Orlando Fringe Festival Returns To Amaze And Entertain May 16-29, 2017

- Michelle Snow

The 26th Annual Orlando Fringe Festival returns May 16th-29th in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village and Loch Haven Park, with a wealth of artistic endeavors, music, and more.

The 26th Annual Orlando Fringe Festival returns May 16th-29th in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village and Loch Haven Park, with a wealth of artistic endeavors, music, and more.

What is the Fringe? It is a 14-day arts festival that is founded on the concept of being 100% unjuried, uncensored, and accessible. Fringe Festivals began in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1947, and made its way to Orlando where it was started 24 years ago, in 1991.

This year’s Fringe Festival features shows for all ages, even kids, as well as adults-only shows (remember the uncensored part?). Most shows are priced between $9-$12, though some are less, and even a few are free.

The way to Fringe is first you must purchase a Fringe button for $10. This is good for all 14 days and helps fund this massive festival. The only reason you don’t need a button is if you plan to only see the free shows on the outdoor stage or Kids Fringe.

Once you have a button, you can purchase tickets to the show(s) you want to see.

The only other rule? Don’t be late. All shows start on time, and once they close the doors, late comers are not admitted for any reason.

I haven’t had a chance to preview any of this year’s shows, but several look interesting from the descriptions. You definitely don’t want to miss Phantasmagoria‘s new show for the Fringe, “Wickedest Tales of All.”

But what I’m really excited about are the FREE musical offerings during the Fringe, on their outdoor stage at Loch Haven Park.

  • Swamp Sistas La La, features a wealth of Orlando female artists, such as Beth McKee, the Terri Binion Band, and more. This happens Saturday, May 20 at 3pm.
  • Jambando at the Fringe features a line-up of jam bands such as FunkUs, The Legendary JC’s, and more The jam starts at 3pm on Saturday, May 27.
  • Southern Fried Sunday moves from Will’s Pub to the Fringe for this one-time only show on Sunday, May 28, featuring Michelle Shocked, Jeff Shepard, Matt Woods, and more. It all starts at 2:30pm.
  • Since Monday, May 29, is Memorial Day, the Orlando Fringe will be closed out by at Retro Beach Party on the Lawn, featuring Andy Matchett’s Johnny Wild & The Delights,The Ukelaliens, and more, along with a retro bathing suit contest. The fun kicks off at 3pm.

And that’s just the tip of the greatness that will be happening the next two weeks during Orlando Fringe.

For a full list of shows scheduled for the 2017 Orlando Fringe Festival, along a full list of venues and ticket locations, visit orlandofringe.org.

About Michelle Snow

Michelle is the owner and editor of CitySurfing Orlando. She also owns Zengrrl.com, is a freelance writer specializing in travel and entertainment, has authored/co-authored four guidebooks on Orlando and Florida, and is head editor/writer at TheDisneyBlog.com. She's lived in Orlando near Walt Disney World since 1995, and still finds there's so much fun to be had in Central Florida.
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