History
We’ve been fringing since 1982!
Explore our Timeline
We’ve been fringing for a long time, and there are many (many!) more years to come. Take a look at what we’ve been up to the last 40+ years.
1982: A Fringe Theatre Event
In 1982, Chinook Theatre’s artistic director Brian Paisley received $50,000 from Edmonton’s Summerfest to put together “A Fringe Theatre Event” in Edmonton’s Old Strathcona District. Inspired by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Scotland, the Edmonton Fringe (the first in North America) offered 200 live performances in five theatre venues.
1983: Return of the Fringe
Returning from our humble first year, Edmonton was ready for Round 2.
2020: The Fringe That Never Was
The 2020 Edmonton International Fringe Festival (scheduled for August 13 to 23, 2020) was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the only time the Festival has been cancelled since its inception.
2021: Together We Fringe
Fringe turned 40! We’re over the hill! This year we celebrated with a brand new stage in McIntyre Park.
