The Edmonton International Fringe Festival kicks off on August 13, beginning the annual 11-day whirlwind of buskers, street performers, artisans, vendors, and live theatre performances.
The largest and longest-running fringe festival in north America, the Edmonton Fringe is marking its 34th year — themed SupercaliFRINGEilistic! — with a whopping 203 shows. They are chosen by an unbiased lottery system and uncensored by the festival, which always results in a mixed bag of performances. This year’s lineup, which includes comedies, dramas, musicals, improvisation, solo shows, clowns, and burlesque, is sure to have something for everyone. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the options, a comprehensive program guide is available for $10 to help you plan your time at the Fringe.
The shows are held in 41 different venues, many of which are acquired and outfitted by the artists. Some of the more unusual ones include a library, a billiard club, a bookstore, a hostel, and a parkade.
Tickets for the performances are on sale now, and the maximum you’ll shell out for a show is $16 (including the $3 service charge). Tickets can be bought online (fringetheatre.ca), by phone (780-409-1910), or in person at the Fringe box office in the ATB Financial Arts Barns (10330-84 Ave.) and various satellite box offices that will open for the duration of the festival. You can also buy tickets using their newly released app for iOS and Android. Looking for a bargain? Marked down tickets are available each day at the festival’s Daily Discount booth.
Not interested in paying for a show? Much of the Fringe can be enjoyed for free! There is no entrance fee to the festival, and everyone is welcome to enjoy the vibrant outdoor performances and quirky buskers, or browse the artisans, vendors, food trucks, and beer gardens (featuring the Fringe-inspired Warthog ale by Big Rock Brewery).
This year, the KidsFringe will have an opening ceremony on August 14 at 10:30 am with performer Ross Vegas, acrobats, clowns, the Edmonton Eskimos Cheer Team, and a parade lead by a nine-foot-tall Mary Poppins — honouring this year’s SupercaliFRINGEilistic! theme. Located at the North end of the Old Strathcona Fringe site, the KidsFringe offers a wide range of storytelling, theatre, music, magicians, puppeteers, crafts, and games for children up to age 12, and their parents or caregivers. For more information about the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, running August 13-23, visit fringetheatre.ca.
—Georgia Ashworth
