2026 FRINGE ACTS List

Drop into the Firestation and meet Groovy Paul Cornwell, an artist who sketches every single day and has the pages to prove it. You’ll find around 60 A4 sketches pinned up from his daily sketchbook practice and if one grabs you, you’re welcome to take it home, completely free. Paul keeps the wall topped up about every hour, so there’s always something fresh to choose from. He’s a legendary natterer too, so pull up, have a yarn about the work, and pick your favourite. It’s an art selection experience with zero price tag and plenty of laughs

Settle into the old Firestation on the main street and join Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole, the husband and wife crochet artists behind Wharenui Harikoa, for a relaxed session of crochet and pompom making. Everyone’s welcome, no experience needed, just colourful yarn, good company and plenty of time for a natter. Lissy and Rudi believe every stitch tells a story, and when hands are busy the yarns tend to flow, so expect laughter, connection and joy in full living colour. Drop in for a few minutes or stay all day, and keep an eye out for them in the fashion parade too.

Intrepid worldwide arts traveller Ally Drury is back for another Fringe, and she’s brought her paintbrushes. Find her set up outside the Firestation, creating live, interactive paintings right in front of you as the festival hums around her. Kids are very much part of the action, with hands-on, participatory activities that let little ones get stuck in, get messy and add their own splash of colour to the mix. Bring the whānau, pull up a spot, watch the art come to life and have a go yourself. It’s colourful, playful and totally unmissable.

Watch a surfboard become a one-of-a-kind artwork right before your eyes. Brazilian-born street pop artist and surfer Vivian Messina has called Aotearoa home for the past 12 years, and her colourful work is inspired by the ocean, pop culture, travel and the vibrant energy of everyday life. Vivian will paint an original piece live at the Firestation so you can drop in, see the creative process unfold from start to finish and soak up the art, music and people around you. Stay for the whole thing or catch a moment of it.

Wander out to the front deck of Satellite Studios and into the little green garden stage area, where Katja Pott’s mixed media installations are waiting to be discovered. A multi-faceted creative and bookseller, Katja plays across many sculptural forms, from metal to textiles, and her outdoor works turn the deck and garden into a space for slowing down and looking closely. Take your time, explore the textures and materials, then pop inside to browse her bookshop and art store. It’s a free, easy way to enjoy art on the street while you’re out and about at the Fringe.

ART IS COOL AT FRINGE! Drop-in Printmaking Workshop with Sally-Ann Davies Get hands-on and discover the magic of handmade printmaking with Taupō artist and printmaker Sally-Ann Davies! Roll up your sleeves, get creative and make your very own hand-rendered print to take home. This fun, interactive drop-in workshop is all about experimenting, playing with printmaking techniques and enjoying the creative process. No experience needed - just bring your curiosity and a willingness to give it a go! Come and discover why ART IS COOL AT FRINGE!

Drop in for some Fringey zine fun with Jo Tindling. Pull up a chair at the table, pick from the little templates and make your own story through words, doodles and collage. No experience needed, just a bit of curiosity and a willingness to get creative with scissors and glue. When you're done, you can take your zine home or pop it into the Zine Vending Machine to share with the public. It's a relaxed, hands-on way to make something, leave a little piece of yourself in the festival and maybe find someone else's story to take away.

Siapo brings two artists from New Caledonia together for a hands-on journey through traditional Pacific art-making. Yvette Bouquet, a Kanak painter from the Pothé Tribe in Bourail, and Ela To’omaga-Kaikilekofe, a Samoan printmaker raised in Aotearoa and now living in New Caledonia, share their distinct practices side by side. Dive into Yvette’s petroglyphic painting style, rich with Melanesian storytelling, then explore Ela’s organic printmaking using natural leaves and flowers. Together, these workshops offer a rare chance to experience Pacific artforms, including painting and printmaking, guided by makers who carry their cultures in every mark. Come ready to get your hands messy, listen, and make.

