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Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Arts & Entertainment Festivals Performing Arts, Festivals [Edit]
10330 - 84 AveEdmonton, AB T6E 2G9
(780) 448-9000
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
15 reviews for Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
15 reviews in English
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Review from Queen B.
Edmonton, AB
8/22/2011
I love the fringe, its so much fun!!
The food is great!!!
The only issue I had this year was that green carnival... I thought Oh cool I can take my kids on some rides... the service was POOR like zero stars poor.... I went to buy tickets and was treated like I was begging for change or something.. and the people that run the rides were rude.. they would run the ride once and shut the ride down and chum it up with the other staff... smoke and talk nasty even when its VERY visible there are kids around small ones that can pick up nasty words like D***... around my 3 yr old NO THANK YOU... anyways besides the nasty carnival.. THE FRINGE was so great!!! I had my fill of lemonade and corndogs.. and the delish samosas yummmm :-)
The last day sunday.. was kind of a bummer everyone started shutting down at 8pm :-( guess it couldnt last forever... see you next year my beloved fringe!!! -
Review from Rob W.
3/6/2012
This is an amazing fringe. I worked here for years with The Flaming Idiots. We only ever did the outdoor stages, but oh man, some of my finest hours performing were here. Since then I've returned to Edmonton for the Street Performers Festival and it's even better for how the performers are treated. Edmonton is just a great city that supports its arts scene. Love it.
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Review from Michael J.
Edmonton, AB
8/15/2011
If you haven't been to the Fringe, you are missing out on the best people watching, entertainment, beer gardens, street performers, shopping, eating, drinking, and sun tanning in Edmonton.
The plays are great, and usually if you are a first-timer you can avoid the line-ups by just taking in all of the amazing street performers all along 83rd. Tip generously as these poor artists don't get paid to be there-- it's all based on your generosity!
If you can take in a play, do so. Most of the big hits sell out quickly so try to get online and buy your tickets in advance if you are keen. If you are feeling lucky, many of the performers walk around selling tickets to their shows and can give you a special deal (buy 2 get one free etc) depending on how much you feel like haggling...
If you do insist on driving, parking is mental around the whole area. Expect a bit of a walk, but it's the most beautiful time of the year and strathcona is gorgeous with the cute little houses.
Don't be shy about the BYOV (Bring your own venue) shows. Sometimes they are in bars, you can have a beverage, are less crowded, and don't have the same pressure about sardine seating. Don't fret if you aren't seeing your show in a full theatre. -
Review from Alouise D.
Edmonton, AB
8/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
If 6 stars were possible the Fringe would get it. Hell I'd probably give the Fringe 7 out of 5 stars.
The Fringe is my favorite festival in Edmonton. It has a little bit of everything I love; outdoor buskers, food, street vendors, and theatre. Anyone who's lived in Edmonton can attest to what a large festival this is for the city (2nd largest Fringe Fest in the world), and what a great theatre community Edmonton has.
Despite the popularity of the Fringe I only really started going a couple years ago. Sure I'd go down and check out the scene by the Transalta Arts Barn, but I never actually saw a show.
Shows at the Fringe are picked by a lottery. Most tickets are about $10-$12 for a show, but if you buy early you can get a Fringe Pass (it usually sells out quickly), Everyone will have their own way of Fringing. I try to check out a few shows I've heard about or want to see, and then I take a chance on a few shows I know nothing about.
Now I'm not gonna say every show is great, there are some duds. But I like taking a chance and trying something new. If you need reassurance you can go into the Arts Barn, where they sell the tickets, and read through the show reviews. If you're a little hesitant about what to see there's usually a performer or someone from an upcoming show who'll give you their card and try to convince you to see their show. Not all shows are appropriate for all ages, so if you have kids with you make sure to find out if the show is good for them. Also know that some show's BYOVs (bring your own venue) can be quite far, and you may need to drive or take transit to get there. If you don't know where a venue is there's maps inside the Arts Barn and of course volunteers you can ask.
The Fringe is busy so prepare for crowds, and give yourself time to find a parking stall if you're going to drive down. Alternatively you can take the bus, and if you have a program or make a donation and get a sticker you can get free transit after 6pm. If you're going for the day be prepared; wear comfy shoes and clothes, and bring water, sunscreen and bug spray.
This year the Fringe also has a mini carnival (which is apparently sustainable and runs on veggie oil). At first I thought why? But really this is a good option if you have kids who aren't going to sit still for a paid show. They can see the outdoor buskers, go to the carnival and still have fun. Plus if you're missing carnival food that they had at Capital Ex, like mini donuts or elephant ears you have a chance to come down and feed your craving. There's also other streetcart type foods set up. And of course if you wanna take a break Whyte Ave is right there with lots of stores, restaurants and pubs.
Oh Fringe Festival I only wish you were here longer. But I can't see it being quite as popular in the middle of January when it's -30. Come to the Fringe and enjoy Edmonton's summer while it's still here.Listed in: The 30 Day Challenge List
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Review from Jacqueline S.
