Creativity on display at Fringe Festival in Hobsons Bay
Published on 24 September 2026
A world of creativity and imagination awaits as Melbourne Fringe Festival returns, with plenty to explore in Hobsons Bay.
Taking place from 29 September to 18 October, Melbourne Fringe Festival is Victoria’s longest running multi arts festival, established more than 40 years ago.
Hobsons Bay’s Fringe program celebrates the local arts sector and spaces, with offerings across Altona, Laverton, Newport and Williamstown.
This year there is a focus on local arts producers, a strong environmental theme, unique spaces to experience and opportunities to participate and celebrate, across generations.
Eight different offerings will be available throughout Hobsons Bay this Fringe Festival, as well as an exhibition by David Murphy at Laneway Gallery at Woods Street Arts Space in Laverton, on until 28 October.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Diana Grima:
“Experiencing the arts is a great way for people to connect with where they live as well as be a catalyst for people to visit and find out more about our creative city and creative spaces.
“Melbourne Fringe Festival coming to Hobsons Bay is a great opportunity to get out and about and experience the arts in places that we love.
“It’s exciting to see this festival provide opportunities for older and younger people across our community, with a special focus on the environment.
"It’s a really special program this year, I’m looking forward to seeing some of it.”
2026 Melbourne Fringe Festival – Hobsons Bay events
When: From 29 September to 18 October
Where: Spread across locations including The Substation (Newport), Woods Street Arts Space (Laverton), Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre (Altona) and more
The Enormous Radio
30 September to 10 October - The Substation, Newport
An immersive audio experience that speculates on the possibility of interspecies communication.
Full Volume III
1 October - Newport Community Hub
A showcase of new music by emerging bands, hosted by the Westside Studio crew. For ages 15 to 25. Presented by Hobsons Bay Youth Services.
In Between Worlds
3 October - Louis Joel Arts and Community, Altona
Embark on an immersive art journey with live art, spoken word, sound, and site-responsive practice. Featuring local theatre company Dramawerkz.
Registrations: Hidden Door Journal Issue 3
3 October and 10 October - The Substation, Newport
An immersive exhibition and publishing experiment set within the industrial architecture of The Substation.
Ocker
8 and 11 October – Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown
From local First Nations company Na Djinang comes Ocker, a new circus work combining daring acrobatics, physical comedy and unexpected encounters.
Part performance, part absurd expedition, Ocker sees a troupe of circus artists laying a portable railway track in real time as they race after something perpetually out of reach.
Presented in partnership by Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay councils, and suitable for all ages, Ocker will play in Footscray, Yarraville and Williamstown.
Made to Share
11 October - Woods Street Arts Space, Laverton
A creative workshop especially for older people, bringing together art and food in a relaxed and welcoming space.
Prime Time
14 to 17 October - The Substation, Newport
A celebration of life in all its stages, from award-winning theatre company Born in a Taxi – featuring a cast of actors aged from 4 to 93.
From the Mouth
16 and 17 October - Woods Street Arts Space, Laverton
Live music, short film screenings and community conversations centred around the unique ecology of the Kororoit Creek mouth.