Best Fringe Festivals In America

Are you a lover of the arts? Do you enjoy exploring new cultures and experiencing unique performances? Then look no further than the best fringe festivals in America! From coast to coast, these festivals offer a wide range of performances from theatre to dance to music. In this article, we’ll dive into the top fringe festivals in America, highlighting what makes them stand out and why you should attend. So, let’s get started!

What Are Fringe Festivals?

Fringe festivals are typically open-access arts festivals that showcase a wide variety of performances. They are often unjuried, meaning any artist can apply to participate, and they take place in a variety of venues, from traditional theatres to non-traditional spaces like parking lots and parks. Fringe festivals are known for their experimental and alternative nature, offering audiences the chance to see performances that are outside of the mainstream. They also tend to be affordable, with many performances being pay-what-you-can or low-cost.

The Origins of Fringe Festivals

The first fringe festival was held in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1947 as an alternative to the Edinburgh International Festival. A group of performers who were not invited to participate in the main festival decided to put on their own shows in smaller venues around the city. The idea caught on, and soon other cities began hosting their own fringe festivals. Today, there are hundreds of fringe festivals around the world, with many taking place in the United States.

The Top Fringe Festivals in America

1. New York International Fringe Festival

The New York International Fringe Festival, also known as FringeNYC, is one of the largest and most well-known fringe festivals in the world. It takes place annually in August and features over 200 theatre and dance companies from around the world. The festival is known for its high-quality productions and diverse range of performances.

2. Orlando Fringe Festival

The Orlando Fringe Festival, held annually in May, is one of the oldest and largest fringe festivals in the United States. It features a wide range of shows, including theatre, dance, music, and comedy, and attracts over 75,000 visitors each year. The festival is known for its unique atmosphere, with performances taking place in parks and other non-traditional venues throughout the city.

3. San Francisco Fringe Festival

The San Francisco Fringe Festival, held annually in September, is known for its focus on experimental and avant-garde theatre. The festival features over 30 performers from around the world, with shows ranging from solo performances to large-scale productions. It takes place in the historic EXIT Theatre in downtown San Francisco.

4. Hollywood Fringe Festival

The Hollywood Fringe Festival, held annually in June, is a celebration of the performing arts in Los Angeles. The festival features over 300 shows in a wide variety of genres, including theatre, dance, and music. It is known for its supportive and collaborative atmosphere, with performers and audiences coming together to celebrate the arts.

5. Cincinnati Fringe Festival

The Cincinnati Fringe Festival, held annually in June, is a 12-day festival that features over 40 theatre companies from around the world. The festival is known for its eclectic mix of performances, with shows ranging from traditional theatre to experimental performances that push the boundaries of what is possible on stage.

6. Minnesota Fringe Festival

The Minnesota Fringe Festival, held annually in August, is known for its focus on new and emerging artists. The festival features over 150 shows in a wide range of genres, including theatre, dance, and music. It takes place in venues throughout the Twin Cities metro area.

7. Capital Fringe

Capital Fringe, held annually in July, is Washington D.C.’s largest unjuried arts festival. The festival features over 150 performances in a wide variety of genres, including theatre, dance, and music. It is known for its focus on avant-garde and experimental performances.

8. Kansas City Fringe Festival

The Kansas City Fringe Festival, held annually in July, features over 100 performances in a wide variety of genres. The festival is known for its supportive atmosphere, with performers and audiences coming together to celebrate the arts. It takes place in venues throughout downtown Kansas City.

9. Atlanta Fringe Festival

The Atlanta Fringe Festival, held annually in June, is known for its focus on independent and alternative theatre. The festival features over 20 shows in a variety of genres, including comedy, drama, and performance art. It takes place in venues throughout Atlanta.

10. San Diego Fringe Festival

The San Diego Fringe Festival, held annually in June, features over 100 performances in a wide variety of genres. The festival is known for its diverse range of performances, with shows ranging from traditional theatre to aerial acrobatics and burlesque. It takes place in venues throughout San Diego.

11. Boulder International Fringe Festival

The Boulder International Fringe Festival, held annually in August, is known for its focus on theatre, dance, and music. The festival features over 70 shows from around the world, with performances taking place in venues throughout Boulder. It is also known for its eco-friendly and sustainable practices.

12. Hollywood Fringe Festival

The Hollywood Fringe Festival, held annually in June, is a celebration of the performing arts in Los Angeles. The festival features over 300 shows in a wide variety of genres, including theatre, dance, and music. It is known for its supportive and collaborative atmosphere, with performers and audiences coming together to celebrate the arts.

13. St. Lou Fringe

St. Lou Fringe, held annually in August, is a celebration of the arts in St. Louis. The festival features over 30 performances in a wide variety of genres, including theatre, dance, and music. It is known for its focus on local artists and its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.

FAQs

1. What is a fringe festival?

A fringe festival is an open-access arts festival that showcases a wide variety of performances. They are often unjuried, meaning any artist can apply to participate, and take place in a variety of venues, from traditional theatres to non-traditional spaces like parking lots and parks.

2. How do I attend a fringe festival?

To attend a fringe festival, you can typically purchase tickets online or at the festival box office. Many fringe festivals offer passes that allow you to see multiple shows at a discounted rate.

3. What kinds of performances can I expect to see at a fringe festival?

Fringe festivals feature a wide range of performances, including theatre, dance, music, and comedy. They are known for their experimental and alternative nature, offering audiences the chance to see performances that are outside of the mainstream.

4. Are fringe festivals family-friendly?

Many fringe festivals offer family-friendly performances, but it is always a good idea to check the festival schedule to ensure that a show is appropriate for all ages.

5. Are fringe festivals expensive?

Fringe festivals are known for being affordable, with many performances being pay-what-you-can or low-cost. However, the cost of attending a fringe festival can vary depending on the location and the number of shows you want to see.

6. What should I wear to a fringe festival?

Fringe festivals are typically casual events, so you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. However, it is always a good idea to check the festival website or program for any dress codes or specific recommendations.

7. Can I participate in a fringe festival as an artist?

Yes! Fringe festivals are open-access, meaning any artist can apply to participate. Check the festival website for information on how to apply and any deadlines.

Conclusion

Attending a fringe festival is a unique and exciting way to experience the arts. With so many festivals to choose from, there is something for everyone. From the New York International Fringe Festival to the St. Lou Fringe, these festivals offer a diverse range of