The Fringe Bar

Bar and stage · Wellington Te Aro

Comedy several nights a week, karaoke, live music and cabaret: the Fringe Bar near Courtenay Place is not a gay bar as such, but one of the city’s most open stages, with many events for a queer audience.

• ★ 4.3 on Google (679)
• Comedy
• Karaoke
• daily until 4 am

Address

26–32 Allen Street, Te Aro
Wellington 6011

Opening hours

daily 9.30 am–4 am

Crowd

mixed, queer and arts-minded, mostly 25–45

Flirt factor

low to medium

Programme

Comedy, karaoke, live music, cabaret and poetry, dates on the website

What makes the Fringe Bar special

The Fringe Bar is near Courtenay Place, Wellington’s nightlife strip. Comedy and karaoke are the topics most often mentioned in reviews, plus live music, cabaret and poetry. Many events are aimed directly at a queer audience.

There is food too, and thanks to very long opening hours, the Fringe Bar is a good place to go at almost any time.

Atmosphere and crowd

The crowd is mixed and arts-minded. Guests call the bar an insider tip with warm staff and appreciate that no chart music is played. It is busiest on show nights and at weekends.

Contact

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Sources: thefringebar.co.nz, Google reviews (4.3 stars, 679 reviews). Opening hours, prices and programme may change, please check before visiting.