Edmonton, AB
8/10/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I've heard that the Edmonton Fringe is supposed to be the best fringe festival in North American, and second in the world only to Edinburgh... and I believe it. I've been a Fringe patron for a number of years, and a volunteer once, and everything about this event is just fantastic. That's not to say you won't find bad shows... oh, you will. But that's just part of the fun!
One of the great things about the Fringe is that the prices make it fairly accessible to everyone. Ticket prices have gone up a bit over the last few years, but you can still see every show for under $15. And if that's too much, there's still a lot to see on the outdoor stage and with the various street performers, plus some good old-fashioned people watching.
The quality of shows at the Fringe can vary dramatically. If you're only interested in seeing good quality shows, read the reviews online early and buy tickets ASAP. The best rated shows will sell out early. But that doesn't mean there's nothing good left, and remember that these reviews can be a bit subjective anyways. So just do it!
Happy Fringing! -
Review from Phil W.
8/14/2011
The Fringe is a fantastic festival with lots of great shows to see, things to eat, and generally a very fun, energetic vibe around the whole area.
The shows are relatively inexpensive at around $12.00 ,and the venues are mostly within a few blocks of each other making it easy to get to a lot of shows with minimal down time in between.
This is the best time to have visitors in from out of town, as the city seems so alive with activity, and it's so easy to fill your day with fun plays and watching street performers. It really showcases Edmonton at it's best.
People who don't get down there to check it out are really missing out on something special.Listed in: 30 day challenge
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Review from Brittany K.
Edmonton, AB
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oops, a bit of a belated review on the Edmonton Fringe Festival, but here it is!
The Fringe is my absolute favourite festival of the summer. It really finishes off the summer on a great note and it's the time that I think Old Strathcona really comes alive (and I think it's one of the most "alive" areas all year 'round). The whole place is buzzing with excited patrons, amazing performers, and great festival food.
I usually try to take in at least a half dozen shows each year. This year, I didn't hit my target, but I still had a great time at the festival. The outdoor buskers were very entertaining and funny, and as usual, the weather was just perfect.
Here's my teeny-tiny issue with the festival - it's actually too big. It's great to see it expanding and more BYOVs (bring-your-own-venues) pop up, but I feel like it would take a full day to read through all the shows in the program book, circle shows you want to see, coordinate times, dates and locations (which now extend far beyond the Fringe grounds) and cross-reference those to reviews from Vue Weekly and the Edmonton Journal. It's just too much!
Also, they need to lose this new carnival rides bit. If I wanted a Gravitron, I would have gone to Capital Ex (which I didn't). -
Review from Megan M.
Edmonton, AB
8/15/2011
So i checked out the fringe for the first time (ya I know!) and it was awesome! The atmosphere was fun and relaxed and the food and entertainment was great! I samples a lot of food and walked around a lot which made me feel a little bit better about getting 2 things of mini donuts. The entertainment was neat as I don't usually seek out performances like that, and I really enjoyed it! I highly recommend going if you haven't yet!
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Review from Robyn W.
8/19/2011
I have avoided the Fringe for the last several years because I am not a fan of crowds - but this year, with a friend in town to entertain, I decided to suck it up and head down to old Strathcona.
And I am so glad that I did!
I can't say that every show I saw was a slam-dunk, but for the inexpensive cost of a ticket (around $12), it is well worth the chance you take.
There is something for everyone - comedies, dramas, musicals, improv - and if you don't want to hand over some cash upfront to take a seat in a theatre, there are so many acts going on out in the streets that you can take in for the cost of whatever you can drop in the hat.
And in addition to the standard festival fare of hot dogs and mini donuts, your dining options included indian food, health fare, crepes and taco-in-a-bag. If none of that sounds good to you, head over to the Next Act pub for a between show beer and some pulled pork nachos.
I can't think of a better way to spend a week! -
Review from Cherie K.
This is my favourite summer festival in Edmonton. I've been attending for over 20 years. This year's festival had a great theme and had a big emphasis on sustainability-even a mid-way with rides that ran on vegetable oil. Some great street performers: Aerial Angels, Cellolitis, Luke&Tess Pretty, Neko Rei. Also took in the comedic improv "Scratch" which was hilarious! I was also pleasantly surprised to learn i could get show tickets online-no waiting in line ups!
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Review from Jeanette B.
Edmonton, AB
10/30/2008
I really think that the Fringe is our most fun, vibrant, and exciting festival. It brings a uniqueness to Edmonton, and I don't mind bragging that our Fringe is the second-biggest in the World.
Live theatre at the Fringe is totally different than live theatre at the Citadel. It's more intimate and exciting. The plays are actually chosen by a lottery, so you never know if the play is going to be good or bad. If you don't feel like taking a gamble, it's best to check out See or Vue magazine for reviews first. I also highly recommend picking up a program for $6. It lists the descriptions, times, costs, and venue locations, along with a map to help you find your way. I've never actually seen a play that was really bad, but I've seen some mediocre plays and also some excellent plays.
