These days, entertainment seems to follow a familiar pattern: a book becomes a movie, a movie becomes a TV show, and after some time, the on-screen version of the story is reconfigured into a nostalgic remake. Live theater follows a similar pattern; the original scripts that once dominated Broadway are being steadily replaced by biopics and remakes of major blockbusters. The assumption is that audiences are only interested in what they know and that art is only worth producing if it is guaranteed to draw in a massive audience. There is one place that rejects this notion, proving original ideas are endlessly entertaining and worth producing: the Edmonton Fringe Festival.
If you’ve never had the chance to experience the weird and wonderful glory that is a Fringe Festival, here’s how it works. Every August, artists from around the world flock to Edmonton’s historic Old Strathcona district to put on their shows—roughly 1,500 shows over the course of 11 days. The shows are small-scale productions featuring one to five actors across an array of genres, from improv comedy to drama to burlesque and everything in between. Shows at the indoor venues are selected via a lottery system, creating an exceptionally low barrier to entry for artists. Artists bring the show, Fringe provides the stage, lighting, and promotion, and magic ensues.
After 44 successful years supporting the longest-running Fringe Festival in North America, Edmonton audiences know what to expect. They love the zany, scrappy nature of Fringe performances, all of which offer entertainment and a hefty dose of heart. Shows take place in a variety of venues, from full-fledged theaters to pubs to local churches. This is art created for art’s sake, a rarity native to the festival’s origins. It started back in 1947, when eight uninvited theater groups turned up at a major arts festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. Undeterred by their official exclusion from the official programming, the performers simply staged their shows at the fringes of the grounds. Thus, the first Fringe Festival was born.
Whether you’re an experienced Fringer or a curious first-timer, the Edmonton Fringe Festival is worth traveling for. Here’s the best way to make the most of it
When it comes to choosing shows, be bold.
As the old adage goes, life begins at the end of your comfort zone—and there is no place quite like Fringe to thrust you out of familiarity. The best part of the festival is the sheer assortment of performances you can attend. On any given day, you might see a mind-boggling puppet cabaret, an action-packed meta drama, a Scottish drag queen doing standup, and a Shakespearean burlesque, and no one show would be out of place. Tickets are priced at around $18 each, so the best approach is to fill your schedule with as many diverse performances as you can and prepare to be delighted.
Talk to strangers—patrons and performers alike.
One of the first things you’ll notice about Fringe is the warm, family-like atmosphere. Edmonton Fringe regulars have been coming to the festival for years, so in some ways, they really are one big family. This makes talking to strangers practically unavoidable, but it’s all part of the fun. Short lines often form at the larger venues 15 minutes before the show starts and patrons chat about everything they’ve seen so far while they wait, which is a great way to discover new shows you might’ve otherwise missed. Another way to discover shows is by chatting with the performers who are often roaming around the festival reciting elevator pitches about what makes their show unique. Don’t fret about doing too much research beforehand. The best and most Fringe-approved way to design your show schedule is by talking to strangers.
Explore the festival grounds.
The moment you enter the Fringe grounds, you’ll feel the buzz of contagious excitement created when so much art is produced in one place. Between free rotating programming at two outdoor stages and the roaming buskers, there is always something new to see, be it one-man beatboxing vaudeville, a magician, or a pop percussion group.
For those with little ones, Kids’ Fringe is where you’ll want to be. Designed to inspire creativity and play, the dedicated area offers a variety of shows and fun, interactive programming for kids 12 and under, all for free. When you need a break from all the festivities, browse homemade wares from local artisans or snag some Fringe merch to take home with you.
Sample all the delicious food.
Food trucks are tucked around every corner at Fringe, along with tents serving up local wine, beer, and cider. From tacos in a bag to spaghetti in a cone, deep-fried candy bars to mini donuts, the food truck offerings feel like an elevated version of those found at a fairground. Don’t sleep on the green onion cakes, a long-time favorite of Edmonton Fringers.
If you’re looking for more of a formal dining situation, the Old Strathcona district is bustling with quality restaurants. There are also plenty of bars around in the walkable vicinity, perfect for grabbing a quick drink after a late-night show.
There is nothing quite like the Edmonton Fringe Festival, where art and creativity thrive. Plan your visit to Edmonton around the annual festival and be prepared: After this experience, you’ll never look at live theater the same again.
To learn more, visit TravelAlberta.com.