Fringe for Free 2026
We have plenty of free stuff to do at the Fringe, and it's all listed here. If you're interested in a particular category simply click on the colour-coded links below. Once a category has been opened, click on the left hand colour bar to close it.
Many more events will come on stream before we reach the closing date for entries on Sunday 19th April. Please check back often.
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Events marked Please note that details of performances, including times and dates, may be subject to Late Changes. Numbers in brackets refer to venue numbers (see map). For further details on venues including accessibility, see our Venues page. Diary. How to make a Comment.
Info
have been suggested by the entrant as generally suitable for family viewing. Events in the Children's Events category are specifically aimed at young people. In the event of purely Online events, click on the links within the event description.
Fringe
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, Please be aware of road closures in Buxton on Carnival Day, Donations: Please give generously to the Well Dressing Charities 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
Children's Events
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
Comedy
ABSOLUTELY! ONE-LINER JOKES - Kevin O'Brien
This is a one-liner jokes solo show that addresses the most important things in life in a very light hearted way.
(New Writing)
Beer & Bean Café Bar (135) Map 18 Jul 6:30pm to 7:30pm Free, Mildly Adult themes. , Ages 16+, Donations: £5 Comments(1)
Music
MUSIC AND POETRY HOUR: PANGOLINS, MUSIC & POETRY - The Clarkes & Co
The Clarkes & Co, acoustic guitar, concertina and vocals, present “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 sing-along, 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 Free, Donations: "Pay what you feel" with 10% to go to animal charities Gallery
Further information: clarkerstephen@hotmail.com Comments
Visual Arts
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 Comments
And More...
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, Ages All 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