Calling all festival fashionistas: Captain Fantastic Party People are bringing a street activation full of colour, sparkle and personality. A maker, curator and purveyor of unique festival fashion, Captain Fantastic has an eye for the special, and it shows in every rack, stitch and flourish. This is the place to find something one of a kind, add a bit of glitter to your Fringe look or just have a stickybeak at the creativity on show. Wander over, try something on, strike a pose and walk away looking fabulous and join the festival parade after the Catwalk

Fancy leaving the Fringe with a permanent souvenir? Under Tongue Tattoo are bringing flash tattoos and live tattooing to the festival, with a showcase of designs to browse and artists at work right in front of you. Pick a piece off the wall, watch the ink go in and take home a little bit of Fringe on your skin. It’s bold, personal and unmistakably creative, and a great way to see this art form up close, even if you’re only there to watch. Come for a look, stay for the buzz, and leave with a story.

Hungry? Bay Souvlaki are back, and we couldn’t be happier. These long-time Fringe friends are bringing their delicious street food to the Campus Garden Bar stage, so you can fuel up between acts without missing a beat. Grab something hot and tasty, find a spot in the garden, grab a drink and soak up the music and the atmosphere. Whether you’re after a quick bite or settling in for the afternoon, it’s the perfect way to refuel at the Fringe. Say hello, tell them we sent you and come hungry.

Dumpling alert! Our wonderful mates from Tauranga Chinese Art and Culture are back, and they’ve serving up a fundraising treat for you. They handmake every delicious dumpling and sell them as festival street food at the Campus Garden Bar, so you can fill your belly and support a great cause at the same time. It’s tasty, generous and community-spirited, and a lovely way to share in the culture and craft of the people behind the steamer.

She’s back! Jen’s Fun Faces is hanging out by the DJ sounds, opposite the Campus Garden Bar, bringing the colour, creativity and chaos to level up your Fringe look. Choose from fabulous or fun face painting, airbrush tattoos or the glam glitter bar, with everything from glitter beards to glitter boobs and everything in between. It’s for kids, teens and adults who want to play, experiment and have a little more fun with their look. Pull up a stool, pick your sparkle. Come as you are, leave a little more fabulous.

Bring your love of animals and join beloved Incubator resident artist Ruth Merriman, creator of awesome pet art, for a relaxed dabble into watercolour fun. In this hands-on experience you’ll paint your own mini whimsical portrait, whether it’s your own pet, a favourite animal or something that simply makes you smile. No experience is needed, just a bit of curiosity and a willingness to play with colour.

Meet Ray Crafts, one of our OG creatives and part of The Incubator action since 2013. A master illuminator and calligrapher, Ray is a craftsman by name and by nature, and he’ll be set up on the main drag creating calligraphy name plates for passers-by. Watch the ink flow and take home a beautiful keepsake with your name on it. At 90 years  Ray is a true festival-going legend, and we’re lucky to have him.

Calling all young makers! Davey, star of the Backyard Skiffle Band, is running a hands-on workshop outside the cinema from 10am where kids build their very own handmade instruments. Then comes the best bit: you can join the show that follows the catwalk parade at 12.45pm and play what you made. Folk of all ages are welcome to get up and play as Davey forms his Backyard Skiffle Band. Come make some noise!

Fancy a bit of edge with your Fringe? Benny Coles is on the Med Lounge stage, so settle in with a sneaky cocktail and enjoy. A Waihi Beach builder, musician and performance poet, Benny has been performing for 35 years, with a talent for the dark side of relationships: the pain, the angst and the humour that sits right alongside them. Much of his work now comes with musical backing, adding mood and bite to every line. It's raw, honest and a little bit cheeky, and it's the perfect way to add some grit to your festival day.

Meet Tauranga's newest music legend, Paul Foulds, an experienced musician who knows exactly how to work a crowd. He takes the Med Lounge Garden stage in a great spot overlooking the street, site of the famous Fringe catwalk, so you can soak up live music with cold beer while the festival buzzes around you. Pull up a spot and enjoy a set from a seasoned performer who's new to this Fringe stage but very much at home on it. Check out the rest of the lineup on this stage too, because there's plenty of great music to discover.

Head to the Med Lounge for a set from Aisha and Bebe, a rising indie-pop duo from Tauranga. Known for their honest songwriting, delicate harmonies and emotionally driven sound, they draw on indie, folk and alternative pop to create music that feels both intimate and expansive. It's the kind of sound that pulls you in close, then opens up around you. Grab a drink, settle in and catch two local musicians who are quickly carving out a space of their own in the New Zealand music scene. Get in early, because you'll want to say you saw them first.

