A “complete riot of colour and joy and creativity” is promised when Tauranga Fringe Festival takes over The Historic Village this Labour Weekend, with six stages of live entertainment, wearable art, Pasifika performances and opportunities to get creative.

The biennial festival returns on October 24, bringing together artists, musicians, performers and makers from Tauranga and beyond for a day celebrating the unusual, the imaginative and the unexpected.

“It’s going to be a complete riot of colour and joy and creativity,” festival project manager Anya Fischer said.

“There is so much planned and so much going on. I can’t wait.”

Melissa Keillor and her two lambs, Sailor on left and Sprout on right, will walk the Fringe Catwalk at noon on Saturday, October 24 at Tauranga Historic Village. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Presented by The Incubator Creative Hub, the festival features everything from live music, poetry and circus performances to fashion, calligraphy, workshops, interactive art and market stalls.

Fischer said the programme offered something for all tastes.

“We’ve got everything from high-energy performances to subdued relaxation, almost meditation. I’m looking to both ends of the spectrum, the very fringy, and also the very peaceful and calming.”

One of the day’s highlights will be the Fringe Catwalk at noon, when the six performance stages take a break for a fashion showcase along the village’s main street.

“We’ve got an incredible line-up taking shape this year. If you only plan one thing for your fringe day, make it this,” Fischer said. “It is a fringe festival, so, we’re on the fringes of art and on the fringes of what people think of as art.”

Lissy and Rudy Robinson-Cole live in a world where crochet is more than craft and will be sharing that at the Tauranga Fringe Festival.

After the showcase, festivalgoers will be encouraged to join a procession through the village, whether dressed in elaborate costumes or simply as they are.

“If anybody wants to dress up, or not, join in the parade – that will be fantastic,” Fischer said.

With the festival falling close to Halloween, she hopes visitors will embrace the opportunity to wear something a little spooky.

The six stages will feature a diverse musical line-up, from punk and alternative acts to funk, indie-pop, DJs and singer-songwriters.

International flavour comes from the Siapo Arts Collective, based in New Caledonia, which will bring artworks and creative activities alongside the band Kalaga’la.

Pasifika performers will feature, with Auckland nine-piece Island Vibes promising an energetic, interactive show, and Mount Maunganui-based Iara will bring Brazilian funk rhythms to the Green Stage.

Visitors can also explore the village’s art exhibitions, open studios, street theatre and creative workshops.

The Firestation will host activities including printmaking, zine-making, painting, surfboard art and children’s activities.

Catwalk designers and models at the 2024 Tauranga Fringe Festival.

Visitors can try crochet art and pompom making with Lissy and Rudy Robinson-Cole, create their own handmade instruments or watch artists at work.

For those wanting a quieter experience, the Get Gonged Sound Temple offers meditation and relaxation in the amphitheatre.

Fischer said creating opportunities for people to experience art, whether as participants or audience members, was an important part of the event.

“It’s a great way for people to feel connected to the arts even if they aren’t a performer or creative themselves – they are able to be involved.”

Festivalgoers can also browse market stalls, sample street food and enjoy two garden bars.

Incubator Creative Hub director Simone Anderson said interest in the festival kept growing.

“I have people contacting me years out wanting to be involved. This event has become a key attraction in the creative heartbeat of the city and shows just how much demand there is for the chance to come together for expression, performance, celebration and art in the Bay of Plenty.”

Tauranga Fringe Festival runs 10am to 4pm on October 24, at The Historic Village, 159 17th Avenue. Gates open at 9.30am.

Tickets cost $15 presale online at: theincubator.co.nz/tauranga-fringe-fest-2026 or $20 at the gate. Under-10s gain free entry.