Fringe for Free 2026

BUXTON FRINGE LAUNCH PARTY - Underground
Join us for the official launch of the 2026 Buxton Festival Fringe - at Underground's popular new venue at Buxton Working Men's Club. Mingle with the stars, catch snippets of shows, and help us toast the 47th Buxton Fringe! No booking required - just come along.
Underground at the Working Men's Club (51b) Map 7 Jul 7:30pm to 11pm Free Gallery
Further information: underthefringe.com. Info: 020 8144 0070. Comments

FRINGE AT THE CARNIVAL - Buxton Festival Fringe
Expect fancy dress and fun as the Fringe takes to the streets with its award-winning orange float. Thanks to Lomas Distribution and the Well Dressing and Carnival team for organising this highlight in the town's calendar, this year coinciding with World Fringe Day! Wear orange and give us a wave!
Around the Town 11 Jul 2pm to 4pm Free, Be aware of road closures in Buxton on Carnival Day, Donations: Please give generously to the Well Dressing Charities Comments

FRINGE AWARDS 2026 - Buxton Festival Fringe
Performers, Fringe Friends, Fringe committee members and reviewers are among those invited to our Fringe Awards ceremony, this year in the spectacular setting of the Cavendish Room at the Palace Hotel. Raise a glass with us as we congratulate our talented entrants and thank everyone who supports our fantastic Fringe.
The Palace Hotel – Cavendish Room (32e) Map 26 Jul 5pm to 6:30pm Free, Open to groups stated and by invitation. Comments

FRINGE SATURDAY - Buxton Festival Fringe
Fringe Sunday moves to Saturday this year for what is generally the Fringe’s busiest weekend! Enjoy Pavilion Gardens refreshments and join us for family-friendly entertainment with music, singing, comedy and more! Pick up a Fringe programme, become a Fringe Friend and mingle with the stars at this fabulous outdoor party!
Pavilion Gardens – Bandstand (33a) Map 18 Jul 2pm to 4:30pm Free Comments

SUNDAY SOCIALS - Buxton Festival Fringe
Brand new for this year and as suggested by Fringe entrants, these informal events offer a chance for performers to network with Fringe organisers, members of the public and each other, enjoying a drink and a chat in the beautiful surroundings of the Pump Room. Let’s all get starstruck together!
The Pump Room (84) Map 12 & 19 Jul 3pm to 5pm Free Comments

Diary Venue Map

A TINY! CIRCUS! - Stone and Water
Help us create our Tiny! Circus! There might be juggling mice, trapeze elephants, butterfly clowns and adventurous children! Make your own fabulous circus character: and everything is very small - no bigger than your hand! Find us on the lawns between the young children's playground and the miniature train station.
Pavilion Gardens – Playground (33m) Map 19 Jul 10:30am to 3:30pm Free, Ages 3+ Comments

Diary Venue Map

ARE WE THE PROBLEM?! - The Problems
They're hopeless at romance, come from chaotic families, and trouble seems magnetically drawn to them. In this triple headliner split bill, rising comics Ciaran Shea, David Martin and Lauren Buck ask the ultimate question 'Are We the Problem?'. (New Writing)
Lee Wood Hotel – Canyons (91c) Map 11 Jul 8pm to 9pm Free, Adult themes, strong language, Ages 18+, Donations: Pay what you want
Further information: www.ticketsource.com/comedy-at-buxton-fringe/t-aaamxkl Comments

EVERY GHOST STORY EVER - Four Presidents
Join connoisseur of the creepy Billy Bones for a whistle-stop tour of every ghost story ever told, or your money back!* Why do we tell ghost stories? What makes us truly afraid? Is this show supposed to be serious or funny? Find out in: Every Ghost Story Ever. *No refunds. (New Writing)
Scrivener's Bookshop (11) Map 19 Jul 6:30pm to 7:30pm Free, Strong language, adult themes, discussion of death, Ages 16+, Donations: at the end of the show, proportion going to charity
Further information: info@fourpresidents.co.uk Comments

FUNNY ONION - A STAND-UP PERFORMANCE POETRY SHOW - Beetroot Productions
Plant-based poet John Hobson serves up witty verse on vegetables, hats and double-decker buses. Sharp, funny and wholly unexpected - performance poetry like you've never heard it before. Hilarious, relatable, memorable. No vegetables were harmed in the making of this production. (New Writing)
The Old Clubhouse - Upstairs (21a) Map 13 Jul 7pm to 8pm. Conservative Club (79) Map 15 Jul 7:30pm to 8:30pm. The Cheshire Cheese (93) Map 16 Jul 6pm to 7pm. Beer & Bean Café Bar (135) Map 17 Jul 7:30pm to 8:30pm. Scrivener's Bookshop (11) Map 19 Jul 5pm to 6pm. The Vault (141) Map 23 Jul 7pm to 8pm. Scrivener's Bookshop (11) Map 25 Jul 6pm to 7pm Free, Adult themes, Strong language, Ages 18+ Gallery
Further information: funnyonionpoet.com/buxtonfringe2026 Comments

