Bondi Festival returns in 2023, boasting a bolder and better arts line-up than before with world-class theatre, comedy, cabaret and interactive experiences.
The festival will return to its spiritual home at the newly refurbished Bondi Pavilion, as well as in multiple locations around Bondi. The 17-day, all-inclusive festival will have family-friendly shows and adults-only options too.
Alongside the world-class arts line-up, visitors can enjoy Bondi’s famous ice-skating rink and the legendary Bondi Vista Ferris wheel. It’s 32 metres high and has 360-degree views of Bondi Beach.
“Over the past 11 years, Bondi Festival has brought together locals and visitors from across the country and welcomed hundreds of incredible artists to inject culture and joy into Bondi during winter,” Festival Director Rachel Chant says.
“This year, I’m so excited to be welcoming returning artists, international guests, national festival stalwarts and emerging artists back to the festival, presenting their works in some really exciting – and sometimes unconventional – venues.”
“Whether it’s seeing an award-winning show, getting drawn into an immersive experience, riding the panoramic Ferris Wheel or showing off your dog for the Inaugural Pavilion Paw Parade, there truly is something for everyone.”
More than 30 different arts events and performances will run over the course of the festival. Kicking it all off will be a performance from the renowned Jannawi Dance Clan, free shell art and weaving workshops, bush tucker talks and food demonstrations, First Nations music, and First Nations food trucks, to enjoy.
Musical comedian Gillian Cosgriff will present new work after winning the Most Outstanding Show Award at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and after three years starring in ‘Harry Potter And The Cursed Child’.
'Cake' – Image © Alexis Dlea Photography
Fan favourite ’24 Hour Party Playwright’ will make its return on the festival’s opening weekend. Six directors and a handful of actors will have 24 hours to come up with six brand-new plays. It’s an annual event and will run for one night only.
Week two sees ‘late night cult hit’ ‘Werewolves’, where night falls on the town of Millers Hollow and werewolves are stalking innocent villagers. It’s an immersive game of accusation, deceit, and murder.
Bondi Festival’s inaugural Pavilion Paw Parade will see a celebrity-led dog parade of canine comrades strut their stuff at the Bondi Pavilion. Four-legged guests can show up on the catwalk, or take part in a jungle of dog-themed art activities.
Award-winning performer Bron Batten will wrestle with love and war, and audiences can also check out world class circus, burlesque, and outrageous queer chaos in ‘Cake’.
The trash queen of cabaret Tash York performs in week three for ‘Happy Hour’: combining drag and cabaret in a way unlike any other.
Brisbane-based collective Pink Matter will bring ‘Betwixt’ to the stage as well – it’s a rallying cry for the street dancing community fusing spoken word and street dance to share stories of ruin and resilience.
Tickets are on sale now.
Bondi Festival is on from 30 June-16 July at Bondi Pavilion and surrounding venues.
