Read on to learn more and help make the most of your time at Destination Fringe!

Join us on a journey through…

1. What is Fringe?
2. How do I Fringe?
3. What Can I Do at Fringe?
4. What Should I Pack?
5. What’s New This Year?
6. What Else?

What is Fringe?

Fringe is a unique, evolving Edmonton experience filled with adventure around every corner. Fringe Theatre was born of a revolution; a grass roots, Do-it-Yourself movement that cultivates ongoing collisions between community and art. The Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival was founded in 1982 on the power of story, by allowing artists to perform and create unique productions ‘on the fringe’ of the arts scene. Since exploding onto the scene in 1982, we’ve been home to artistic risk thanks to tens of thousands of artists & volunteers, and millions of fringers who’ve build this Festival.

The Edmonton Fringe Festival is the largest, longest running Fringe Theatre Festival in North America. As an event with international presence, we rank among the top 5 Fringe Festivals in the world, alongside Edinburgh, Scotland and Adelaide, Australia.

How do I Fringe?

There’s no one way to fringe. Fringing is about escaping into the unknown, taking creative risks, and blazing your own trail. It’s a beat-your-own-drum, lead-your-own-parade kind of thing. Once you’re here, you can’t go wrong. Read on to learn about what you can do at Fringe and start fringing YOUR way.

What Can I Do at Fringe?

Fringe Indoors

Theatre is an exchange. A living, breathing story shared among people. At Fringe Theatre, we believe in the the power of story. Storytelling strengthens communities and crosses divides. It is a starting point, a journey, a celebration. Wit more than 160 indoor theatre shows, there’s something for everyone! If you’re looking for a full listing of shows and schedules, check out our Schedules & Maps page!

Are you ready to purchase a ticket? Visit tickets.fringetheatre.ca to order to tickets. Tickets go on sale 12Noon on August 3!

You’ll need to purchase a ticket to enter any indoor theatre performance. Artists set their own ticket price, and 100% of that ticket price goes directly to the artists. As a charitable organization, Fringe Theatre charges a service fee of up to $3 per ticket to support basic Festival operations. This ensures we continue to amplify artists’ stories by providing them with the infrastructure they need to share their art with you. When you purchase a ticket, consider it an investment in the arts! Need some additional information about buying tickets? Visit our Box Office Info page!

Theatre is a magical and transportive experience. Artists put their blood, sweat, and yes, even tears, into their show. Show your appreciation by silencing your cellphone, dimming your screens, and putting away all recording devices. Photos and videos during performances are prohibited.

Also, if you see something amazing, shout it out! Tell your friends, post on social, and let the artists know you loved their show. 

Tip: Don’t forget to visit the restroom before you arrive! Check your ticket to make sure you arrive on time and at the right venue (with a jam-packed Festival, we run a tight ship and our indoor shows do not allow latecomers). We recommend getting to your venue 30 minutes early, because when you’re fringing, you never know what kind of adventures may hold you up.

Fringing Outdoors

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and individual Fringe donors like you, our outdoor Festival events and activities are FREE. Check out the schedule of amazing performers on our Schedules & Maps page!

Looking for other events? Visit our Special Events page for exciting additions to your fringing experience!

Whether you’re here for a quick visit or a full day of fringing, we have plenty of amazing vendors who enliven all five sense with tasty treats and handmade keepsakes.

Kids Fringe

The perfect place for our littlest travellers! Be sure to bring along your kids, grandkids, cousins, and neighbours to KidsFringe. Bonus: It’s FREE! Visit our KidsFringe page to learn more about what there is to see and do!

Holdover Series

Did you miss the show everyone’s raving out? Fear not, intrepid fringer! A few of our favourite Fringe shows are held-over after the Festival for a special run form Wednesday, August 24 to Saturday, August 27. Shows are announced and tickets go on sale at 12Noon on Friday, August 19 at all Box Offices.

Stay tuned for more info coming soon!

Fringe Online: FringeTV Livestreams 

Not ready to make a comeback just yet? Rather fringe from the comfort of your own home? We get it. Fringe TV is jam-packed with on-demand and livestream entertainment options so you can safely Fringe from your side of the screen wherever you comfortably find yourself in the world. 

