From rough-and-tumble beginnings as near-guerrilla theater downtown to an uber-popular takeover of Loch Haven, Fringe is fun, but you need to be prepared. For a first-time Fringer, the festival may be rather overwhelming. Here are a few things to know and consider in your Fringe prep and your Fringe play.
FRINGE PREP:
Buttons
The $10 festival buttons are a one-time purchase that directly funds Orlando Fringe’s operations, leaving ticket sales to benefit the artists. Buttons may be purchased online and redeemed at any Fringe box office location, or in-person at any of the venues. 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 do not require buttons.
Box Office
Tickets 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. Tickets generally run you $15 per show, and the artists keep 100% of the profits from the base ticket price.
Schedule
Orlando Fringe Festival runs through May 26. Running dates and times for shows and events are listed on Fringe’s website, detailing the location, timing and ticket prices. And there’s a downloadable daily schedule on the Fringe’s website to better map out your plan of artsy attack.
Weather
As we’re writing this a few days out for print, it’s raining cats and dogs out of nowhere. So before leaving for Fringe, be sure you have the essentials to combat both rain and climate-changey shine. A hat, sunscreen and an umbrella are highly recommended. If you think it’s going to rain, it likely will!
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 — 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 limited and sure to fill up quickly. The Science Center’s parking garage is paid parking, but a shorter walk to Loch Haven. All Advent Health garages are paid lots and a few minutes away from Fringe central. 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. 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 also account for the time it takes to find parking and sort out your tickets and button. If you’re coming from a different show, make sure you have plenty of time in between.
FRINGE PLAY:
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 and centralized roster of BYOVs include the Starlite Room at Savoy, the Renaissance Theatre, the Dust (Stardust Lounge) and Ten10 Brewing. Be aware that 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 music from locals, like Rachel Decker, and other gratis performances. It’s the prime spot to cool down, meet up with fellow Fringers and just exult in an art-loving atmosphere. There will be bingo!
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. Each day of Kids Fringe is themed, with events listed on the Kids Fringe page of the Fringe’s website.
Visual Fringe
Every piece of art on display — paintings, drawings, jewelry, sculptures and more – at Visual Fringe is all for sale. Visual Fringe is headquartered at Orlando Shakes. Be on the lookout for events at the Visual Fringe Gallery, including art markets, live storytelling and a fashion show.
Fringe After Dark
If you’re an adult and a night owl, don’t miss out on this late-night lineup for the 18-and-over festgoers. On offer are the “unpredictable” game show that is The Showdown; the Wayward Queers Afterparty featuring plenty of drag and “dirty tricks”; the Flashlight Cabaret featuring a variety show lit only by you, the audience, and your flashlights; and the “filthy, frenzied” improvised late show Unscripted.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
Consider adding these in-house events to your personal Fringe to-do list.
Saturday, May 17
Orlando Independent Filmmakers Screening: Orlando-made short films produced by local talent and Fringe alums.
Sunday, May 18
Pet Adoption Event: Is there a better Fringe memento than a new furry friend?
Sunday, May 18 and Sunday, May 25
Kids Fringe Market featuring the Children’s Entrepreneur Market
Friday, May 23
Body Painting & Fashion Show with Visual Fringe
Saturday, May 24
All Styles Dance Competition With Break Roots: Watch local dancers get funky on the Fringe Lawn.
Monday, May 26
Patrons Pick Day and Closing Ceremonies: Call out of work to see some of the Fest’s audience faves get an encore performance, and the awards show and final bow for Fringe 2025.
Subscribe to Orlando Weekly newsletters.
Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky | Or sign up for our RSS Feed
This article appears in May 14-20, 2025.