I love what happens to Old Strathcona during the Fringe. All kinds of Fringe-goers are everywhere. Buskers are singing and playing music. Vendors are selling their most creative works. The smells of delicious foods saturate the air. And stores are even having sales on all kinds of trendy merchandise. I really enjoy walking around, trying new foods, and finding cool stuff like a unique shoulder bag or glass jewellery. One year, a vendor had these old records that she melted down into these crazy bowls--really cool. -
Review from Lauren N.
10/31/2008
I have to agree with Jeanette, the Fringe is one of the best things in Edmonton during the summer. It's really a shame to let the whole summer pass without going at least once.
I caught my first show this past summer with my boyfriend. We saw an improv show by a duo called the Rocket Sugar Factory, and it was brilliant. My boyfriend's not really into drama or artsy stuff like that, but he loved the show, and said we should definitely come back next year.
We went twice this past summer, and it was lots of fun both times. You can just see everyone having fun, enjoying themselves and the crowd. Performers have their acts here and there, and welcome Fringe-goers at the entrance, dressed up in elaborate outfits.
There are numerous food and retail vendors around. This is one of the rare times in the city they bring out the "elephant ears" (ooh, I practically live for these things ... they're deep-fried circles of dough that are covered in sugar and cinnamon). And they know it too, so they've hiked up the price this past year, which is sooo despicable of them. I loathe them for it, yet I can't look away from the deep-fried sugary treats.
The souvenirs they sell are quite unique, but expensive. They had one tent where this guy was hand-carving some beautiful candles, it was amazing to watch him and look at his handiwork. They also have a kids' section of the festival, where they do balloon figures and face-painting, things like that to keep the kids happy too. It's a fun place for everybody! -
Review from Robin S.
Edmonton, AB
11/4/2008
Despite growing up in Edmonton, this summer was the first year I experienced more at the famous Fringe Festival than the flavour of a green onion cake.
Edmonton's Fringe is world-renowned; according to the website, it's North America's biggest and oldest, and this summer 207 companies put on over 1200 performances over 11 days in 27 venues. Yikes!
I was reviewing shows for a local newspaper and attended a mind-boggling 18 plays over four days. They ranged from the absolutely spectacular to the "I'll never get this hour and a half of my life back" bad, the laugh-out-loud to the touching to the seriously boring.
Plays at the Fringe are not just for theatre nuts; there's seriously something for everyone, but, as has been mentioned, as the shows are picked by a lottery it's hard to decide what to see. Investing in a program is a great idea; there are blurbs for all the shows plus a map showing the locations and addresses of the different venues. But if you're attending a show, I'd strongly recommend knowing exactly where it's playing and getting there with plenty of time; I was locked out of a venue after arriving a minute late due to poor navigational skills!Listed in: Festival City
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Review from Paula K.
10/31/2008 1 photo
The Fringe is part of what makes Edmonton great. The last major festival of the summer, The Fringe brings together independent theatre, street performers, artisans, and of course, street vendors selling delicious festival food. The bulletin boards and posts are literally coated in posters promoting the thirty or so plays performed each year. The coolest part about a fringe theatre festival is that it is not juried, so you never know what you are going to get. I go to at least one play per year and I have seen funny, sexy, slightly amateurish, and exciting - sometimes all in the same performance! It is a good idea to read the newspapers to get reviews of the plays, since you have to buy tickets in advance and there is really no other way to know anything about the plays beforehand. Bring plenty of cash if you want to eat on the grounds, because some of the food can be a bit pricy - expect to spend between ten and twenty dollars on food. Most of the crafts and jewelry are cash only as well.
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Review from Jennifer P.
Edmonton, AB
11/13/2008 1 photo
I love the Fringe! Edmonton's summer theatre festival, located in parks and buildings in the Old Strathcona area, is a great way to spend two weeks of the summer on vacation in your own city. In the past, as a reviewer for a local publication, I saw about four plays a day throughout the festival. It was sometimes delightful, sometimes painful. I've seen some amazing shows and some not-so-amazing ones. But the spirit of fringe is benevolent and inclusive. If you have the will and desire to put on a Fringe play, all the power to you. Whether you want to take in shows or just enjoy the Fringe grounds and crowds, there's something for everyone at Fringe. Last year I saw a show calls Balls!, a funny, touching play about two best friends, who both had testicular cancer, one won the battle and one lost. A few years ago, I saw an interpretive dance solo that was greater torture than watching paint dry to the soundtrack of fingernails scratching on a blackboard. It's a very good idea to read the reviews in the local papers before you commit to a play. Oh, yeah, and don't forget to order the Chicken Bhouna on the Fringe grounds. It's a Fringe tradition.