We’ll be livestreaming throughout the Festival and have a full collection of on-demand videos to check out at any time!

Audio Tour 

We have something fringe-y in store for you. Developed in 2021 in partnership with Story City, this Audio Tour is an audio tour of historical Fringe locations and stories. Both an amazing way to walk around the Old Strathcona neighbourhood and retrace the steps of Fringe’s history!  Written by our own beloved Office Manager, unofficial Fringe historian, and lauded Fringe playwright Gerald Osborn. Learn more on our Audio Tour blog post! 

Patio Time

No summer is complete without a stop at one of the Fringe Festival patios! We have four patio locations on site, including our ATB Community Patio, which is located in the heart of the Fringe grounds and the perfect place to chat with our passionate Volunteers about how to make the most of your Fringe.

Experiencing Old Strathcona

Since exploding onto the scene in 1982, we’ve been home to artistic risk thanks to the tens of thousands of artists and volunteers, and millions of fringers who’ve built this Festival. We’re proud to call Old Strathcona home. Remember: show your love to this community by putting litter in the bins, keeping noise down (especially late at night), and considering how you commute to site. If you’re looking for information about how to get to Fringe, visit our Getting Here page!

What Should I Pack?

• Hat: A good good is the perfect shade from the hot summer sun and is a great reminder to toss some cash & coins into outdoor performers’ hats.
• Water Bottle: Edmonton summers are fickle. A water bottle, sunscreen, sweater (and maybe even an umbrella or dare we say it…mittens?!) come in handy when the weather turns. Visit our ATB Community Patio for a break and to chat with Volunteers about making the most of your Fringe.
• Festival Guide: If you’re looking to bump up your Fringe experience, considering getting yourself a Fringe Festival Guide! This is the key to all there is to see and do at Fringe. With more than 160 shows across 27 venues, outdoor stages, patios, and vendors, the fringing possibilities are endless. Looking to get a Festival Guide? Click here to learn more!
• Map: What’s an adventure without a map? Visit our Schedules & Maps page or talk with any of our friendly Volunteers when you visit the site.
• Wear casual clothing with layers: Some theatre venues do not have air conditioning, so wearing light clothing is helpful. However, when the sun isn’t shining it can get chilly, so make sure to bring long sleeves to keep you warm when the evening rolls around. Forget your warm wear? Our Fringe Shop has you covered! Find us onsite or online.
• Comfortable, supportive shoes: The main site spans across six city blocks. Venues hosting theatre shows are located through the Old Strathcona neighbourhood, French Quarter, and beyond. Wear comfy shoes and give yourself lots of time to walk, roll, or hop between venues.
• A sense of adventure: Fringing is all about taking a risk. Be random. Pick a show, any show. Let fun by your guide. No matter the experience, you’ll have a great story at the end of it, we promise.

Looking for more ideas of what to pack and leave behind? Visit our Plan Your Trip page!

What’s New this Year

Been to Fringe before but wondering what’s happening this year? We’re always bringing new and exciting updates to site.

The Return of KidsFringe!

No matter your age, Fringe is your destination to learn, play, grow, make new friends, and try new things. We’re proud to announce that after a two-year hiatus, KidsFringe is BACK! Located north of the main site in Light Horse Park (10324 85 Ave NW), this Festival within a Festival is a special oasis just for our littlest fringers and their caregivers. Jam-packed with FREE family fun, KidsFringe invites you to fringe to your fullest (even if that means getting your Fringe on before nap time).

The pêhonân Series

pêhonân is a Nêhiyawêwin word meaning “meeting place” or a “waiting place.” Featuring Indigenous talent local to Treaty 6, pêhonân is part of Fringe Theatre’s ongoing commitment to centering and uplifting Indigenous nations and providing opportunities to Indigenous artists. Featuring performances on the ATB Outdoor Stage, in the beautiful ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ Indigenous Art Park, and around the TeePee in the heart of the Festival grounds.

