Travel to the Fringe

Skip the line, beat the heat, and dive into the magic early! KidsFringe is our FREE Festival within a Festival, created just for children 12 and under and their grown-ups. Expect:

• Live performances tailor-made for tots to tweens
• Creative workshops and hands-on play stations
• Sensory-friendly experiences
• Stroller parking and a quiet caregiver tent for those much-needed breathers

Pro tip: The earlier you come, the cooler (and less crowded) it is!

Grab lunch on the go from one of the many delicious food trucks on the main Festival Grounds — from gooey grilled cheese to fresh squeeze lemonade, we’ve got something everyone will love.

Prefer indoor dining? Step just off-site to Chianti Café, a long-time Fringe favourite with generous portions, kid-approved pasta, and a cozy atmosphere that welcomes the whole fam.

Let your imaginations run wild! Our Theatre for Young Audiences shows are created with curious kiddos in mind:

• Relaxed, interactive performances where wiggling, giggling, and gasping are part of the fun
• Shorter runtimes and playful storytelling
• Great for first-time theatre-goers and future stars alike

Why stop now? Flash your Fringe Festival ticket at Fort Edmonton Park or TELUS World of Science and get 10% off admission for the whole family — valid any time during August!

• Step back in time with a ride on the Streetcar at Fort Edmonton Park. We highly recommend visiting the Indigenous People’s Experience – an award-winning immersive exhibit that invites you to gather and explore life through the diversity of First Nations and Métis peoples.
• Spark curiosity with hands-on exhibits at TELUS World of Science. Don’t miss the cutting-edge, world-leading planetarium experience at the Zeidler Dome!

Tag @EdmontonFringe and use #FringingFamily and #YEGFringe to show us your day of play!

PS – did you know the Strathcona Public Library is smack in the middle of our Festival Grounds? Need to return those borrowed books, check out new ones, or just take a break from the heat? The Strathcona Branch has an excellent kids’ section! Or head over to the spray park at Strathcona Community League (located at 10139 87 Avenue) to run off some energy and cool down in the summer sun.

Ease into the afternoon with a walk down Whyte Avenue, Edmonton’s most eclectic, artsy strip.

• Discover hidden gems in independent boutiques
• Snap selfies in front of the more than 70 murals and street art installations in the area
• Grab an iced coffee (or bubble tea!) from a local café
• When hunger strikes, head to EPIC Market: five global cuisines, one stunning rooftop patio, and panoramic views of the Festival Grounds. It’s an elevated family dining experience — without the fuss.

The Fringe Grounds are where the action is!

• Watch chainsaw jugglers, fire eaters, and gravity-defying unicyclists wow the crowds at our outdoor street performance pitches
• Wander Artisan Alley for one-of-a-kind souvenirs (hello, hand-poured candles and cool earrings!)
• Stop by the larger-than-life Fringe letters next to ATB (McIntyre) Park to snap a sweet family pic

The food truck lineup is legendary — and there’s something for everyone in your crew. We firmly believe no Fringe Festival experience is complete without a green onion cake. Grab it to-go and get ready to…

With more than 200 shows on offer (tickets go on sale August 6!), you’re spoiled for choice.

• We’re the Netflix of live performance: 200+ shows, every genre imaginable, budget-friendly, and a schedule tailored for watching as much as you possibly can. But better, because the electricity of live theatre is unparalleled. Comedy, drama, circus, musicals, dance, magic — you name it — we’ve got something for everyone!
• Many shows are family-friendly or PG-rated (check our Festival Guide or online listings for helpful filters!)
• Tickets are affordable, so it’s easy to catch more than one show!

Pro tip: Teens especially love the wild, wacky, and weird (and so do we!) — don’t be afraid to take a chance on something unexpected!

Head to ATB Park for a FREE nightly concert featuring incredible local bands.

• ATB Park is fully licensed, so grown-ups can enjoy an ice-cold Sea Change brew
• Kids and teens can dance their hearts out up front
• Everyone wins!

Welcome to the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, where the weird is wonderful, the Artists are fearless, and every corner reveals a new surprise. Whether you’re here for laughs, spectacle, or your very first live theatre experience — this itinerary’s got you covered.

First-timer jitters? Forget ‘em. Our How to Fringe guide breaks down the need-to-knows:

• How to get here
• What to bring
• Where to start

It’s like a map and a pep talk rolled into one.