HOORAY our post-punk ontological investigator has arrived at the Med Lounge. Tauranga solo act We Will Ride Fast brings dark wave, post-punk and dark synth pop to the stage, with brooding vocals, noisy keys and punchy backing tracks. His sound is hypnotic, psychedelic and textured, and it's perfect for anyone who likes their Fringe with some shadows. Settle in with a drink, let the synths wash over you and enjoy a sample of moody, atmospheric music from one of Tauranga's most intriguing alternative acts. Come curious, leave haunted in the best possible way.

From festival stages to small clubs and bars, Dan Sharp has filled many a space with his songs and his voice. Emerging onto the scene as an introspective singer-songwriter, he's had years of experience, opportunities, and evolution. Two early EP's received glowing reviews, NZ chart placement and a slew of support slots around NZ. His debut album expanded his sound, pulling from heavier, rock-leaning inspiration. From supporting Dave Dobbyn, shows with UB40, selling out his own headline shows and gathering over 2 million streams to his name, Dan Sharp is an artist with something to say and his own way of saying it. He's only just getting started!

Catch Van Brookes on the Med Lounge stage, a 24-year-old NZ-based artist carving out a distinctive lane between country, rock and folk. Drawing on the grit of small-town life and the emotional weight of travelling abroad, Van bridges classic influences with a contemporary perspective. Their voice feels both weathered and honest, the kind that makes you stop mid-sip and listen. Grab a cocktail or even a mocktail will work, and find a comfy spot and settle in for songs that sound lived-in and a little bit rough around the edges. It's a great chance to see a young songwriter with plenty to say.

Hustle into the Med Lounge grab a drinkl and let The Den do the rest. This duo make music and chemistry that honours the craft, the people and their creativity, rather than the system. They call their sound "Modern Nostalgia", pulling from the greats and adding a tasteful modern flair, with nods to legendary pairings like Lennon and McCartney, Elton and Bernie, and Beck and Fagen. Expect a deep, human connection with the crowd.
Watch this space for a slew of singles and an EP on the way, then sit back and enjoy the set.

Wind down an epic day at Fringe with a blissful set from C.J. Mehly. Drawing on swing, electro and deep house influences, C.J. serves up happy tunes that are made letting the day melt away. It's feel-good music with a groove perfect for celebrating everything you've seen at Fringe.. Whether you've been here since morning or you're just arriving, this is the ideal way to round things off.

Wander over to the Village Green Stage, which is literally on the back of a truck, and you'll find the best spot to chill out near the Little Big Markets. Grab a bite, spread out on the grass and soak up the tunes. The stage is home to some amazing punk bands including these young punks from the Waikato, and they're stars of the recent Band and Deliver concerts at the Jam Factory. These guys are going places, so come and see them before everyone else does, cheer them on and show them some Tauranga love. It's loud, fun and very Fringe

Brace yourselves for CATFACE, five ageing gents playing post-punk with questionable health and the enthusiasm of those who really should know better. Nigel Gregory, Jason Fawcett, Mark Anderson-Jones and brothers Michael and John Baxter might lack spring-chicken energy, but they make up for it in noise, attitude and stubborn joy. Keep an eye out for Nigel's infamous pogo, a spectacle in itself. Come and cheer on the veterans, bring earplugs if you're sensible. It's proof that punk never retires, even if its knees would like to.

Back at Fringe new line up, new stage. Dead Simple are seasoned veterans with a loyal following. This diverse original three-piece from Te Puke and Rotorua carries real Kiwi punk history: Glen Wilson was a founder of Unrestful Movements, the Rotorua-born post-punk band who made their mark in Wellington in the early eighties, and some of those songs, including "Anti-Trend", still get an outing. Expect old classics alongside fresh originals, played by musicians who know how to crank the crowd.. Grab a bite from the Little Big Markets and settle in.

