ORLANDO, Fla. – The 14-day immersive Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival is returning to Orlando with more than 100 shows, a free outdoor music festival, art displays, activities for kids, and so much more.
The yearly festival brings together local, national and international artists. It’s considered the longest-running Fringe theatre festival in the U.S.
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According to a press release, “Orlando Fringe is founded on being: 100% uncensored, 100% unjuried, 100% accessible, 100% inclusive and 100% of all tickets go directly back to the artists.”
There’s a lot going on with this big event, so we’ll explain everything you need to know below.
Where is the event located?
Several places, actually. The event is anchored in Loch Haven Park, but other venues participating include the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, Orlando Family Stage, the Orlando Museum of Art, Fringe ArtSpace, Renaissance Theatre Company, The Starlite Room @ Savoy, Stardust Lounge, CityArts, along with other site-specific venues chosen by artists.
When does it start?
The 14-day festival kicks off with an Opening Ceremonies and Ribbon-Cutting event on May 14 at 7 p.m.. After the ribbon cutting, there will be 1-minute live teaser performances for touring shows representing six countries and more than 20 states. The kick-off event is happening at the Orlando Family Stage. Tickets are $15 and it’s recommended for ages 13 & up. Click here for ticket information.
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What’s the show schedule?
There’s more than 100 shows to choose from, covering a wide array of genres, including dance, spoken word, musicals, comedy and much more.
Click here to see what interests you. You can also download the full schedule.
How do you get a ticket?
Orlando Fringe puts it this way: Get a button, get a ticket, see a show. First, you have to buy a $10 festival button from the ticketing website or the Fringe box office. The button helps cover operational costs. It can be worn for the whole festival, and you must be wearing it to get into a ticketed event. If you forget to buy a button before a ticketed event, you can pick it up at the same spot. If you bought a button and forget to wear it, they can look it up in the system. Once you get your button, you get a show ticket (shows range from free to $15). Proceeds from the show tickets go directly to the artists.
What are the free events?
There’s a few free events including the Outdoor Stage music festival at Loch Haven Park. That also includes food trucks, a full bar, and vendors. No button is needed. Visual Fringe has art on display at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center. Kids Fringe play and entertainment is at the Orlando Garden Club. All of these events are within walking distance of each other and run during the weekends of May 18-19 and May 25-26.
How can you easily get around?
Orlando Fringe is now offering more shuttle services between venues. There’s two running shuttles, and you can also use SunRail. Check out transportation options here.
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