For many theatregoers, this may go without saying, but the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre festival is making it official.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s event will be Unforgettable.<\/p>\n
Organizers of the annual theatre-palooza announced Monday the theme for the 2026 edition \u2014 the 45th fest, in fact \u2014 and it\u2019s Fringe Unforgettable.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year\u2019s theme celebrates the moments that linger long after the final bow,\u201d a release from the Fringe said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe unexpected discoveries. The daring performances. The belly laughs, tears, chance encounters, familiar faces and hugs in a lineup outside a theatre, and the unforgettable stories that have shaped North America\u2019s largest and longest running Fringe Theatre Festival for nearly half a century.\u201d<\/p>\n
Running from Aug. 13-23, the festival will see 209 shows in 37 venues around town, with the usual key haunts of the French Quarter and, of course, Old Strathcona and surrounding areas.<\/p>\n
The fest will also include free concerts in ATB Park, featuring a mix of local and touring artists, KidsFringe, 35 outdoor performers from circus artists to street theatre.<\/p>\n
New this year will be an expanded p\u00eahon\u00e2n with a new Indigenous-led gathering place for storytelling and connection, as well as what\u2019s called \u201cQ2Q: A Queer Barns Series\u201d featuring open mics, drag workshops and more.<\/p>\n
Returning this year is the Fringe Shuttle, a free service getting folks from the main Fringe Grounds to the French Quarter, supported by Edmonton Transit.<\/p>\n
Festival Guides go on sale July 29, while ticket sales start Aug. 5 at noon.<\/p>\n