Get ready to move! Auckland-based Pasifika nine-piece Island Vibes bring their high-energy show to the grass, the same set that opened the Auckland Arts Festival this year. Five vocalists, drums, bass, lead guitar and keys take you through music from different decades, mixing well-known songs with original Island Vibes tracks. It's interactive and made for all ages, so expect to sing, dance and join in. Bring the whānau, grab a bite from the Little Big Markets, find a patch of grass and let the groove carry you

From punk to funk! Mount Maunganui-based Iara bring Brazilian funk and infectious rhythms to the Village Green Stage, with grooves that get you moving. Their sound is fresh, sunny and made for the grass, so kick off your shoes and find a spot in the sun. Whether you came to dance or just to listen. It's colourful, joyful and a great way to turn a laid-back afternoon into a full-on celebration. Bring your and let the beat do the rest.

Take a trip to the south seas without leaving the Village Green. Porirua-born, New Caledonia-based Ela Kaikilekofe brings a contemporary sound inspired by the heritage of French Melanesian and Polynesian territories, and it's a proud Pasifika connection to celebrate on the Tauranga stage. A Pacific arts leader who helped found the Siapo Association, Ela shares music that blends cultures, languages and island rhythms. Stretch out on the grass, let the warm, ocean-washed vibes drift over you, and enjoy a rare chance to hear these sounds in Tauranga. We're thrilled to have them here.

A much-loved legend of Aotearoa’s music scene, Emily brings her infectious energy, warmth and big heart to every set. Blending hip-hop, soul, electronica and sunshine grooves, she knows just how to bring people together through music and get everyone moving!

Step into Tauranga's groovy boutique music stage, the Jam Factory, for a special one-off solo electric performance from Edward Gains. Thirty years, 16 albums and a whole lot of rock 'n' roll chanelling golden retreiver energy.He's digging deep into his back catalogue for a set that's raw, electrifying and not to be missed, just one man, one loud guitar and three decades of songs. Come early, get close to the stage and see what happens when a seasoned rocker plugs in and turns it up.

Forget the fairy tale. In Cinderella's Dead, Naomi Pitcher takes the Jam Factory stage and rewrites the story Through powerful contortion, dance and Shibari-inspired rope work, she breaks free from expectations in a bold, captivating performance of rebellion, self-expression and freedom. Every bend, binding and release is part of the story, and there's no glass slipper in sight. It's striking, physical and it's the kind of act you'll want to see up close at the Fringe. Come with an open mind and leave a little braver

Meet Seb Lusby, a Tauranga-based alternative pop singer-songwriter with plenty of heart and a growing list of stages behind him. Currently studying music at Toi Ohomai, Seb has performed at venues around the city, and he knows a thing or two about festivals too. Seb's set to dish up a set that's polished and made to connect. Come and support a local up-and-comer, hear fresh original songs and see where a young Tauranga songwriter is headed next.

Burlesque with a hilarious twist! Lulu turns the traditional striptease upside down with a cheeky reverse strip, outrageous antics and plenty of diva attitude! Expect glamour, giggles and a whole lot of sass!

Roll up, roll up! Step into the circus of life with this punchy, dynamic duo! Expect bold words, powerful poetry and a performance that packs a punch!

Who knew a shopping trolley could make music?! Get ready for a wonderfully wild duo as Rob Heath of Club Meds and Zig Beatnik, both artists in alternative music, turn everyday objects into a whole lot of noise. Expect quirky, chaotic and brilliantly unpredictable sounds, with a few surprises along the way. Nobody quite knows what will happen next, and that's half the fun. It's the kind of act you've got to see to believe, so get in close and enjoy the racket.

Fast, loud and unapologetically punk, SC-UX close out the Jam Factory with a bang. This fierce two-piece from Whakatāne brings raw teenage angst, rebellious energy, thrashing guitars and explosive drums. Ivy and Cassidy are a force to be reckoned with, and they're fresh from starring in the Band and Deliver youth music gigs, which showcase the next generation of Bay of Plenty musicians. Come and see where it all starts, cheer on two young players with plenty to say and get ready to make some serious noise.

We will be screening our Kids Animated films block from the Third Culture Film Festival...including family friendly films from all around the world.