Located just outside the main entrance to the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns (10330 84 Avenue), ATB Community Patio is your one stop shop for all things Fringe! Look for the big smiles and even bigger energy.

• Our Fringe Volunteers will help you chart your course — whether you’re here to roam the outdoor shows or dive headfirst into theatre
• Get show recos, schedule help, and insider tips
• Free high fives included

Fast. Funny. Totally free.

Fringe Artists give you a lickety-split one-minute preview of their shows on the ATB Stage — think of it like theatre speed dating.

• Get a sneak peek of the weird, wild, and wonderful
• Build your show list while being wildly entertained
• Spoiler: You’ll laugh. A lot.

Step inside the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns and make your way to the Central Box Office.

• Book your first show (and trust us — you’ll want more)
• We’re the Netflix of live performance: 200+ shows, every genre imaginable, budget-friendly, and a schedule tailored for watching as much as you possibly can. But better, because the electricity of live theatre is unparalleled. Comedy, drama, circus, musicals, dance, magic — you name it — we’ve got something for everyone!
• Can’t decide? Ask a Volunteer at the Box Office to tell you what’s playing next at the closest venue. Or close your eyes, spin around three times, and plant a finger on the giant printed schedule. Or ask the person in line next to you for their “must-see” recommendation.

This is what you came for:

• Comedy, drama, musicals, circus, cabaret, clown, burlesque, magic, and so much more
• Most shows are 60 minutes, super affordable, and uniquely unforgettable
• You might laugh. You might cry. You will absolutely become a lifelong Fringer

After the curtain call, grab a glass of vino from Empson Wines and spill your thoughts with fellow Fringers.

• “What did it mean?”
• “Can you believe that ending?”
• “Let’s go see another one!”

Yes. Yes you can.

Yes, we have food trucks. Yes, they’re amazing. But if you want to go full-Fringe: Green onion cakes. With all the condiments. No substitutions, no regrets.

Catch a free set from some of Edmonton’s most electric Artists at the ATB Stage.

• It’s free
• It’s fabulous
• It’s a perfect way to ease into night mode

Still buzzing? Join us at the Sea Change Granite Club for the one, the only, the infamous: The Late Night Cabaret

• Absurd antics, hilarious hosts, live music, and unhinged surprises
• This is Fringe after dark
• Stay up way past your bedtime — it’s worth it

And the best part? You can do it all again tomorrow (or 11 days straight if you really want to…and we know you want to!).

Tag us @EdmontonFringe with #FirstTimeFringer #YEGFringe so we can relive the magic with you.

Fast. Funny. Totally free.

Fringe artists give you a lickety-split one-minute preview of their shows on the ATB Stage — think of it like theatre speed dating.

• Get a sneak peek of the weird, wild, and wonderful
• Build your show list while being wildly entertained

Spoiler: You’ll laugh. A lot.

Explore the streets of Old Strathcona like never before.

• Download the District Whyte Mural Map
• Discover 70+ vibrant murals, graffiti walls, and hidden street art
• It’s the perfect afternoon stroll — and your Insta grid will thank you

Got kiddos 12 and under? You’ve got a FREE pass to Fringe fun.

• Performances, hands-on crafts, sensory experiences, and more
• Find free stroller parking and a quiet caregiver’s tent
• It’s creative chaos (in the best possible way)

With more than 200 shows on offer, you’re spoiled for choice.

• We’re the Netflix of live performance: 200+ shows, every genre imaginable, budget-friendly, and a schedule tailored for watching as much as you possibly can. But better, because the electricity of live theatre is unparalleled. Comedy, drama, circus, musicals, dance, magic — you name it — we’ve got something for everyone!
• Regular tickets are affordable ($20 including fees), so it’s easy to catch more than one show!
• Want to see more shows on the cheap? Many performances offer Daily Discounts — check the Box Office for deals!

No ticket? No problem.

• Pull up a seat and watch the world go by — there’s always something happening
• Meet artists, enjoy pop-up performances, or get roped into a spontaneous game of giant Jenga
• Great for a midday breather or an all-afternoon hang

Every night, ATB Park comes alive with our Music Series — a showcase of Edmonton’s best local bands and performers.

• No ticket required
• Dance under the stars, drink in the vibes, and end your day with a bang
• This is Fringe at its chilliest

Tag your best budget-friendly moments @EdmontonFringe with #FringeOnABudget #YEGFringe — we might just shout you out!

