It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Fringe season! The 38th annual Winnipeg International Fringe Festival kicks off this week, and we’re getting ready for 12 days of theatre, discovery, and incredible talent lighting up the Exchange District.
To help you make the most of your experience, we spoke with Executive Producer Chuck McEwen, who’s been a part of the Fringe since 1989. He started as a stage manager, eventually becoming the festival’s Executive Producer in 2008, and his passion for Fringe is contagious.
Whether you’re a lifelong Fringer or checking it out for the first time, these eight tips will help you get the most out of this year’s fest.
1. Do a little prep work to figure out your must-sees.
With over 150 shows to choose from, narrowing down your top picks can be a challenge. Chuck recommends reading through the full festival program and starring anything that catches your eye. It’s a great way to get familiar with what’s on and start building your list of must-sees.
Once you’ve got a few favourites, check out online reviews and ask around for recommendations. Word of mouth is a Fringe tradition, and often the best way to discover a hidden gem.
2. Come hungry, leave happy.
There’s nothing better than pairing great theatre with a side of delicious eats. The Exchange District is packed with excellent restaurants, and during Fringe, even more food vendors enter the scene. Make a night of it and hit up a restaurant patio, or grab a bite from one of the delicious food trucks and catch a performance at Old Market Square. It’s the perfect way to really soak up a summer evening at the Fringe.
3. If there’s hype, plan ahead.
Picture this: you’re so excited to check out a show you can’t stop hearing about. You arrive 10 minutes before the show, only to find it’s sold out. Now, you’re scrambling to find another show to go to! We’ve all been there. Avoid disappointment by buying tickets in advance or arriving extra early to grab yours at the door. That way, you won’t miss the show everyone’s talking about.
4. Bring a friend (or four).
Fringe is better with friends, and this year, the festival has made it easier than ever to bring them along. Fringe’s newly launched buddy passes allow you to purchase a two-show pass that you can give to a friend. Bring them with you, or offer it as a gift or a thank you to a theatre lover in your life! It’s a great way to spread the word and the joy of Fringe.
Bonus: Fringe passes are available in 8- and 14-show packs for those planning to catch multiple performances.
5. Pick a neighbourhood, plan your night.
One of the best parts of Fringe is making a whole evening – or day – out of it. With venues scattered across the city, it’s helpful to focus on one area per outing to make the most of your time.
There are numerous venues for Fringe in the Exchange District, all within walking distance. Plan a day to Fringe in the Exchange, so you can enjoy the festival atmosphere while catching multiple shows without rushing between locations. Make sure to explore free outdoor performances at Old Market Square, grab a drink, or enjoy a bite from one of the neighbourhood’s many restaurants and patios. Plan a few nights in different neighbourhoods to experience everything the Fringe has to offer, one pocket of the city at a time.
6. Make a plan, but leave some space for adventure.
It always helps to have a schedule and an idea of what you want to see at Fringe, but sometimes, the best Fringe moments are spontaneous. Be open to recommendations, unexpected discoveries, and last-minute ticket grabs. Leave some room for magic to happen. Some of the most memorable shows are the ones you didn’t see coming!
7. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation and meet new people.
Winnipeg Fringe is known for its community spirit. As Chuck puts it, “There are no strangers at the Fringe.”
Fringers love to share feedback on the shows they’ve seen, what they’ve loved, and what they are most excited about. So much marketing at Fringe happens by word of mouth, so don’t be afraid to start a conversation in line or hanging out at Old Market Square. You never know where someone might send you next!
8. Make it a family affair.
Fringe is an awesome summer outing that’s fun for the whole family, and with kids’ programming, it’s affordable, too. Check out the free kids’ programming daily at Old Market Square, which features storytelling, crafts, games, and more for the little ones. You can also purchase advance tickets for Kids Venue shows at a discounted price of $6 for children 12 and under, or try your luck at the door and pay what you can.
Plus, indoor show tickets are just $10 at the door for anyone 25 and under. The Fringe is committed to making theatre accessible and affordable for younger audiences and families alike.
The Winnipeg International Fringe Festival runs from July 16th to July 27th.
Get your tickets here.