IT'S NOT CLUEDO! - Chris Neville-Smith in association with Rotunda
It's back! There's been another murder! And another set of six suspects, six weapons and nine locations - all chosen by YOU! The comedy game show with a panel of Fringe performers returns to Buxton. Comedy nominee, 2024 Scarborough Fringe
The Cheshire Cheese (93) Map 14 Jul 7:30pm to 8:30pm Free, Ages 12+, Donations: after the show Comments

MENKLE BROTHERS (WIP) - Jake Breeze & Phill Sutton
Phill and Jake are properly menkle. Menkle Brothers is a stand-up show about homelessness, getting to know Jesus, and the menkle bits of being alive. Featuring a failed musician with a terrible receding hairline, and the second-best swimming teacher in the Wigan metropolitan area, with a terrible receding hairline.
Beer & Bean Café Bar (135) Map 10, 11 Jul 7:30pm to 8:45pm Free, Adult themes, some strong language, Ages 18+
Further information: menklebrothers@gmail.com Comments

MISTRANSLATED! - Erica Jean Comedy
Ever accidentally told a colleague you like her tiger? Or failed to show off your secondary school French? Mistranslated is an interactive comedy show about the hilarity of language mistakes. Delivered by a polyglot who’s made her share of mistakes in 12+ languages – and counting.
Conservative Club (79) Map 25, 26 Jul 3pm to 4pm Free, Some strong language, Ages 12+, Donations: ko-fi.com/mistranslated Comments

TIM BIGLOWE : PLONKA - Tim Biglowe
Tim's new stand up show is about finding life's golden ticket. With jokes and stories about fame, mishaps and travel with a hapless hippy. Best Show Nominee at Edinburgh Fringe with the ISH Awards 2025. Best comedy at Shaftesbury Fringe 2025. 'Conjures up something both playful and killer' One4Review
Beer & Bean Café Bar (135) Map 25 Jul 7:30pm to 8:30pm. Scrivener's Bookshop (11) Map 26 Jul 3pm to 4pm Free, Ages 16+
Further information: reservations can be made at bit.ly/419Q3Fj for Scriveners or bit.ly/4lPCq7C for Beer 'n Bean Comments

WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU MAKES YOU FUNNIER - Thao Cao
Watch Vietnamese Australian Comedian Thao Cao turn near-death experiences, public racism, and name-shaming into razor-sharp comedy. You’ll laugh, cringe, and recognise yourself in the madness. If you love bold, honest stand-up that offers you a new perspective on life and survival then this show is for you.
Beer & Bean Café Bar (135) Map 10, 11 Jul 9pm to 9:50pm Free, Adult themes, Ages 16+, Donations: £5 - £10 suggested. Collected after the show. Comments

Diary Venue Map

BUXTON DAY OF DANCE 2026 - Chapel-en-le-Frith Morris
Buxton Day of Dance is an established part of the Fringe programme. Traditional dancing from around the country will fill the streets of Buxton with all the music, colour, passion, energy and humour that the Morris brings. We have also been known to attract some rather unusual weather :-)
Around the Town 18 Jul 10:30am to 4:30pm Free Comments

JAZZ AND TAP DANCE JAM AT ONNEN - Sole Rebel
After a lively afternoon at our Jazz Gig for Kids, musicians and tap dancers from Sole Rebel head to Onnen for an intimate jazz jam. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Onnen (143) Map 11 Jul 7pm to 9pm Free, Donations: Welcome on the night Comments

Diary Venue Map

ABSOLUTELY FAB CHOIR FESTIVAL - Fab Choir
A Choir Festival within a Fringe Festival. Includes joyous, infectious singing by many local, varied and talented High Peak choirs. Appreciate the gorgeous harmonies whilst enjoying a locally brewed pint or two, or even sing along with us as we raise the roof.
Trackside @ Buxton Brewery SK17 9RZ (133) Map 19 Jul 1pm to 5pm Free, Donations: www.justgiving.com/page/zephyr-choir Gallery Comments