E-ticketing

Have you heard the news?! E-ticketing is finally here, fringers! Snag your tickets online anytime at tv.fringetheatre.ca, lace up those fringing shoes, grab your smartphone, and head straight to the venue to have your e-ticket scanned. No need to stop by a Box Office before your show (unless you don’t have a smartphone with you or you’re someone who loves collecting ticket stubs, in which case we’ll happily print your ticket at the nearest Box Office location).

Inclusive Ticket Price

Artists set the price of the ticket and receive 100% of that ticket price. As a charitable organization, Fringe Theatre charges a service fee of up to $3 per ticket to support basic Festival operations. This ensures we continue to amplify artists’ stories by providing them with the infrastructure they need to share their art with you. New this year, we’re listing an inclusive ticket price in the Festival Guide and online. This price includes the ticket price set by the artist PLUS the service fee. What you see is what you pay at the Box Office!

Construction in the Area

What’s Edmonton without a little summertime road construction? The city will be doing some road work in the area during our Festival, so please be sure to check ahead for any traffic or road conditions that might make getting to your venue or finding parking a little more difficult. Want to learn about alternative transportation options? Visit our Getting Here page for more info!

ATB Outdoor Stage in ATB Park

You know us…we love to go big! In 2021, we levelled up the ATB Outdoor Stage to be larger, taller, and on the other side of ATB Park. It was such a fun success, we’re excited to bring it back again this year! Featuring an electric lineup of outdoor performances, live music, and plenty of surprises to keep those hands clapping and jaws dropping! Catch the action in ATB Park (located in McIntyre Park on 104 Street & 83 Ave).

What Else Should I Know?

COVID Considerations

As a charitable arts organization passionate about live events and the magic of gathering, we do what we can to protect the health and wellbeing of fringers to the best of our ability. The Edmonton Fringe Festival is a mask-friendly environment. Fringers are enthusiastically supported in their choice to wear a mask. Rigorous sanitization practices remain in place in all Fringe-operated venues. Reminder: If you’re not feeling well, please head on home.

Accessibility

We strive to make theatre accessible for everyone. We are continually working with our community to remove barriers and find solutions so everyone can fringe to their fullest. That means listening, learning, and adopting. If you’re looking for accessibility support available on site and accessibility information for venues, please visit our Accessibility page.

Fringing Year-Round

The Festival is 11 days of activites but we are home to arts 365 days a year. We honour the expanding definition of community and aim to build meaningful relationships with anyone interested in collaboration and artistc growth. To see what we get up to year-round, keep an eye on our website (which you’ve found if you’re reading this so you’re in the right place!). From an eclectic season of new work presented by local artists to more than 500 community, professional, and touring performances, the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns is your year-round home for performing arts.

Fringe Grounds Cafe

C’mon by for a fresh cuppa coffee! Located just inside the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns lobby, Fringe Grounds Cafe is serving up light refreshments 10AM-4PM every day of the Festival.

Want to get your fix of caffeine and creativity outside of Festival? Throughout the year, Fringe Grounds is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11AM-8PM weekly in the lobby of the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns. You’re invited to eat, meet, and create in this loiter-positive space. Learn more on the Fringe Grounds Cafe website (cafe.fringetheatre.ca).

Social Media

When you’re fringing, you never know what wild adventure you might encounter. Follow us to keep up to date on the latest event, tips, behind-the-scenes news, and sneak peaks. Join in the #YEGFringe conversation!

Looking for your golden chance to win? Follow us on social media and answer our daily clues (don’t forget to add #ATBGoldenTicket #YEGFringe)! You could win 100 Festival show tickets, VIP parking, and more thanks to our incredible Lead Partner & Sponsor ATB! Enter to win August 3 – August 19, 2022. 

We are Edmonton-grown and Edmonton’s own. We exist because theatre exists. What exists here during the 11 days of Festival doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world.

When you support Fringe Theatre, you ensure artists continue doing what they do best: entertain, challenge, and wow you.

Visit fringetheatre.ca/give to learn how your gift supports artists and our creative community.

Thank you for supporting the future of Fringe.