One city. Seven days. More than 25 events. Inverness is about to get a little louder.
The first Inverness Fringe Festival arrives from Monday 28 September to Sunday 4 October 2026, bringing theatre, comedy, music, dance, drag, cabaret, storytelling and spoken word to venues across the city.
Expect established performers, emerging Highland talent, unusual locations and the occasional glorious surprise. This is not culture kept behind glass. It is live, local and ready to take over Inverness.
We’re very proud to not only be sponsoring the festival but are also the official transport partner of the FIRST EVER InverNess Fringe Festival happening this month!
What Is the Inverness Fringe Festival?
The Inverness Fringe is the city’s first dedicated festival of its kind.
Its packed programme combines more than 25 ticketed events with free performances and activities. Local artists, students, independent performers and visiting acts will share stages across intimate, characterful venues.
The idea is simple: make space for bold work and bring audiences closer to it.
You can plan every minute or follow your curiosity. Fringe festivals reward both.
Visit www.invernessfringefestival.co.uk for the latest programme and ticket information.
Inverness Fringe Festival Highlights
Start with a CH-eilidh
The festival opens in unmistakably Highland style with the Opening CH-eilidh in the Grand Hall at Inverness Town House.
Just Sing Choir will begin the evening before The Reeling Ceilidh Band fills the floor. Come for the harmonies. Stay for the dancing. Sensible shoes may prove useful.
It is a fitting opening for the week ahead: local, lively and impossible to watch from the sidelines.
Big Art on a Tiny Canvas
At Oil & Vinegar on Union Street, The Small Picture turns an everyday CD case into a miniature canvas.
The exhibition brings together original paintings, photographs, digital art, textiles, collage and mixed-media pieces, all created within the same tiny dimensions.
Small format. Big imagination.
The artworks will also be available to buy, giving visitors the chance to take home something genuinely original while supporting participating artists.
Comedy That Lands a Punch
Inverness already knows how to laugh. The Fringe is giving it more reasons.
Stand-up performers and comedy acts will appear throughout the week, mixing local voices with fresh faces. Expect sharp observations, unpredictable stories and the sort of intimate rooms where there is nowhere for either the comedian or the audience to hide.
That is usually where the best comedy happens.
Theatre Without the Velvet Rope
The programme includes bold theatre, one-person shows and independent productions presented in smaller venues across the city.
These are performances designed to put the audience close to the action. No distant stage. No need for opera glasses. Just actors, stories and the occasional moment that follows you home.
Drag, Dance and Cabaret
The Fringe will also bring fierce drag, dance and cabaret to Inverness.
Expect colour, confidence and performances that refuse to whisper. From high-energy entertainment to more intimate late-night shows, this part of the programme promises plenty of sparkle and very little restraint.
Subtlety has its place. This may not be it.
Poetry, Stories and Spoken Word
Words will also take centre stage through storytelling, spoken-word performances and slam poetry.
The festival’s poetry programme celebrates both English and Gaelic voices, adding another distinctly Highland dimension to the week. Whether carefully crafted or delivered at full force, these are words written to be heard.
Make More of Your Festival Visit
The Inverness Fringe is an excellent excuse to spend longer in the city.
See an afternoon performance. Find somewhere local for dinner. Catch a comedy show. Finish with live music or cabaret. The city centre is compact, but a week this busy still deserves a little planning.
Check event times carefully, allow enough time between venues and book popular performances early. The full programme and ticket information are available at www.invernessfringefestival.co.uk.
Getting Around with Inverness Taxis
When your plans stretch from afternoon workshops to late-night performances, Inverness Taxis can keep the evening moving.
We operate 24 hours a day and offer four, six, eight and sixteen-seat vehicles. That makes us a convenient choice whether you are attending alone, travelling as a couple or bringing the full cast.
Card and cash payments are accepted, pet-friendly vehicles are available and journeys can be booked in advance. You can also use the SafeKab app to view your fixed fare before confirming your taxi.
Festival week is likely to be busy, particularly during evenings and at the weekend. Booking ahead is the safest way to avoid an unscheduled interval.
Book Your Taxi for Inverness Fringe Festival
The stage can supply the drama. Your journey does not need to.
Book using the SafeKab app, call Inverness Taxis on 01463 222222 or visit us at 55 Church Street, Inverness.
Wherever the Fringe takes you, we will help get you there and home again.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Inverness Fringe Festival 2026?
The festival runs from Monday 28 September to Sunday 4 October 2026.
What events will be at the festival?
The programme includes comedy, theatre, live music, dance, drag, cabaret, spoken word, storytelling, poetry, workshops, exhibitions and other live entertainment.
Are there free events?
Yes. The festival includes a mixture of ticketed events and free performances and activities. Check individual listings before attending.
Where will events take place?
Events will be held at venues and independent businesses across Inverness city centre. Check the programme for the correct location before travelling.
Where can I see the complete programme?
Visit www.invernessfringefestival.co.uk to browse events, venues and current ticket information.
Can I book an Inverness taxi in advance?
Yes. Call 01463 222222 or use the SafeKab app to arrange your journey. Advance booking is recommended during busy festival evenings.
Can Inverness Taxis accommodate groups?
Yes. Four, six, eight and sixteen-seat vehicles are available. Let the booking team know your group size when arranging your taxi.
