Local

Orlando Fringe Festival returns with amazing performances for the whole family

ORLANDO, Fla. — Fringe is back and is ready to rock Orlando with a wide variety of performances for the whole family including dance, music, spoken word, comedy, and much more.

The 32nd Annual Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival will take place at Orlando’s Loch Haven Park, as well as other local venues, from May 16-29.

Orlando Fringe is the longest-running theatre festival of its kind in the United States.

On Tuesday, Fringe will kick off the festivities with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7 p.m. at the Orange Venue at Lowndes Shakespeare Center.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

After the ceremony, guests will enjoy the National and International Artists’ Teaser Show and watch a two-minute live teaser performance for touring shows representing nine countries and over 17 states.

The 14-day event features over 2,000 ticketed performances as well as free entertainment including the outdoor music stage, art on display throughout festival grounds, and free entertainment for kids.

The theme for this year is “Festival Beautiful.”

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.

Read: Gatorpalooza returns to Gatorland, featuring wild animals, family fun and a ‘Florida Man Challenge’

The festival features venues at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, Orlando Repertory Theatre, and the Orlando Museum of Art.

“Bring Your Own Venues” returns this year including venues like The Abbey, Renaissance Theatre Company, Hamburger Mary’s, and The Starlite Room @ Savoy, along with various site-specific venues chosen by artists.

A new addition to this year’s festival is the Fringe ArtSpace in Downtown Orlando on Church Street.

This year also marks the exciting return of Outdoor Stage theme nights and cabanas on the lawn.

Read: Orlando Downtown Arts District looking for artists to paint traffic art boxes

Attendees who purchase a cabana will have a dedicated tent on the lawn all day with seating, complimentary drinks, and bar service.

This year will feature enhanced accessibility and shuttle service between venues for the whole festival.

Also returning this year is “Fringers of the Future”, which gives middle and high schools students the opportunity to participate in a special lottery, and if their school is chosen, they receive three performance slots during the festival, and 100% of ticket proceeds are returned to their program.

“Here we go Orlando Fringe 2023,” said Orlando Fringe executive director Alauna Friskics. “We are so excited to present the best festival ever this year with so many fantastic new and returning festival favorites, and we look forward to seeing everyone for two weeks of incredible shows, art, activities, memories and fun with family and friends – that is always uniquely Fringe.”

Read: New immersive experience opens on International Drive

For more information on Orlando Fringe and to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.