5 Reasons Why the Edmonton Fringe Festival Rules

The Edmonton Fringe Festival has returned for the 37th year. Here’s a few things to know before heading to festival:

• Held August 16-26, 2018 at a series of venues throughout Old Strathcona. Check out gate entrance locations here.
• This year’s theme is “Fringe’0’Saurus Rex” (awesome).
• Its the largest and oldest of its kind in all of North America. Fringin’ since ’82, baby.
• Parking is limited so leave the car at home and walk, bike or hop on transit!

And now BEHOLD! Here are five reasons why the Edmonton Fringe Festival rules. 

1. Free entry.

???? Happy Pride, Edmonton! Catch us in the parade alongside @oldstrathcona and our beloved theatre community. Enjoy a safe and joyous pride, everyone! #yegpride #yegfringe

A post shared by Fringe Theatre (@edmontonfringe) on Jun 9, 2018 at 8:42am PDT

Yeah dawg, you read that right. Free entry. You’re more than welcome to wander the festival grounds, explore the vendors and take in the street performers, however indoor theatre shows are ticketed. Prices range from $10-$13 plus a $3 service charge. Just remember to pick up your tickets before the show!

2. Daily discount. 

Festival Guides are now on sale! With 227 shows, and more than 1,600 performances to choose from, there are an infinite number of ways to live large at #yegfringe. Grab your guide from @tixonthesquare, @audreysbooks, and #yeg @safeway, @sobeys, and @chaptersindigo locations.

A post shared by Fringe Theatre (@edmontonfringe) on Aug 1, 2018 at 2:06pm PDT

Each day, tickets to a select number of shows receive a huge discount. Check out the sweet daily deals on the Edmonton Fringe Festival blog.

3. So. Many. Shows. 

The Fringe offers shows for everyone. There’s comedies, dramas, improv, musicals, burlesque, stand up and even a show with Pam Poovey of Archer! Well, the actress that voices her. Check out Bryce Kelley’s interview with Amber Nash here. With 228 shows to choose from, there’s something for everyone!

4. Beer gardens. 

Come festival time, our 1,200 volunteers fill 15 different teams. From welcoming guests to selling tickets to slinging beer and so much more, our festival is powered by people who are dedicated to giving back to their community. Thank you – we can’t do what we do without you! #nvw2018

A post shared by Fringe Theatre (@edmontonfringe) on Apr 18, 2018 at 9:16am PDT

The Fringe beer gardens are something special. Find them nestled under one of the huge trees in Old Strathcona, with lights strung throughout the branches. It’s the perfect place to hang out after a show and sip on a Big Rock with old friends and new.

5. Kids Fringe too! 

Wowza! Nearly 400 artists applied to be a part of the 2018 #yegfringe. This coming Monday, November 27 at 7pm MST in the @atbfinancial Arts Barns Lobby, we will draw the 100+ shows that will find homes in our 10 Fringe operated lottery venues. Each show selected receives approximately $8,000 in support, including staging, lighting, technicians, and more. It's kinda big deal. So, grab a beer, pull up a chair, and join us to celebrate the incredible artists who will bring their best to the fest this summer. Can't be there in person? Stay tuned to our Facebook page and Twitter feed for live play by plays. #yegtheatre #yegarts #oldstrathcona #exploreedmonton

A post shared by Fringe Theatre (@edmontonfringe) on Nov 22, 2017 at 12:39pm PST

Kids Fringe is held at the Strathcona Community League (10139 – 87 Avenue) daily from 10:30-5:30pm and 10:30-8pm on August 23-24. Toddlers to tweens are invited to participate in performances, crafts, reading and play at Kid Fringe. With spaces for newborns and a Theatre for Young Audiences, the entire family will have a blast at the Edmonton Fringe Festival.

Check out the list of Fringe shows brought to you by SONiC 102.9 and Rapid Fire Theatre here.