Pawstudios Africa has announced the ninth Lagos Fringe Festival, scheduled for November 3–8, 2026, across multiple venues in Lagos.
Themed “Let’s Play”, this year’s edition will bring together theatre, film screenings, live music, dance, fashion, and visual arts, alongside workshops and industry conversations.
Ego Boyo, chairperson of the Lagos Fringe Festival, said: “Lagos Fringe represents the importance of creating spaces where artists can take creative risks, tell stories that reflect our realities, and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.”
Kenneth Uphopho, festival director and managing partner at Pawstudios Africa, said: “The shows and workshops at Lagos Fringe this year will use games, role-play, improvisation, and spontaneity to crack open serious conversations about power, identity, and community, with artists also researching how we live by playing with how we live.”
The 2026 programme highlights announced by the organisers include Women in the Arts, Center Stage, Founders Conversation, Eat, Drink & Fringe, and Christmas in November. A Creative Enterprise Programme will focus on skills and creative business development, while a Vendors Market will provide space for independent makers and businesses to showcase their products and connect with audiences.
Brenda Fashugba, festival producer and convener of Women in the Arts, emphasised the importance of participation, experimentation, and supporting diverse artistic voices.
“We’re programming work that needs an audience to finish it. Work that trades perfection for participation. We’re not asking artists to be frivolous. We’re asking them to be free.”
The festival organisers named the J. Randle Centre, Freedom Park, Women in the Arts, Temple Productions, and the British Council among this year’s collaborators.
Programme information, festival passes, workshop registration and vendor applications are available through the Lagos Fringe website.
