How to Fringe
"Fringing" is for everyone who comes out to the festival. It's about discovering and experiencing something new.
Since 1989, “Fringers” have been inventing new and creative ways to Fringe in Toronto. Some take a week off work and see 5 shows a day. Some devote a weekend to KidsFest with their families. Others wait all year to see what the hidden gems will be. Regardless of your Fringe style, welcome to the festival!
My advice? Talk to people – you’ll get great advice by just striking up a conversation with your fellow Fringers
Fringe veteran, Derrick Chua
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FRINGE YOUR WAY
With over 600 performances, 11 venues, and two POSTSCRIPT locations, there is something for everyone at the Toronto Fringe Festival. Use our search filter here, or download the Program Guide to find the shows and events you want to attend.
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TICKETS
Purchase tickets online or over the phone starting June 22, and in-person at a Festival Box Office or at the performance venues during the festival. Check out each show’s listing to select performance tickets. Visit our Box Office page for all prices, value passes and Frequently Asked Questions.
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GETTING HERE
Our performance venues stretch from Dupont and Bathurst to Dundas and Carla, and are accessible via TTC, bicycle, car, and on foot. View our map to plan your day and find directions to each venue here.
Some helpful tips on timing:
In the East End, walking between Daniels Spectrum and Crow’s Theatre takes approximately 22 minutes, and bicycling takes approximately 8 minutes.
In the West End, walking between POSTSCRIPT Patio and the Festival Box Office at The Tranzac Club and Tarragon takes approximately 15 minutes, and bicycling takes approximately 5 minutes. Each other venue will take roughly the same or less time to travel to.
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ACCESSIBILITY AT THE FRINGE
Our venue pages offer comprehensive details about getting to and around all of the festival venues. Learn more about all of the access measures offered at the festival here. Find all the details about which performances are offering additional access measures and a full schedule of assisted performances in our Program Guide Accessibility Supplement.
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COMING BACK SAFELY
The safety of staff, volunteers, artists and patrons is a priority. Toronto Fringe requires masks to be worn indoors by everyone, and for all attendees to self-screen for symptoms prior to coming to the Festival. We encourage all patrons to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please do not attend if you have a fever or are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of attending, or if you have had close contact with anyone suspected or confirmed of having COVID-19. Find our complete COVID-19 safety measures here.
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STAY IN THE KNOW
Change happens, and it’s a guaranteed part of a festival as eclectic and energetic as Fringe. For a full list of updates since the Program Guide printing, click here. While you’re at it, be sure to check our Daily Discounts for the latest deals.
Important Reminders
Better safe than sorry:
If you feel unwell at all, please contact our Patron Services team before the performance begins to exchange or refund your ticket at no extra cost. Tickets exchanged for a different production will incur a $2 exchange fee.
ALL SHOWS START ON TIME
Set your clock to Eastern Daylight Time.
There may be no late call:
Shows may not offer latecomer admission, so be sure to check the show webpage ahead of time and aim to be 15 minutes early. Toronto aka always plan for traffic.
How To Fringe Respectfully
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GOOD NEIGHBOURS
We’re committed to creating a respectful, safe, clean environment where community can thrive. We also LOVE our Fringe neighbourhoods – show love and gratitude by putting litter in the right place, keeping the late night noise low, and considering how you commute.
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GET GREEN
The Toronto Fringe is committed to doing our part to conserve our planet. We do not use plastic water bottles at our venues and encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle or purchase a POSTSCRIPT branded one from any venue.
At POSTSCRIPT we use eco-friendly cups that are compostable and cans that are recyclable. We partner with Cascades who offer recycling and food waste containers. This year we have halved our program printing and are encouraging folks to only take one to keep with you for the Festival. The artists are also coming up with innovative ways to sell their shows without printing thousands of paper flyers. We welcome any feedback to help us make more eco-friendly choices.
Want to take your Fringing to the next Level?
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MAKE A WHOLE DAY OF IT
Fill your day with shows - Start with a KidsFest show in the morning before your first early afternoon performance. Then take a break at the POSTSCRIPT Lounge for snacks and browse your program guide to choose your next show(s) of the day. Eventually, make your way to the POSTSCRIPT Patio all night long for great food, drink, and free entertainment.
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LEAVE ROOM FOR SURPRISES
There is always something or someone unexpected to discover at Fringe, for seasoned Fringers and first-timers alike. It’s great to plan your show schedule ahead, but it is highly encouraged to leave room to spontaneously squeeze in a word-of-mouth wonder or make a pick you’ve never heard of to take a chance on something new!
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DRESS FOR SUCCESS
What’s that saying? There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing? All of our venues offer air conditioning but prepare to line up in the summer sun (or showers!) to get into the show. Your Fringe checklist: Program Guide, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, and of course, your face mask.
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STAY CONNECTED
In-person Fringing is back, but we’ve never stopped the fun online. Follow us for the latest events, tips, behind-the-scenes news and Festival updates. Join the #FringeTO conversation and share your #StartedAtTheFringe moment.
Catch us on Facebook: facebook.com/torontofringe
Follow our Twitter: @Toronto_Fringe
Check out our Instagram: toronto_fringe
Find us on TikTok: @Toronto_Fringe