Locals Encouraged to Join in Dundee Fringe Fun

The Dundee Fringe is returning to the city for its sixth year, with two senior councillors giving their backing to the event and encouraging locals to come along and join in the fun.

Taking place from 11 - 20 September 2026, Dundee Fringe will bring over a week of comedy, theatre and entertainment to the heart of the city, with a vibrant programme featuring music, workshops, cabaret, variety and children’s theatre for audiences of all ages. The festival will span five performance spaces across two much-loved Dundee cultural venues Sweet @ The Steps Theatre, in Dundee Central Library, and the Little Theatre.

Building on Dundee’s rich heritage in performance, arts and culture, the Dundee Fringe has firmly established itself as a staple in the city’s events calendar. The festival is expected to attract audiences from across Dundee and beyond, bringing increased footfall and encouraging visitors to explore the wider city, supporting local businesses and contributing to the vibrancy of the city centre.

Councillors Steven Rome, convener of City Growth and Infrastructure, and Lynne Short, depute convener of Neighbourhood, Housing & Communities, met with Dundee Fringe artist director JD Henshaw and fringe acts Poppy Bubbles, Lynne Campbell and Erin Farley to show their support for the event and discuss the programme.

Cllr Rome said: “It’s fantastic to see the Dundee Fringe return for its sixth year. It looks set to be another brilliant couple of weeks celebrating theatre, comedy, the arts and the fantastic talent on show.

"Events like this are a real asset to our city, bringing visitors into Dundee, supporting local businesses and giving a welcome boost to our local economy.

"I would encourage people from across Dundee and beyond to come along, get involved and experience everything the Fringe has to offer. I wish everyone involved every success for this year’s event.”

Cllr Lynne Short added: “I would encourage communities right across Dundee to get behind this year’s Fringe and come along to support the fantastic local talent on display.

“We have so much creativity and talent in our city and the Dundee Fringe is a great platform to showcase it. It should be a fantastic event and I hope people get out and support it by getting along to at least one show, or even a few!"

JD Henshaw is the founder of Dundee Fringe. Speaking about this year’s event he said: "We are so very proud to be showcasing homegrown talent, and watching it grow year on year, alongside welcoming UK and international acts to the city - highlighting why Dundee is one of the best places to be in Scotland for performing arts and culture."

"It is an immense privilege to be bringing our sixth edition of Dundee Fringe to the city - as a homegrown festival, it means the absolute world to welcome our amazing audiences to shows made both here and beyond the city limits, and to ensure that all of the productions get the very best welcome in Scotland - the applause of the people of Dundee!"

You can find the full programme at www.dundeefringe.com.