Five Minutes is a five-minute play exploring the complexities of love, commitment, and desire.
Gabriel is five minutes away from getting married when Keziah enters the room. What begins as a simple conversation quickly becomes a confronting examination of what it means to love someone and whether love alone is enough for a lifetime commitment.

MAYLOVE (aka Majella) is a singer/songwriter who weaves poetic lyricism and soul-stirring melodies into intimate sonic tapestries of love, lust, heartbreak, and healing. Her songs traverse the light and shadows of the human experience—mental health struggles, spiritual awakening, empowerment, and the messy, beautiful journey of self-discovery. Her music is like an unguarded confession—an invitation to feel deeply, to wander beyond the edges of the mundane, and to embrace the full spectrum of what it means to exist.

What did The Beatles, Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, Van Morisson and Queen's Brian May all do before they became rock gods? They grabbed Granny's washboard, Mum's best cutlery, Dad's busted broom and an old tea chest out of the loft & formed a band! It's time to take a nostalgic journey back to the 1950's ‘Skiffle boom’ in England when the kids turned everyday household items into great music and went on to make rock history. This interactive multi media primary school show features lots of quirky old time instruments and a hideous amount of crashing, banging and chaos. Let’s call it a music & history lesson rolled into one… with a touch of mayhem and a big dollop of good humour. The show teaches kids the history of Skiffle music in 1950’s England and the impact it had on modern rock music.

The open Worst Poetry c Fringe extravaganza

This performance is based around my recent release: Vā - an album made in Samoa from field recordings, collaborations and bass music, underwater sounds, birds, bats and other cool sounds. The live show is a presentation of the album, performed electronically and with live hydrophone dubs, contact mics, and various other tools used to create the album. the music is accompanied by projected visual filmed in Samoa. Its a really unique and interesting show, an immersive listening experience and a beautiful sonic exploration of lovely sounds and textures.

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⚡ vocal supernova ⚡ avant poet punk songstress ⚡ rock rhythm guitarist ⚡ original alt indie rock edginess ⚡ has been lurking around the Aotearoan alt indie music scene in bands Pihed, Blue Marbles, Sex Cells, bulb, Carolyn & The Elements, bits ⚡ recording 2026 with⭐guest musos ⚡ always bringing new material & surprise musos to her sets

Meet Joanne Melbourne, a valued member of The Incubator team and a blues solo performer who packs a serious punch. Playing around Tauranga, Joanne brings soul, grit and plenty of heart to every song, with a voice and presence that fill a room. Slide into a pew at the Chapel and let the blues move you. It's raw, honest and personal, and it's the perfect way to spend a Fringe afternoon. Come and support one of our own as she steps into the spotlight.

Gather in the Village Chapel for a service like no other. Finn Curtis builds a whole choir from just one voice, using live vocal looping to stack up barbershop quartet-style harmonies, then adding beats and a few surprises along the way. Watch each layer arrive, one by one, until the rafters are ringing with a congregation of one. Settle into a pew to experience harmony and clever sound-making thats well worth the trip down the bush path

Let the Village Chapel work its magic on a soul singer in full voice. Cheyla Moon loves every genre of music, but soul is her home, and her warm, powerful sound is made for a room with this much atmosphere. She plays to backing tracks and her own guitar, and she's currently writing original songs for release this November, so you might just hear something new before anyone else does. Slip into the Chapel, find a seat and let the harmonies lift the roof. It's a soulful sermon worth turning up for.

Come to the Chapel for a debut worth witnessing. Who's Suki are a brand-new indie pop band from the Bay of Plenty, with original songs, a taste for the unexpected and their sights set on your next favourite playlist. Their world is colourful, a little chaotic and impossible to pin down: sweet one minute, sharp the next, with melodies made to follow you home. There's no back catalogue yet, just the first chapter, played loud and live in front of you. Get in early to hear these songs before everyone else does.

Tauranga favourites and a quirky three-piece monster band, Gunsmiths are not what you'd expect, and that's exactly why they're such a great fit for the Village Chapel. Hollie Smith holds down the bass, Paul Smith brings the vocals and guitars, and Nick Ririnui drives it all from behind the drums. Together they make a big, playful, wonderfully offbeat sound that fills the rafters and keeps you guessing. Slide into a pew, enjoy a set from some well-loved local musicians and expect the unexpected. It's fresh, fun and very Fringe.

