Castlemaine Fringe Festival

01/09/2026

Our Festival Director Azzy Jay is heading in to the best little station in the nation MainFM to chat with Crag Carrick on Someplace Somewhere at 11am to talk all things Fringe. Tune in for special ticket give aways, hear about whats happening and share some special Fringe memories

31/08/2026

THE FRINGE ART AUCTION IS BACK!

One of our favourite fundraising events is returning in 2026!

Join us on Sunday 29 November for the Castlemaine Fringe Art Auction — a chance to snap up some fantastic local art while helping us raise funds for the 2027 Castlemaine Fringe Festival.

❤️ 50% of the proceeds from every artwork sold goes directly towards making the next Fringe happen.

Sunday 29 November 2026 from 3pm at Shedshaker Taproom

More details coming soon about artworks, artist submissions and how you can get involved.

Save the date!

28/08/2026

With only a week left until we hit the dance floor at Fringe & The Wild Otter Club - Dance Party Fundraiser Heres some questions we've been asked:👇

🙋 Is it a dress up?
Dress to express! Wear what makes YOU feel good - the vibe is joy, sequins and sparkles encouraged.

🙋 Are there still tickets available? Yes but only a few!
🎟https://events.humanitix.com/wild-otter-club/tickets

🙋Is there a raffle? No but there is an amazing LUCKY DUCK prize draw. Buy a token, Hook a duck, win a prize every single time!

🙋 Where exactly is Boomtown?
Boomtown Winery & Bistro, Shed 10/9 Walker St, Castlemaine. It's a cracker venue.

🙋 Can I just donate if I can't make it?
Absolutely! Hit the Donate button on the Humanitix page to back the Fringe.

🙋Can I volunteer on the night - Oh yeah you can volunteersignup.org/TBAXK

🙋How do I know what else is happening at Castlemaine Fringe - check out www.castlemainefringe.org.au

27/08/2026

There is a whole lotta love for Castlemaine Fringe out in our town, and heaps of incredible local businesses have given us prizes for the very First LUCKY DUCK prizedraw at The Wild Otter next weekend.

The rules are simple. Come to the booth - buy a lucky duck ticket - hook a duck - win a prize! With more than 100 prizes of art, event tickets, food and drink prizes, glamourous gifts and retail vouchers up for grabs EVERY DUCK WINS A PRIZE!!

We have more than $4000 worth of prizes for you to win on the night thanks to:

But you gotta be there to win!

26/08/2026

Early Birds are about to sell out for this spooky spectacular!

A spine-tingling night of freaky fun—bush dancing, trick-or-treating, ghoulish delights, creepy cocktails, and a spooky after dark DJ set.

23/08/2026

If you LOVE the Fringe and you LOVE to dance, well have we got the night for you! But there isnt many tickets left, so be like Otter, and get your tickets quick!

📅 Saturday 5 September 2026 | 7PM–Midnight
📍 Boomtown Winery & Bistro, Shed 10/9 Walker St, Castlemaine

Adult: $30 | Concession/Member: $25

https://events.humanitix.com/wild-otter-club/tickets

20/08/2026

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

Got an idea for Castlemaine Fringe 2027? Now's your chance to bring it to life!

Applications are officially open for our Open Access Festival & Art Trail:

https://eventotron.com/seasons/castlemaine-fringe-festival-2027/profile

Festival dates: 9–25 April 2027
Applications close: 4 October 2026 — or earlier if we reach capacity!

Need a hand with your application or not sure where to start? We're here to help! Get in touch at [email protected]

Let's make Fringe 2027!


heartland

11/08/2026

Party devotee and multidisciplinary artist Kat Pengelly is bringing her Wild Otter Club Dance Party experience to Castlemaine, and we can't wait! What began in a Ballarat shed has grown into a public platform championing regional DJs, producers, and performers while creating inclusive, accessible dance spaces.

As well as an event producer, she is also an epic DJ! Kat took to the decks to keep the music going when the DJs went home, going on to play regional festivals, art galleries, and pool parties. Expect punchy tech house, tropical samba flavours, and maximum dancefloor momentum from start to finish.

The Wild Otter experience is coming to Boomtown on the 5th September and features the premiere of Kat's new Wacky Tracky collection under her Koshka Art Fuelled Fashion label—Kat’s first-ever combined DJ/Fashion drop—modelled by Castlemaine dance troupe Gurning Man & the Dodgy Pingers. Attendees can win a Wacky Tracky in the Lucky Duck prizedraw on the night!

This is a Fundraiser supporting the return of the Castlemaine Fringe Festival - 9–25 April 2027, and tickets are selling fast!

www.koshka.com.au

https://www.instagram.com/koshka_katpengelly/

https://www.facebook.com/KoshkaKatPengelly/

Tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/wild-otter-club

07/08/2026

Castlemaine Fringe is more than a festival - it's a platform for local artists, an affordable space for our whole community, and showcases regional Victoria's world-class creative talent. But we can't do it without you!

So get behind us and buy a ticket to our next fundraiser! Come dance. Come dressed outrageously. Come ready to have the most fun you've had in ages, because showing up to this party is showing up for the arts in our region.

Every ticket bought and every dollar donated makes a difference 💛
Check out this cute vid from our 2023 festival as a reminder why YOU LOVE FRINGE XX

🎟 tickets → https://events.humanitix.com/wild-otter-club/tickets

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https://www.castlemainefringe.org.au/2023-festival

Castlemaine Fringe values are: Inclusion, Accessibility, Participation Working towards an inclusive festival for all.