We here at Edmonton Fringe see the relentless efforts of our neighbours operating under the most challenging circumstances. We see their dedication to keeping patrons safe and cared for. We see their tireless community spirit. The past year-plus has truly reaffirmed how lucky we are to live, work, and create in Old Strathcona.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival and we wouldn’t be here without our neighbours and supporters.
As part of the Old Strathcona Business Association, we wanted to reach out to the community and talk to our fellow members to see what they are doing during Fringe this year. We believe that an essential part of fringing is spending time in Old Strathcona, so we want to actively encourage fringers to safely eat, shop, explore, and adventure in our neighbourhood this summer.
OSBA Neighbors Doing Something Fringe-y Right Now
Check out what our Old Strathcona Neighbors are doing for our Fringe Theatre Event this year:
ATB Old Strathcona Branch (8008 104 St NW)
We couldn’t make a blog about amazing Old Strathcona businesses without mentioning our Lead Partner and Sponsor ATB. They have a branch in the heart of Old Strathcona and many of their Arts and Culture Branch clients are a part of our festival every year.
They are doing several giveaways in ATB Park during the festival that vary from ATB swag and gift cards from local businesses.
So come out and check out the performances and you might go home with some local business swag.
Social: @atbfinancial
Website: https://www.atb.com/personal/
Bike Edmonton
Fringe is the best place for discovering the next big act, absorbing sweet tunes in the park, and… tuning up our bikes?
Well, why not! Bike Edmonton is providing tune-up service outside the Kick Point Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre on Friday, August 20, 5 pm to 8 pm.
Roll on by! Thanks for this fab addition to everything on offer at Fringe, Bike Edmonton.
Social: @bikeedmonton
Website: https://bikeedmonton.ca/
Boocha (10023 81 Ave NW)
A new iconic beverage makes its way to the Fringe grounds: Kombucha by Boocha. Boocha is brewed right in Old Strathcona and is now being served on-site and at the Fringe Grounds Café.
Social: @boochayeg
Website: https://boocha.ca/what-is-boocha/
Chianti Restaurant & Cafe (10501 82 Ave NW)
Chianti is one of Fringe’s oldest friends. They’ve been a sponsor with us since the beginning and continue to support our volunteers, staff, and artists throughout the year.
We recommend stopping by and checking out their pasta frenzy on Monday’s and Tuesday’s!
Website: http://www.chianticafe.ca/chianti-old-strathcona—specials.html
Dyberg Insurance (10754 82 Ave NW)
We wanted to give a special shoutout to our friends at Dyberg who supported us through the pandemic and operate out of Old Strathcona. Thank you, Dyberg Insurance!
Website: http://www.excelrisk.ca/dyberg-insurance-excel-insurance-group-south-edmonton/
Edmonton Public Library – Strathcona Branch (8331 104 St NW)
KidsFringe had to be put on pause this year due to safety mitigations meaning that there are no kids activities as part of Fringe itself. Our friends at EPL have set up some family activities (craft packs, colouring sheets, window decorating) during the Event in the Children’s area for families to stop by after (or before) visiting the Vanta Group Youth Stage.
There might also be opportunities to do decorate the sidewalk in front of the library with chalk.
Go check it out: https://bit.ly/3AHas5e
Edmonton Radial Railway Society (8408 Gateway Blvd NW)
A tradition as old as Fringe itself, the streetcar is running during the Fringe Event. You can board the streetcar at the marked tent next to the volunteer patio and ride across the North Saskatchewan River.
This is a great chance to see the sites and get a great view from the top of the High-Level Bridge.
Website: http://www.edmonton-radial-railway.ab.ca/
Element Outfitters (8222 Gateway Blvd NW)
Drop by their store located in Old Strathcona, right in the heart of all our Event’s action.
When you show them your ticket you will be entered to win a $50 gift card! Go check it out!
Social: @elementsoutfitters (Instagram)
Website: https://www.elementoutfitters.com/
Eyemazy Iris Photo Inc. (10516 82 Ave)
Eyemazy is offering a Fringe Special! No charge addition of artistic effect on your photo: Two artistic effects to choose from (explosion or bubbles). They are having extended hours for the duration of Fringe.
They wanted to pass along that were vendors at Fringe in 2019 and loved every minute of it!
Stop into their pop-up shop at 10516 82 Ave between August 12-22 and have a photo taken of your eye! “Let us show you your own eye in beautiful detail!”