GIFTS FROM CROWS TRIO IN CONCERT - Gifts From Crows Trio
Returning for their fifth Fringe appearance with a full In Concert set. Composer Richard Laurence's hypnotic piano motifs, Helen Southall's soulful saxophone and Garfield Southall's jazz-influenced percussion conjure echoes of Ludovico Einaudi, Jan Garbarek and the Canterbury Prog Scene. 'Three very talented and consummate musicians' Buxton Fringe Review
Coffee #1 (136) Map 18 Jul 5:30pm to 7:30pm Free, Donations: can be made on the day
Further information: garfield.southall@mac.com Comments

MUSIC AND POETRY HOUR: PANGOLINS, MUSIC & POETRY - The Clarkes & Co
The Clarkes & Co, acoustic guitar, concertina and vocals, presents Pangolins and Poetry, a show containing Stephen Clarke’s collection of published poetry and original songs from their first two albums. Expect melody, wit, humour and the odd singalong, embellished by Sue Clarke’s vocal harmonies and concertina playing.
Scrivener's Bookshop – Victorian Story Cellar (11a) Map 17 Jul 3:30pm to 4:30pm, 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Onnen (143) Map 18 Jul 3pm to 4pm, 5pm to 6pm Free, Donations: Pay what you feel with 10% to go to animal charities Gallery
Further information: clarkerstephen@hotmail.com Comments

RENAISSANCE AND BAROQUE MUSIC - Partita
Award-winning early music ensemble Partita returns to the Fringe with a programme of Renaissance and Baroque music, with voice, lutes, vihuela, baroque guitar, harpsichord and cello.
Buxton Methodist Church – Church (06a) Map 23 Jul 1pm to 2:20pm Free, Donations: welcome Comments

Diary Venue Map

INTRIGUING BUXTON RESIDENTS & VISITORS - Julian Cohen
Local historian, Julian Cohen, will talk about the intriguing Buxton residents and visitors featured in his new book. Between 1716 and the 1980s, some were Buxton born but others came from far away. Some you may know but others will surprise you. Many achieved great things. Be entertained. Be intrigued!
La Gaby Pizzeria (139) Map 16 & 21 Jul 2pm to 3pm Free
Further information: juliancohen@hotmail.co.uk Comments

THE MAN WITH A BROKEN NOSE - Ian Gregory
Four short stories about Chad Parry, a deaf photographer in the 1940s. Chad has to confront a man who tried to abduct him when he was small, rescue two boys from a burning shed and confront moral dilemmas. Ian has had positive reviews at three previous Fringes.
Scrivener's Bookshop (11) Map 10, 11 Jul 3pm to 4pm Free, Ages 12+ Comments

Diary Venue Map

THE SHAKESPEARE JUKEBOX - Buxton Drama League
Welcome to the world of The Shakespeare Jukebox, where you call the shots! For 21 years, this high-energy, award-winning, open-air show has brought fun and drama to Buxton audiences, and all for charity. Pick a scene from our playlist, make a donation, and we’ll entertain you. Anything can happen!
Pavilion Gardens – Promenade (33q) Map 12, 17-19 & 24, 25 Jul 6:15pm to 7pm Free, Donations: samaritanscommunity.enthuse.com/pf/shakespeare-jukebox-2026 Comments

Diary Venue Map

GUARDIANS OF THE WYE - Two Left Hands
Following the success of Froggy Went a Courting in 2025, local community group Two Left Hands presents a brand-new show telling the story of Otter, lost in the Wye Valley, and looking for a new home. With giant puppets, storytelling and original music, the show will be fun for all! (New Writing)
Burbage Institute, Nursery Lane, Buxton SK17 6UL (53) Map 12 Jul 2pm to 2:45pm, 4pm to 4:45pm. Pavilion Gardens – Burlington Green (33p) Map 18, 19 Jul 1pm to 1:45pm Free, Please bring blankets or chairs to sit on, Donations: https//:www.gofundme.com/f/keep-giant-puppets-happening-in-buxton Comments

LOADING... - Ed Sumner, Magician
Now is the best time to do anything! Unless you’re waiting for it to load. So often we wait for the 'perfect' moment, but what if it never arrives? Through magic, mind-reading, storytelling, and comedy, LOADING... explores what happens when life buffers, and the unexpected ways it starts moving again. (New Writing)
Onnen (143) Map 15-17 & 23, 24 Jul 7pm to 7:40pm, 8:30pm to 9:10pm Free Gallery Comments

THE SPACE BETWEEN HEARTBEATS - Triple Threat
Three young, talented actors are putting their acting skills to the test by writing, directing and performing a play. (New Writing)
Grinlow Woods – at Poole's Cavern (94) Map 19 Jul 2pm to 2:45pm Free, Ages 10+
Further information: 07494 764526 Comments(1)

