The countdown to Lane Cove Festival is almost over.
Events actually kick off on Tuesday 1 September, when the Australian premiere of James Graham’s The Man opens at Pottery Lane Performance Space. But the month gets its proper opening celebration on Friday 4 September, when The Canopy hosts the free Lane Cove Festival @ Sydney Fringe Launch Night.
It runs from 5pm to 9pm, it is free and it is family friendly.
And now that we have seen the actual program, there is considerably more happening than the three words “music, circus, dance” probably suggest.
The evening brings together performers from across the Lane Cove Festival and Sydney Fringe program, giving locals a bit of a taste-test before deciding what else they might want to see during September.
What’s on stage?
Council has confirmed acts across theatre, Japanese dance, music and more, with musical comedy, cabaret and circus also on the bill.
Snow, Moon, and Flowers – 雪月花
Junko Hirabayashi and Sydney Japanese Dance will bring a taste of their world premiere Snow, Moon, and Flowers to The Canopy.
The production combines Japanese classical dance, live music and storytelling inspired by pioneering Japanese immigrants.
The full 20-minute performance plays at Pottery Lane on 2 and 3 September.
Lane Cove Theatre Company – All Things Must Pass
Lane Cove Theatre Company will give the audience a preview of its new production All Things Must Pass, a play inspired by The Beatles in the aftermath of John Lennon’s death.
The full production runs at Pottery Lane Performance Space from 10–13 September.
Different Degrees – Bursting Into Life
Different Degrees Theatre Ensemble will present a snippet from Bursting Into Life, an original production created by the accessible theatre ensemble.
The full work plays at Pottery Lane Performance Space on Wednesday 30 September, one night only.
Nana Koizumi Ghibli Jazz Trio
This one sounds particularly lovely.
Japanese trumpeter and vocalist Nana Koizumi reimagines music from the Studio Ghibli films through jazz.
The Launch Night trio is also a preview of Koizumi’s full Studio Ghibli Jazz Concert, at Pottery Lane on Sunday 4 October with two shows, 5:30pm and 6:30pm.
It is not just the stage
Roving performers will move through the crowd during the evening and Council says there will be local food and drink available throughout the night.
The broader Festival program is built around this year’s Made in Lane Cove theme, with 80% of events produced, created or performed by local people.
Council is also promoting an open-air market at the launch showcasing local makers and artisans.
Last year was the first year Lane Cove partnered with Sydney Fringe Festival, drawing 7,742 people to more than 66 events across the month.
This year the partnership is back, with Lane Cove again the only area in Sydney’s “Northern Neighbourhood” included in the Fringe program.
The 2026 Festival itself stretches right across September, with the Big Day Out, Made in Lane Cove Markets, Lane Cove Fun Run, Lane Cove Art Award, outdoor music, community events and a full program of Fringe performances still to come.
But Friday 4 September is essentially the opening party.
Bring the kids. Meet friends there. Grab something to eat. Find a spot around The Canopy and see what catches your eye.
And importantly, it will not cost you anything.
Lane Cove Festival @ Sydney Fringe Launch Night
When: Friday 4 September 2026
Time: 5pm–9pm
Where: The Canopy, 2 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove
Cost: Free
Who: Family friendly
Registration: FREE
You can see everything happening across Lane Cove during September in our Lane Cove Festival 2026 Full Program Guide.
Content warnings. This event is rated PG. There will be strobe lighting and haze.
Lane Cove Festival is presented by Lane Cove Council in partnership with Sydney Fringe Festival.