Social: eyemazy.photo (Facebook)/eyemazy (Instagram)
Website: www.eyemazy.com
The Grindstone Theatre (10019 81 Ave NW)
The Grindstone Theatre is back as one of our 2021 BYOV’s (Bring Your Own Venue). Big love to our local comedy theatre.
Performance listings: Theatre & Studio
Website: https://www.grindstonetheatre.ca/
John Fluevog Shoes (10330 82and ave NW)
John Fluevog Shoes is hosting a $200 in-store draw from August 12-22. Go to their location or check out the website.
Connect with them on social: #fluevog #JohnFluevogShoes
Website: www.fluevog.com
The Next Act (8224 104 St NW)
Did you know that you can catch the Late Night Cabaret at the Next Act? The Next Act team is live streaming all four of the sold-out Late Night Cabaret events and the writer’s row will be sitting in the big booth at the back.
Connect with them on social: @nextactpub
Website: https://www.nextactpub.com/
Old Strathcona Arts Emporium (10309 82 Ave)
The Old Strathcona Arts Emporium has created a big Fringe decor window display. Additionally, they will be hosting special discounts during this year’s Fringe.
Connect with them on social: @sconaartsemporium
Website: https://www.sconaemporium.ca/
Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre (8426 Gateway Blvd NW)
Named Kick Point Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre during the 2021 Fringe, our neighbouring performing arts centre is filled with Fringe shows this year for you to explore.
Performance listings: Theatre
Website: https://oldstrathconaarts.com/
Palette Cafe (10047 80 Ave NW)
The Palette Cafe is doing a special fringe-themed drink! This amazing drink will be available during the Fringe event from the 12th to the 22nd. Go check it out!
Connect with them on social: @palettelocal on both Facebook and Instagram
Website: www.palettelocal.com
Rooster Kitchen (10732 82 Ave NW)
Looking for a bite to eat? Those who support the Fringe will get buy one burger get a second for 50% off! During the whole fringe festival during regular business hours. Just show donation sticker or show ticket.
Connect with them on social: @rooster_kitchen (Instagram)/Rooster Cafe and Kitchen (Facebook)
Learn more: www.roosterkitchen.ca
Sugared & Spiced (Rear, 10334 82 Ave NW)
Sugared & Spiced is open during the Fringe right next to our grounds.
They are always an amazing supporter of everything Fringe and their treats are to die for.
Also, we’ve heard that their tarts are an excellent post-Fringe snack.
Social: @sugaredandspiced (Instagram)
Learn more: https://www.sugaredandspiced.ca/
Unbelts (9909 72 Ave NW)
Our friends at Unbelts created our iconic Fringe Masks by Unbelts that are available at the store. They also provided gifts for our volunteers to thank them for making the Fringe possible this year.
They are located just off Whyte Avenue and are both ethical and sustainable in their practices. Their contributions to the Fringe this year helps us reduce our waste and get one step closer to becoming more sustainable.
Social: @unbelts
Website: https://unbelts.ca/
Varscona Theatre Alliance (10329 83 Ave NW)
The Varscona Theatre returns as a Fringe venue at this year’s Event.
This was also one of the previous homes of Fringe theatre. Keep your eyes out for a brand new city walking tour coming your way where this amazing story is told.
Performance listings: Theatre
Website: https://www.varsconatheatre.com/
Wee Book Inn (10310 82 Ave NW)
Wee Book Inn is taking advantage of the @cityofedmonton Temporary Outdoor Retail Program to bring you a sidewalk sale at their Whyte Avenue location!
Go browse their sale bins while you’re out enjoying the Fringe. Long time customers will remember the epic summer garage sales they used to have out back at our Whyte Ave location. The back alley isn’t quite as accessible as it used to be, so they’ve moved the tradition out front!
Their sidewalk sale continues all through the Fringe Event!
Connect with them on social: @weebookinn
Website: https://www.weebookinn.com/
Thank you!
Did we miss your Fringe-y promotion or idea? Want to be a part of this blog? Reach out at reanna.pilkington@fringetheatre.ca.
What happens here in Edmonton doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world. It’s going to be a long road back to the Edmonton Fringe experience we’ve built together over the past four decades.
Will you help support the future of Edmonton Fringe? Your gift will help us imagine what’s possible for the next 40 years for fringing.
Thank you for caring, thank you for the last 40 years, and thank you for supporting the future of Fringe.