THIS IS YOUR LIFE (WORK IN PROGRESS) - Chris Neville-Smith
Buxton Fringe is proud to present comedy legend Jimmy Conway. Hear of his journey - from humble beginnings on the stand-up circuit, to his unforgettable London Palladium appearance. There is just one problem: Jimmy has never performed stand-up in his life. Based on the book by John O'Farrell. (New Writing)
The Cheshire Cheese (93) Map 15 Jul 3pm to 4:15pm Free, Donations: Welcome after show Comments

Diary Venue Map

ART IN THE OCTAGON - High Peak Artists
Don’t miss this Fringe Award-nominated art extravaganza in the iconic Octagon! Meet award-winning artists and makers from the High Peak Artists group with special guest artists Rob Wilson and Clare Allan. Demonstrations in oils, pastels, watercolours, silk painting, stained glass, wood turning, photography, printmaking, jewellery, ceramics, textiles and lots more.
Pavilion Gardens – Octagon (33d) Map 13-15 Jul 10am to 5pm Free Comments

BUXTON FLOWERPOT TRAIL - Funny Wonders
Head to where you see the dots, can you find the flowerpots? Family fun around Buxton. Trail maps available from the Pump Room, High Street News and Poole’s Cavern. Cost £1. Or download a copy for free from www.funnywonders.org.uk. Donations welcome. #BuxtonFlowerpotTrail
Around the Town 8-26 Jul all day Free, Donations: www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ADU62ABRD7R7Q
Further information: hello@funnywonders.org.uk Comments

I.D.A 26 Inclusive Design + Art Expo - More Care Design Collective
An Inclusive four-day curated event showcasing fabulous Inclusive design and art. Also exhibiting original hand-made outlandish 'Samurai' costumes, Let Your Imagination Fly Hats, High Peak Fascinators and Buxton Roman ceremonial body adornment. Running order to be announced daily.
The Palace Hotel – Ballroom (32a) Map 20-23 Jul 11am to 6pm Free Gallery
Further information: hello@mcdc.org.uk Comments

PIANO PIECES : DISMANTLED AND DISPLAYED - Hugo Edwardes
Intercepted on their way to the scrapyard, these seven pianos which were once a regular, familiar and central presence in British households are now redundant and a burden. The component parts show us an age of skilled manufacture from the recent past. Come and handle, explore and reconfigure the pieces.
The Bungalow, Lightwood Ave, Buxton SK17 7AZ (98) Map 17-19 & 24-26 Jul noon to 6pm Free, Ages All Gallery Comments

SIP, SIT AND SKETCH - Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust
During the Fringe, the Pump Room transforms into a sketcher's haven. Buy a drink and borrow sketching and painting materials to capture the moment. Artistic inspiration flows where drinks and creativity mingle.
The Pump Room (84) Map 8-11 Jul 10am to 5pm, 12 Jul 10am to 4pm, 13-18 Jul 10am to 5pm, 19 Jul 10am to 4pm, 20-25 Jul 10am to 5pm, 26 Jul 10am to 4pm Free, Donations: Very welcome, but the cost of a drink will allow you to borrow the materials.
Further information: hello@buxtoncrescenttrust.org Comments

SUMMER SHOWCASE - Peak District Artisans
Celebrating 35 years of Peak District Artisans, our new Flagship Event will be held in the magnificent Octagon Hall. Showcasing contemporary artworks from some of the best professional artists and makers in the Peak District, this award-winning exhibition is an opportunity to meet the artists and purchase something totally unique.
Pavilion Gardens – Octagon (33d) Map 18 Jul 11am to 5pm, 19 Jul 10am to 4pm Free Gallery Comments

Diary Venue Map

HIGH PEAK PRIDE PICNIC - High Peak Pride
Join us for an afternoon of fun, glamour and fabulous hats! There will be garden games, frivolities and of course Buxton's Big Gay Bake Off! Bring your own picnic and meet us on the lawns to relax, laugh and celebrate life! No tickets needed: just wander along and join in!
Pavilion Gardens – Swimming Pool Lawns (33n) Map 18 Jul 1pm to 4pm Free Gallery Comments

UGLY BUG BALL - Serpentine Community Garden
Come and join us for a fun, family day at the Serpentine Community Garden to celebrate our new pollinator bed. Plenty of activities for all ages. Plus music and refreshments, and a chance to look around the garden.
Serpentine Community Garden (107) Map 12 Jul noon to 4pm Free, Donations: welcome Comments