Nearly 50,000 seats filled annually, over 1,000 artists, dozens of works, hundreds of performances at over a dozen venues and spanning almost 20 genres. With those numbers, it seems pretty obvious that Minnesota’s annual Fringe Festival is the largest performing arts festival in the Midwest.
Find modern twists on classic tales, politically driven story lines, crying-tears-of-laughter comedic productions, and surprisingly relatable narratives. With performances for all ages, the Minnesota Fringe Festival is a unique and spirited celebration of diversity, artistic expression and voice that connects adventurous artists with adventurous audiences on both a local and national level.
The Fringe Festival is produced by Minnesota Fringe, a publicly supported nonprofit that supports and connects communities through bold risks and new ideas.
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L’Heure de Minuit (2015), Photo by Jeff D. Larson
The Avengers (2015), Photo by Jeff D. Larson
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How It Works
Fringe Festival performances will take place at different theaters within two different geographical hubs, Uptown and Cedar-Riverside.
*The 2022 Minnesota Fringe is a 100% vaccinated Festival. This means everyone – the artists, the staff, the volunteers, and the audiences will be asked to show a completed vaccination card to participate.
Purchase a button
A Fringe button is your entry to the Minnesota Fringe Festival (and more*). Your one-time $5 button purchase is your Festival entry fee – wear your button proudly everywhere you go to make seeing shows easier. Fringe buttons can be purchased in person at Preview Shows on July 18, 25, and August 3. Buttons are also available at all Box Offices during
the Festival. Learn more about purchasing a buttons and tickets.
You’ll need your button and a ticket – and your vaxx card! – to see a show.
2022 Shows
Descriptions of the different shows can be found here.
Visit the schedule page for shows by date and time.
Fringe Central
The official post-show hangout destination throughout the festival, hosted by The Red Sea restaurant. Each night will feature an array of talent through cabaret, comedy, and contests. All events are free admission and open to the public. You can see the full schedule of events and details here. Line-up will include:
- DJ Solo: The Red Sea’s favorite Ethiopian DJ will provide house music and lead a dance party for attendees the first Saturday of the month.
- Blackout Improv: The all-Black improv troupe based in Minneapolis are former Fringe Festival favorites guaranteed to provide a mix of comedy, touching on social justice and arts access.
- Ali Sultan Presents: Nationally recognized Yemini stand-up comedian, writer, and podcast host of “Stories with My Muslim Mom.”
- Touring Artist Cabaret Showcase
- Fringe Trivia and Games Night
- Local Artist Cabaret Showcases
- Volunteer Appreciation / Karaoke Night
- Closing Night Party / Minnesota Fringe Festival Golden Lanyard Awards
