Victoria Fringe Festival is back!
A decades-long tradition, the 31st annual Fringe returns this Wednesday, bringing theatre, comedy, dance, magic, and more to our city.
Fifty-eight shows will provide 330 performances over twelve days, showcasing 350 artists.
Free Events:
Fringe Eve Preview
- When: Wednesday, August 23, 3:00 – 9:00 pm
- Where: Centennial Square
On Wednesday the festival begins with a free evening of previews at Centennial Square. Each show gets two minutes to win you over with mini-performances, speeches, or just plain pleading.
Entertaining on its own, the preview also allows Fringe-goers to plan their performance schedule. Plus, you can grab a Phillips Beer, Merridale Cider, and/or chow down on food from Eat Machine and Cholo Taco.
A similar preview for the second half of Fringe shows will take place on Tuesday, August 29.
FringeKids Fest
- When: Saturday, August 26, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Where: Market Square
This Saturday, Market Square hosts a day full of creative kids activities. Youngsters can paint a cardboard castle, craft costumes, listen to Drag Storytime, paint a mural, or just relax, listen to music, and watch performers.
Lineup, Shows, and Tickets
Grabbing tickets to Fringe shows takes a couple of steps:
- #1 Purchase a Fringe Button ($6).
- #2 Buy tickets to each event for $11 or less at the door or in advance.
The sheer number of performances can be intimidating, but with a bit of planning and decisiveness, you’ll have a great festival.
The best way to sort through the myriad shows and performers is to pick up a Fringe Program Guide. Luckily, it’s 2017, so in addition to being stocked in numerous physical locations around town, the program is also viewable online.
Find a few shows that look promising and grab your tickets! Or, check back with Victoria Buzz over the next two weeks for updates on year’s must-see shows.
