From rough and tumble beginnings as near-guerrilla theater downtown to an arts takeover of Loch Haven, Fringe is eye-opening fun, but you need to be prepared. For a first-time Fringer, the festival may be rather overwhelming (I need a button?!). Here are a few things to consider in your Fringe strategy to keep you from being a hopeless square.
Buttons:
Yes, the buttons are a thing. The fashionable $10 festival buttons — in four freaky designs — are a one-time purchase that directly funds Orlando Fringe’s operations, leaving ticket sales to benefit the artists. Buttons may be purchased online beforehand or in-person at any Fringe box office location or info table. Everyone over the age of 12 must have a button to attend a Fringe show. The free happenings at Visual Fringe, Kids Fringe, the Fringe Lawn and the Outdoors Stage, luckily, do not require buttons.
Box office:
Tickets to shows may be purchased in-person, but it’s recommended you pre-purchase tickets online, especially if you plan to attend one of the more buzzed-about shows. Venues are intimate and do sell out! Tickets generally run you $15, and the artists keep 100 percent of the profits.
Schedule:
Orlando Fringe Festival runs a mammoth May 12 through May 25. Running dates for shows and events are listed on Fringe’s events page online, which details location, showtimes and ticket prices. And there’s a downloadable daily schedule on the Fringe’s website to better map out your sly plan of artsy attack.
Weather:
As we’re writing this a few days out for print, we’re basically in a drought … but as attendees of Welcome to Rockville can tell you, strong storms pop up out of nowhere. So before leaving for Fringe, be sure you have the essentials to combat both excessive heat and a surprise shower. A hat, sunscreen and umbrella are highly recommended.
Accessibility:
Aside from keeping ticket prices affordable, Fringe aims to be accessible with services that allow for both the hearing- and visually-impaired Fringers to enjoy performances.
Hydration:
The heat in Florida is not something to take lightly, especially since we’re already breaking records — stay hydrated during Fringe and grab a drink of water the moment you start feeling parched. Replenish at the Fringe Lawn between shows and stay cool!
Parking:
It’s Orlando, so be prepared for a bloodbath finding parking. All Loch Haven parking is free, but is very limited and sure to fill up quickly. The Science Center parking garage is paid parking, but a shorter journey to Loch Haven Park. All Advent Health garages are paid lots and several minutes’ walk to Fringe central. Parking at McRae General Contractors at 500 E. Princeton St. is free, and though it is a bit of a walk, it is still in high demand. If possible, save yourself the trouble and avoid driving. Opt for walking, biking, being a passenger princess, public transport or rideshare if you can. It’s better for the environment and saves you a Fringe headache. We can’t stress this enough because …
Lateness:
All shows start on time and once doors close, you cannot enter — even with a purchased ticket. (We almost experienced this amid button confusion a few years back, so trust us!) Some artists allow for a five-minute grace period, but best not to push your luck. Consider arriving to your venue of choice at least 30 minutes before showtime, and remember to account for the time it takes to drive there. And park. And walk. If you’re coming from a different show, make sure you have plenty of time in between.
Venues:
The main Fringe venues are color-coded; the Blue, Brown, Pink, Yellow, and Orange venues are located at Orlando Shakes (Lowndes Shakespeare Center) and the Green, Silver, Peach and Scarlet venues are located at Orlando Family Stage.
Bring Your Own Venues:
The BYOVs are partner venues off-site from the main festival grounds. This year’s consolidated roster of BYOVs include the Starlite Room and Ivanhoe 1915 at Savoy, the Renaissance Theatre and Ten10 Brewing’s Bside. Each BYOV venue may have its own age restrictions.
Fringe Lawn and Outdoor Stage:
This is the spot to refresh and refuel. Located at Loch Haven Park, here you’ll find food vendors, a beer tent, other beverages and free entertainment at the outdoor stage. The outdoor stage is located at the Fringe lawn, featuring live local music. It’s the prime spot to cool down, meet up with fellow Fringers, gossip and linger. There will be a Goblin Market!
Kids Fringe:
The coolest kids at Fringe will be chilling at the Orlando Garden Club during the festival. (Can you tell from our puns that there will be AC?) Each Saturday and Sunday during the festival, Kids Fringe hosts free activities, games and shows from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Events are listed on the Kids Fringe page on the Fringe’s website.
Visual Fringe:
Every piece of art on display — paintings, drawings, jewelry, sculptures and more – at Visual Fringe is for sale. Visual Fringe is headquartered at Orlando Shakes. Be on the lookout for events at the Visual Fringe Gallery, including art markets, a tea swap, live storytelling and collage-making.
Fringe After Dark:
If you’re an adult and a night owl, don’t miss out on this late-night lineup for the 18+ festgoers. On offer are offsite delights like Disco Boots at the Ren and a Midnight Male Revue at Savoy. Closer to the action you’ll find the Flashlight Cabaret featuring a variety show lit only by the audience and their flashlights, and the WTF(ringe) Cabaret.
Subscribe to Orlando Weekly newsletters.
Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky | Or sign up for our RSS Feed
