This marquee style venue is a hotbed of artistic activity hosting dozens of shows during the festival as well as hosting the Opening Spectacular and Fringe on Sunday Festival events. Featuring a range of comedy acts, as well as film, performance poetry, Festival Forums, and more, the Fringe Lounge is a unique experience in an easy-to-find location. Bar facilities are available througthout the evening’s entertainment. There is a door charge for most events – see event listings for details. Free events include the Soundbites lunchtime gig series and the Festival Forums held on Sunday evenings.

LATE NIGHT SESSIONS

Kick back at the Fringe Lounge after the evening’s last show for the Late Night Sessions running from Wednesday to Saturday both weeks of the Festival. Featuring a range of local DJs it's the perfect opportunity to meet friends and compare notes on your festival favourites.

SOUND BITES

Get a taste for new Dunedin music by a mix of emerging and established musicians performing as part of a series of free lunchtime gigs.

FESTIVAL FORUMS

Four topical and provocative Festival Forums will be held during the festival programme to highlight contemporary issues within the arts locally, nationally and internationally. Local and visiting academics and practising artists will discuss the topics listed below. Two forums will be held in the Fringe Lounge and a further two will be held at Allen Hall Theatre. See the Artist Lab programme for full details of all forums.

FORUM TOPICS

“The Role of the State in the Arts: Fostering or Controlling”

Arthur Meek – comic playright, musician and performer from Wellington
Stuart Griffiths – sculptor, stone mason and academic from Dunedin
Clare Curran – public relations manager, Labour Candidate for Sth Dunedin

“What’s Creative about the Creative Process?”

Dr Larry Lavendar - William Evans Fellow at University of Otago and Professor at the University of North Carolina. World renowned critic and writer on dance and choreography.