The city’s vibrant arts district is getting that much busier this summer, especially with Edmonton’s 44th annual Fringe Festival right around the corner!
Each year, this festival spotlights dozens of theatre productions across several venues, featuring artists from Edmonton and around the globe. To date, this acts as North America’s largest, longest-running Fringe Theatre Festival with live theatre both indoors and outdoors, available to everyone.
From Aug. 14 to 24, this festival will take over the heart of the city, Old Strathcona, for 11 days. With non-stop performances, opportunities for artists, and endless fun, check out this year’s exciting festival theme, A Fringe Full of Stars.
There is so much to do at the Fringe, so let’s get started.
What to expect
The Fringe Festival has a variety of different ways people can celebrate. They offer their indoor shows, outdoor shows, and their KidsFringe for the smaller fans.
For indoor shows, the tickets range from $9 to $20. Some shows offer special pricing for seniors, students, and children. The outdoor shows and activities, however, are all free.
Not sure which shows to check out? No worries, the festival is offering live previews of some of their indoor shows.
Visitors are invited to attend a Free-For-All in ATB Park, where they can watch artists perform short teasers of their shows on the ATB Stage for those interested. At 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 15, 16 and 17, guests can witness these live previews to decide which show is a must-see.
The Fringe will be featuring shows Cliona’s Wave, BRAIN, the Grindstone’s King of the Hill, and many more exciting performances.
Whether it’s comedy and circus or music and magic, their main Festival Grounds are bustling from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the festival. Guests can also check out the beer and wine tent for a refreshing beverage. Not to mention, the official Fringe merchandise and artisan vendors are throughout the four square city blocks in the heart of Old Strathcona.
This year, guests are invited to step inside “Whose Land Are You On?”, a tipi installation featuring a large pre-contact map of Turtle Island. Through interactive stations and reflection prompts, guests can explore the Nations, languages, and land-based histories.
Indigenous programming will be featured throughout the festival, on outdoor stages, in theatre venues, at KidsFringe, and within the Artisan Alley, to highlight and celebrate Indigenous ways of knowing.
Throughout these 11 days, the festival invites everyone to celebrate the rich and vibrant theatre community the city has created for today. Don’t miss it this year, check it out and Fringe!
When: Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, to Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025
Where: Old Strathcona and other various locations
Time: Various times
Cost: $9+
Tickets
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