard, looking after your body and discovering that the greatest tricks can begin with something as simple as a cartwheel.
And yes, hearing a crowd cheer never gets old!
You might think that the performers just magically appear on stage show ready...
Performing in the circus is rigorous. Before the spectacle begins, the acrobats must be show-ready; they are elite athletes who prepare physically by ensuring they are well fed, warmed up, stretched, and ready to wow the crowd.
You might think you have to be born into the circus...
The extravagant world of circus can appear mysterious from the outside world. For Tom, he “got started through break dancing, it led me to a life of physical practice” and Cal “started through gymnastics and youth circus” which gave him the skills to become a professional street performer.
You might think you have to run away to join the circus...
You can actually train to become a circus performer right here in Sydney! Tom and Cal recommend taking circus classes with the great teachers at Sydney Trapeze School or Integral Aerial.
Becoming a circus performer doesn’t have to be a far-fetched dream. Remember, all you need to get started is passion and drive and to be ready to have absolute blast!
The magic of circus isn’t running away, it’s discovering just how far you can go.
To see the Head First Acrobats showcase their amazing circus tricks, check out All Star Circus at Fool’s Paradise at The Entertainment Quarter from 5 Sep to 11 Oct.
FREE
Family Fun at Fringe
October school holidays aren’t the only time you can enjoy a whole lot of Fringe Fun! We’ve got more free family-friendly activations running all September long.
FRINGE IGNITE!
Stanley Street
Sat 29 Aug, 3-10pm
Sydney Fringe Festival’s Official Opening Party transforms one of Darlinghurst’s most iconic streets into a free, all-ages celebration of independent art.
DEAR STRANGER
The Rocks Market Saturdays in September from 10am
What would you write to a stranger? Pen a letter, receive one in return, and add a line to a never-ending story on a typewriter. For curious souls of all ages.
WILDCARD
The Rocks Market Saturdays in September from 11am
A one-off performance drops into The Rocks Square that’s bold, unpredictable, and drawn from the very best of the Sydney Fringe program.
LANE COVE FESTIVAL @ SYDNEY FRINGE OPENING
The Canopy Stage, Lane Cove Fri 4 Sep, from 5pm
A family evening of music, cabaret, dance and circus - celebrating the best of what’s Made in Lane Cove. Roving performers and unexpected surprises for all.
FRINGEVILLE
Hurstville Plaza
Sat 12 Sep, from 6pm
South-West Sydney takes centre stage as Fringeville transforms Hurstville Plaza into a one-night only celebration of community, music, dance, and delicious street food.
Explore the full program at sydneyfringe.com
WIN A $1000 GOLDENgetaway
5 Fringe Kids Family passes drawn weekly!
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