DUBLIN FRINGE FESTIVAL 2026: Applications Now Open!

28 November 2025
Dff 2026 How To apply

We’re delighted to open applications for the 2026 edition of Dublin Fringe Festival, running from 5–20 September 2026.

We know there’s a lot to take in — so we’ve gathered the essentials for you below. Consider this your all-in-one guide to applying. Bookmark this page and refer back as needed.

Start with the 2026 Curatorial Callout

Click here to read it in full

This is where you'll find what’s exciting us for 2026, the kinds of ideas we’re hungry to see, and the threads we’re pulling at as we shape this year's festival. But don’t feel boxed in — we’re just as interested in work that challenges the brief as we are in work that aligns with it. Think of it as a provocation, not a prescription.

Application Guide

We’ve put together a comprehensive Application Guide to walk you through the process. You’ll also find supporting documents to help you plan and shape your proposal. Download them, read them closely, and keep them open as you go.

Click here to download our Application Guide 

There’s also a second guide outlining Additional Supports available through the festival, including financial resources and artistic supports, worth reading if you need extra resources to make your work happen. 

Click here to download our Additional Supports Guide 

Application Form

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2026 APPLICATION FORM

The Dublin Fringe Festival application form is detailed — we ask a lot of questions because we care about making informed programming decisions. We truly value the time and thought that goes into each submission. Thank you for sharing your work with us.

You can save and return to your application anytime. Just click ‘SAVE DRAFT’ and submit your email address to send a draft to yourself. Don’t close the window before submitting your email - your draft won’t save otherwise.

Supporting Materials

All applications must include supporting materials. Without them, your application will be incomplete and can’t be fully considered. Upload your documents in the Supporting Documents section of the application form. The Application Guide and the form itself will tell you exactly what’s needed.

Info Sessions & Application Support

We know applying takes energy and time, below is what's on offer to support you:

Application Information Workshops

These sessions run for one hour, followed by a 30-minute Q&A. We’ll cover the festival, how to apply, what we’re looking for — and field your questions. Can’t make it? No worries, we’ll post a recording and an FAQ based on what comes up.

Come to this if you:
- Have general questions
- Want to strengthen your application
- Are curious about how shows are presented at Dublin Fringe Festival

Application Meetings & One-to-One Support

Our Programming Team is offering one-to-one meetings in December and January. Bookings open once applications are live.

Meet with:
• Katherine Murphy, Programme Manager – Click here to book
• Bee Sparks, Festival Director – Click here to book
• Clíona Malin, Programme Assistant – Click here to book 
• Dafe Orugbo, former Associate Artist – Click here to book

These are great if you’ve got project-specific questions. We will ask you to outline what you would like to discuss when you sign up, come prepped with questions and we’ll walk you through it.
 

Applications close at 2pm (GMT) on Thursday 22 January 2026. We advise not to leave submitting to the last minute. We’ll be on hand that week via phone and email to support you. Once you hit submit — you’re done. 

Accessible Application Documents

We’re committed to making the Festival accessible for everyone, artists, collaborators, and audiences alike. To help ensure all applicants can access the information they need, we’ve created accessible versions of all our application documents. If you encounter any barriers or need something different to help you apply, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Programme Assistant Clíona Malin to discuss further. 

DOWNLOADS
Application Guide
Additional Supports Guide
Budget Template
Own Venue Model Information
Venue Tech Specs and Glossary 


Please note: Dublin Fringe Festival closes for the Christmas break on Friday 12th December and reopens on Monday 5th January 2026. While we are closed, you will have access to the recording of the Application Workshop and the FAQ Document. For all emailed queries over Christmas, we commit to responding to them by Thursday 8th January – two weeks before applications close.