The Rechabite’s Heart House program is once again set to bring special Fringe magic to audiences this summer, with a hand-picked selection of fourteen different shows offering music, circus, comedy, cabaret, burlesque, and more. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Fringe, the Northbridge venue is set to offer delicious food, sensational beverages and high-quality entertainment across four levels from Wednesday, January 21, to Sunday, February 15, with tickets on sale now. Natasha Paul caught up with The Rechabite’s Jessie Appleyard to find out more.
After a successful run last year, The Rechabite’s Heart House Fringe program is set to return for a huge 2026! Do you have any surprises in store for this year’s program?
It wouldn’t be Fringe at The Rechabite if we didn’t have a few surprises up our sleeve! Alongside jaw-dropping circus and cabaret, we’ve actually got a massive live music line-up ready to shake the hall this year! Then, you’ll want to make sure to check out your new go-to comedy hub in the Goodwill Basement Club with heaps of hilarious acts every night!
We’re also now open seven days, which makes Heart House your perfect pre- or post-show pit stop. Think free movie screenings, quiz nights, budget-friendly food and drink specials, and even disco DJ dinners in Double Rainbow to kick off your Fringe night right!
And if that’s not enough—how would you feel about the chance to win a double pass to every show at The Rechabite for a whole year? Grab a Heart House bingo card from one of our friendly team members and play your way to free drinks, fun merch, and show passes. Plus, go in the running to win the coveted Rechabite Golden Ticket. You want it? Heart House at The Rechabite has got it.
The Rechabite will house fourteen different hand-picked shows spanning music, circus, comedy, cabaret, burlesque, and more. What can attendees most look forward to this year compared to last year’s Heart House Fringe program?
This year feels really intentional. Every show has been hand-picked not just because it’s amazing, but because it belongs at The Rechabite. There’s a real sense of flow across the program—you can bounce from a show to a drink to a late-night party without ever needing to leave the building. We’ve leant hard into high energy this year, with some massive live music moments, more comedy, and more reasons to stick around after the curtain call. It’s less about rushing between venues and more about settling in for the night and letting your evening unfold in whichever magical way it takes you.
The Rechabite is set to introduce new acts to the Fringe stage this summer, including 27 Club, a live music event featuring some of Australia’s top rock icons, and Hubba Hubba, where circus meets club culture! Can you tell us more about these new additions?
Absolutely—these are two of our big mood-setters this season!
27 Club is a live music love letter to rock mythology. Featuring some of Australia’s incredible rock icons, including Sarah McLeod (The Superjesus), 27 Club is the no-brainer choice for rock ‘n’ roll die-hards to salute and celebrate the fated members of the 27 Club. We guarantee you’ll be singing along to all your fave songs from the get-go!
Brought to you by the Briefs babes, Hubba Hubba is the perfect late-night party haven for hedonists and heartthrobs alike. It’s sparkly havoc in heels, where circus meets club culture in a sweaty, high-energy, very much not sit-down-and-clap-politely situation. Hubba Hubba is the dance party you’ll want to be kicking on to every Friday and Saturday night this Fringe.
Attendees can also expect to see returning favourites like the History of House show, featuring the multi-Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir and DJ Terminator. What makes this act so special to the Heart House Fringe program?
History of House is genuinely one of those shows that moves people in the most joyful way. The energy these performers bring is effervescent, powerful, emotional, and completely unparalleled. It’s the kind of show where you come for the music and leave feeling something bigger. The blend of gospel vocals, dance music, and storytelling is magic, and it really captures what Heart House is about—connection, community, and just how special creative energy can be when it’s shared.
This year, attendees can also catch world-class comedy in the basement at Goodwill Club, with eight acts performing. What are your favourite comedy acts hitting the stage this season?
This is like asking us to pick a favourite child! But seriously, you’re really spoilt for choice down there. The Goodwill Club lineup is stacked with sharp, clever comedians ranging from big names to rising stars. You might find yourself recognising Pete Rowsthorn from Kath & Kim, Sam Taunton from The Project, Alex Ward from Have You Been Paying Attention?, or even David Correos from Taskmaster!
The Rechabite knows how to hold a Fringe party—what makes it one of the best venues to experience all that Fringe has to offer?
The Rechabite is basically a palace of surprise and delight. With multiple levels, you can always find the right vibe for whatever mood you’re in. There are world-class shows, delicious eats, a perfect rooftop bar, great music, prizes to win, and that unmistakable feeling that you’ve landed somewhere special.
You don’t just see a show at The Rechabite; you hang out here. Heart House feels like your home in the heart of Fringe—your meeting point at the start of the night and your Uber pick-up point at the end. You can get it all under one roof, and we genuinely can’t wait to welcome everyone to this extra-special season!
The Rechabite’s Heart House program runs from Wednesday, January 21, to Sunday, February 15, 2026. Tickets are on sale now from therechabite.com.au
