Orlando Fringe Fest: 35 Years of Uncensored Art

Orlando's renowned International Fringe Theatre Festival is preparing for its 35th anniversary next month, marking an enduring arts tradition in the city. The festival will present an extensive program of over 1,000 performances, showcasing a diverse range of genres including theater, comedy, dance, and experimental works.

Scheduled to open on May 12 and run for two weeks, the event will transform Loch Haven Park into a vibrant hub for local, national, and international artists. Tickets for this anticipated festival will be available for purchase starting April 15, allowing attendees to plan their experience.

Continuing its legacy as the longest-running fringe theater festival in the United States, the event remains true to its roots with unjuried and uncensored performances, ensuring that all ticket revenue directly supports the artists. This year's theme, "35 Years Weird," embraces the festival's unconventional spirit.

Venues will span the Loch Haven campus, including notable spaces like Orlando Family Stage and the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, alongside independent "bring your own venue" sites. Beyond ticketed shows, the festival will offer free outdoor programming with live music and late-night events, alongside new additions like the Fr!ngeMart outdoor market and an Eco-Fringe Expo focused on sustainability.

Families can enjoy Kids Fringe on select weekends, and Visual Fringe installations will allow visitors to browse and purchase artwork. Most ticketed shows are priced at $15, with the addition of a required Fringe button for entry, offering a unique opportunity for audiences to discover the unexpected.