Make your way to the Village Chapel, tucked away amongst the bush, for a very Fringy blues review. Kokomo band member Grant Bullot gathers an ensemble of whānau and friends to serve up old blues, new blues and yes, a few Kokomo blues, seasoned with soul and country. Expect a smorgasbord of tasty treats topped with yahoo and kazoos, all celebrating the joy of live performance. These energetic local icons bring fresh Fringe music and plenty of heart, and it’s well worth the wander to find them. Come ready to tap your toes and sing along.

Buenos Aires born and in Aotearoa since 2005, DJ Gabriella Gonzalez brings her house and techno to the Campus Garden Bar stage. Now based in Tauranga, she’s played alongside international names like Pan-Pot, Anthony Pappa and Claptone, and she’s a regular at Auckland’s dedicated electronic clubs and bars. Expect deep grooves, driving beats and a set that builds with the crowd. Grab a drink, find a spot in the garden and let the rhythm take over.

Meet Jose Luis Lavin Benito, the cool curator of our Campus Stage and the man behind Euphoria Live Entertainment, Tauranga’s home of live electronic music and the Elektrophoria Festival right here at the Historic Village. When he’s not building the lineup, Jose steps behind the decks himself, bringing a DJ’s ear for groove, atmosphere and timing. Our Incubator neighbour and a true friend of the whānau, he knows exactly how to move this crowd. Grab a drink, find a spot near the stage and dance to the dude who makes it all happen.

A warm Fringy welcome to DJ Dave Share, a DJ with plenty of miles on the decks. Dave has been DJing since 1999, starting out with a DJ-in-a-box setup and playing for friends in Orange County USA where he spent 15 years honing his skills in programming music and reading a room. He knows exactly how to keep a crowd moving, from the first track to the last. Come say gidday, grab a drink and enjoy a set from a seasoned pro who still loves a party.

Some things just belong at Fringe, and Free Lunch Theatre Company is one of them. These Waikato-based street performers have been part of the festival since it began, and their story goes back even further, to the Midnight Circus days. Every year they bring their eclectic brand of street theatre to Tauranga, turning footpaths, corners and crowds into stages and surprising anyone who happens to wander past. Keep your eyes peeled, because you never know where they'll pop up next. They're loyal, loved and wonderfully unpredictable, and we're so proud to have them back again.

Look out for a parade of the fantastical! The Costumier’s Fantasy Collection is a fabulous exhibition of creative, talented costume makers, strolling the Fringe in full finery. From steampunk adventurers to fanciful, flamboyant creations, every stitch, rivet and flourish is handmade, and these makers love a chat about how it’s done. Brought to you by Steampunk Tauranga and the Costumiers’ NZ Charitable Trust, it’s a feast for the eyes and a great excuse for a photo. Say hello, ask about the craft and see what imagination looks like when it’s worn.

Something is lurking in the Village, and it’s not here to guard the crops. The Punk Scarecrow is a roving street performer in a battered hat, a patched-up coat and a whole lot of straw, and nobody is saying who’s under there. He lurches, lingers and pops up when you least expect it, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready. Say hello if you dare, strike a pose and see what he does. He’s part spooky, part silly and all attitude, and he’s a bit of a wild card at the Fringe. Just don’t turn your back.

Say hello to a bright young talent on the rise. At just 13, Rohan Evans is already making waves, having been the youngest performer at the NZ Smokefree Rock Quest at age 11 and releasing his debut single at 12. His second single, Echoes of Tomorrow, is out now. Rohan performs both solo and with his band Atreus, playing original songs and covers with real passion and an original sound. With more new music on the way, he's one to watch. Pull up close, cheer him on and say you saw him first.

Stop and listen on the Buskers Stage, where Myanmar-born, Aotearoa-based singer-songwriter Chaw Nge Nge Hein fills the street with soulful vocals and heartfelt storytelling. Her original songs blend her Burmese roots with the warmth and creativity of her New Zealand life, creating a sound that's uplifting, intimate and full of personality. This is street energy at its best, so pull up close and let the music find you.