Edmonton was named one of Lonely Planet’s Best Cities to Travel in 2025 — and the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival is the #1 reason why. Whether you’re here for the weekend or making a full vacation of it, this itinerary will help you Fringe like a local and fall in love with Edmonton along the way.

Stay where the Fringe lives:

• Varscona Hotel on Whyte or Metterra Hotel on Whyte
• Both are steps from the Festival Grounds
• Both offer hot Fringe discounts for savvy travelers like you

This isn’t just a street — it’s the cultural heartbeat of Edmonton.

• Indie shops, record stores, and vintage treasure troves
• Hip cafés and hidden bakeries
• Over 70+ murals, graffiti walls, and public art installations

Grab a Festival Guide from one of our indie retailers, then settle in at The Next Act patio with a craft brew and their award-winning burger to map out your Fringe fun

Make your way to ATB Park and catch Free for All — lightning-fast one-minute previews by Fringe artists performing live on the ATB Stage. It’s the perfect sampler platter before committing to a full show.

Then head to the Central Box Office (inside the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns) where our expert Volunteers will help you:

• Pick shows based on your interests
• Plan your schedule
• Make the most of your time at the Festival

With more than 200 shows on offer, you’re spoiled for choice.

• We’re the Netflix of live performance: 200+ shows, every genre imaginable, budget-friendly, and a schedule tailored for watching as much as you possibly can. But better, because the electricity of live theatre is unparalleled. Comedy, drama, circus, musicals, dance, magic — you name it — we’ve got something for everyone!
• Tickets are affordable ($20 including fees), so it’s easy to catch more than one show!
• Bonus tip: Want to see more shows on the cheap? Many performances offer Daily Discounts — check the Box Office for deals!

Fringe isn’t just a Festival — it’s a vibe.

• Swing by the Sea Change North Beer Tent to swap stories, sip local brews, and rub elbows with Fringe Artists (they’re easy to spot — larger than life and likely mid-monologue)

Then head to the French Quarter — one of our most iconic Fringe hubs – packed with shows, Artists, and with a completely different energy. Must-do’s:

• Split a plate of poutine at Café Bicyclette
• Catch an evening show at La Cite Francophone

Your Fringe trip doesn’t end at the Festival gates:

• Stroll or rent a bike to explore our lush River Valley (the largest urban parkland in Canada!)
• Flash your Fringe Festival ticket at Fort Edmonton Park or TELUS World of Science and get 10% off admission — valid any time during August!
• Sample Edmonton’s rising culinary scene (yes, the food is that good)

Wear Fringe home so you can tell all your friends about the fun you had.

• Pop by the Fringe Shop in the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns to stock up on your Fringe Festival swag: totes, magnets, tees, hats and more!

Tag @EdmontonFringe and use #FromAwayFringer #YEGFringe to share your cross-country (or globe-trotting!) Fringe journey.

Our ATB Community Patio Volunteers are a fount of Fringe knowledge.

• Think you know your Fringe lore? Put your knowledge to the test! ATB Community Patio Volunteers have fast Fringe facts at the ready.
• Answer the Fringe Question of the Day. Each day of fest, we pop a question up on the white board asking Fringers to weigh in on their favourite Festival memory, experience, or tip.
• Or, pop a squat on the Buddy Bench and meet a First Timer so you can share your worldly Fringe know-how with the next generation of Frequent Fringers

You already know where the beer tents are — but have you tried a curated wine at the Maclab Development Group Wine Tent? Or the Fringe Beer Tent Blonde Ale made exclusively for the 2025 Festival? Pro tip: it tastes better after your third show of the day.

One afternoon or evening, resist the urge to book in advance. Just…wander.

• Let the street performers guide you
• Let a costumed Artist pitch you
• Let the mood take you to that little venue you always skip

Because Fringe magic = risk + reward.

Yes, again. Because no two nights are ever the same.

• New acts. New chaos. New deeply questionable but unforgettable bits.
• Bring your pals. Or come alone and make five new ones.
• Ride the Streetcar in. Walk (or conga) out.

You’ve got the know-how. Spread it.

• Bring a First Timer
• Host a show-hopping night for friends
• Drop a hot tip at the ATB Community Patio
• Make a new Fringer. You’ll feel smug and generous.

Tag us at @EdmontonFringe. We’ll be watching #YEGFringe. And so will all the newbies hoping to Fringe like you someday.

Here’s to you, diehards. The Festival isn’t the same without you. See you at the beer tent.