The Famous Augathella Spiegeltent Is Relocating From Wynnum To New Farm

The iconic Augathella Spiegeltent has seen a lot in its time. It once called the small town of Augathella home when it was born in 2009, before making the move to Wynnum in 2013. And now, the Belgian-designed, Australian-made tent is planting its roots at Brisbane Powerhouse.

We don’t use the iconic word lightly—it truly has reached icon status in Brisbane. Half Spiegeltent, half shearing shed, it seats up to 300 punters with all kinds of talent taking the stage, including renowned comedians like Lizzy Hoo and Arj Barker.

The Augethalla Spiegeltent will join Brisbane Powerhouse's fleet of venues in New Farm. It comes as part of the Powerhouse’s ongoing investment into its riverside precinct, an expansion to Brisbane’s entertainment industry and marks an exciting addition to the Brisbane Powerhouse’s stacked annual program.

“Brisbane Powerhouse is one of our city's great cultural destinations,” says Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. “More capacity means more opportunities for artists and more nights out for audiences in Australia's lifestyle capital.”

Image credit: Augathella Spiegeltent | Supplied

Tom Oliver, artistic director of Tom Oliver Productions which is behind seven Wynum Fringe festivals and the inaugural Queensland Fringe, adds: “What makes this next chapter so exciting is that we can finally use this incredible venue for what it was built to do, host performing artists and audiences throughout the year.”

With a new location comes a fresh new look. We’re told it’s all about contrast, the new meeting the old: a gloss black façade, illuminated signage and clean architectural lines will be set against the existing rustic corrugated iron exteriors. Inside, new crimson velvet and black vinyl flooring will adorn the shed. The redesign is in good hands, led by set and event designer Bruce McKinven who’s previously led theatre and dance companies and major festival sites such as Brisbane Powerhouse’s Night Feast and Hobart’s Dark Mofo.

For avid goers to the Wynnum Fringe, have no fear, the festival is here to stay and will continue on strong, while the cultural gem that is Augathella Spiegeltent will soon be the home to Queensland Fringe from July 2027 in light of the relocation.

Construction has been underway since early September and the Augethalla Spiegeltent is set to open October 2026 in time to host Melt Festival and Brisbane Writers Festival.

Image credit: Augathella Spiegeltent | Supplied