Keep your ears open on the Buskers Stage for The Leeds, a two-piece acoustic folk and blues band. It's stripped-back, soulful and made for the street, with well-loved tunes played the way they were meant to be heard. Whether you know every word or you're just wandering past, it's the kind of music that makes you slow down and stay a while. Grab a coffee and stay awhile.

Kia orana! Get ready to move with Ura Mai Fitness, an interactive, join-in experience led by Ngaire Utanga. Through Cook Islands dance, movement and community-based wellness, Ura Mai offers culturally inspired fitness that helps women feel confident, connected and culturally grounded. There's no audience here, only participants, so step in, follow the beat and let the rhythm carry you. Bring your friends, your sisters and your aunties, and come as you are. It's joyful, uplifting and a wonderful way to celebrate Pacific culture while getting your body moving at the Fringe.

Get ready for some serious rhythm. The Hittmen are Fuse Drumming's elite performance team, a crew of highly skilled young drummers aged 8 to 13, with some members training for up to six years. Their high-energy shows combine advanced technique, precision and powerful teamwork, and they're made to entertain audiences of all ages. Online, they've racked up millions of views and close to 300,000 followers worldwide. Now you can see them live, in your own backyard. Bring the whānau, get up close and feel every beat as these young drummers show what they can do.

Meet the next generation of beat-makers. The Tauranga Fuse Drummers are a vibrant, up-and-coming performance team of talented young drummers aged 7 to 10, bursting with personality and energy. Rhythm, coordination and teamwork come together in a show that's made to entertain audiences of all ages. As their skills grow, the team's top performers progress onto The Hittmen, so you're watching the start of something big. Come and cheer them on, feel the beat in your chest and give these young drummers the Tauranga welcome they deserve.

Look for the man on the suitcase. Lee Drennan is a one-man band who plays guitar and sings dark, heavy folk and blues, while keeping the beat with his feet on an old suitcase turned drum. His set mixes covers and originals, including his recent heavy, bluesy take on Gorillaz's Clint Eastwood. An original single is due in early November, with an album to follow, so you're catching him at the start of something big. Stop for a song, stay for the stomp and enjoy a proper bit of street grit

Gather your friends, grab a partner (or don't, no one's judging) and get ready to move! Luna and Mount Latin Dance are bringing a fun, welcoming salsa class and show to the Fringe, and everyone's invited to join in some Latin rhythm,.You'll learn a few steps, build confidence and laugh along the way, no experience needed. Come to watch, come to dance, or do a bit of both. It's sunny, social and a great way to get the hips moving.

Say hello to mil0, a solo singer and performer who brings confidence, quirk and serious style to the stage. You'll hear a mixture of covers and originals, delivered with a personality that's impossible to ignore. It's a set that keeps you guessing, with a few well-loved songs, a few fresh ones

Listen for the brass! The Mount Maunganui College Street Band is a youth-led roving ensemble and Tauranga’s only roaming hype band, and they’re here to herald the start of the iconic Catwalk. Playing New Orleans-style brass band music with a modern twist, they’ll march down the street with big sound and bigger energy, drawing the crowds in to line the colourful route. Fresh from sharing the stage with L.A.B frontman Joel Shadbolt at the college’s first Music Bonanza, these young musicians know how to open a show. Follow the horns, find your spot and get ready for the parade.

The circus is coming to you! Circus In A Flash are professional circus entertainers from the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, and they'll be roving around the Historic Village throughout the Fringe. Look out for juggling, unicycling, wacky bikes, acrobatics and a cast of colourful characters, all delivered with skill, energy and plenty of personality. With over a decade of experience, they love getting the audience involved, so expect to be pulled into the fun. It's playful, surprising and perfect for all ages, so keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready.

Wander the Village and you might just bump into a Cheshire Cat with a giant furry tail, an Amanita Muscaria mushroom or another fantastical fungus strolling past. Purple Pixie is a roving flow artist and entertainer who has spent years turning upcycled clothing and repurposed materials into quirky, wearable characters, fresh from the Restitched runway and the thrift shop ball fashion show. Pop up on any corner, spin through the crowd and stop for a photo. Say hello, follow the colour and see who you find next. You never know which character will turn up.

Look up, look around and keep an eye out for bubbles! Kayla the Fairy is fluttering around the Village in shimmering wings and a flower crown, spreading positivity, love and creativity wherever she goes. She adores making people feel magical and special, and she’s famous for her giant fairy bubbles that drift, wobble and make children and grown-ups gasp. With a background in belly dancing, she might just break into a twirl or a boogie along the way. Say hello, catch a bubble and take home a little bit of sparkle. Magic really does exist at the Fringe.

Sashay this way! Piper Blaster is the Fringe’s favourite drag queen, and she’s back to keep the festival flamboyant and absolutely fabulous. Roaming the streets in tremendous wearable art costumes and plenty of theatrics, Piper turns every footpath into a runway and every passer-by into an audience.  Say hello, strike a pose and grab a photo, because you won’t see a frock like this anywhere else. She’s glamorous, theatrical and totally unmissable, and it wouldn’t be Fringe without her.

Meet Melissa Keillor, the Lamb Mum, and her mobile wellbeing project Wagon of Woollies, tucked into our Fairy Garden this Fringe. Melissa has been part of the festival for years and is a beloved Village person, and she’s bringing the orphan lambs with her. Come for lamb cuddles, bottle feeding, photos and wool craft activities, and stay for the quiet moments of connection that only a woolly lamb can bring. Keep your eyes peeled for Melissa and her lambs on the Catwalk too. Warm woolly visits, gentle connection and joy, one cuddle at a time

Brand new on the block and bringing extra fun to the Fairy Garden, Neon Floss NZ is your sweet-treat stop. Watch candy floss get freshly spun right in front of you, then grab movie theatre-style popcorn, bags of lollies, refreshing cans of drink and frozen slushies. When the sun goes down, their LED light-up candy floss sticks steal the show, glowing through the garden and making the perfect photo opportunity. Bring the kids, bring the whānau and treat yourself to something sugary and sparkly. It’s colourful, delicious and made for the Fringe.

Come hungry to the Fairy Garden, where The Salt Shack is whipping up fantasy and kid-themed waffles and ice creams to match the fairy magic all around. Their fun frozen yoghurt and dessert treats are made for both young and old, so there’s something sweet for everyone in the whānau. Think colourful toppings, enchanting creations and a little sprinkle of wonder.  Treat yourself and snap a photo of your dessert before it disappears.

Tumble down the rabbit hole into Tipsy in Wonderland, a mad tea party set with props, where you can sip tea with the Caterpillar, quip with the Hatter, cake it up with the Cheshire Cat and lose time with the White Rabbit. At set times, the characters host the party and there are spare seats for Fringe-goers to join in and take their own portraits on their own cameras. Strike a pose and capture your moment in Wonderland. Check the posted times at the set, and watch the characters come to life again in the midday Catwalk.

Tiptoe into the Fairy Garden, tucked quietly beside the old Schoolhouse just off the Village Square, and see how many tiny wonders you can spot. Miniature fairy setups, little houses nestled in tree roots, mushroom homes and hidden gems are waiting to be discovered by curious kids and big kids alike, and it’s free to wander. This Fringe, the garden also hosts Wagon of Woollies, Neon Floss NZ and The Salt Shack, so there are lambs to cuddle and sweet treats to share. Follow the sparkle, look closely and let a little magic find you.

Slip into the native bush of the Amphitheatre, enter the Sound Temple and get gonged! Ruth Holden’s pop-up sound bath invites you to lie down, close your eyes and let symphonic gongs and other cosmic instruments wash over you. The sounds take you through different brain states and, in Ruth’s words, raise your vibration. If you’ve always longed to experience a gong, this is your chance. Step out of the festival buzz, find a spot to rest and listen. It’s calm, immersive and a wonderfully different way to Fringe.

Calling all little dancers! Alice Sea is hosting a Kids’ Disco in the Amphitheatre, our groovy little native bush space that’s perfect for a boogie among the trees. Bring the tamariki, shake off the wiggles and dance to tunes made for small feet and big smiles. It’s a joyful, high-energy break from the festival bustle, with plenty of room to spin, jump and shimmy. Grown-ups are welcome to join in too, so don’t be shy. Come ready to move, make some noise and dance like nobody’s watching.