Fringe asks for support to keep it 'Unforgettable'

The Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival urged its supporters to remind their councillors that arts matter as it announced the theme for its 2026 rendition. "Fringe Unforgettable" will take place Aug. 13 to 23, with more than 200 productions across 37 venues.

The organization has grown its monthly donor base from 34 to 840 since launching the Sustain Fringe campaign two years ago, but executive director Megan Dart said it is still facing the crunch of increasing costs. She said the festival's municipal funding through the Edmonton Arts Council has been stagnant for 10 years, and she echoed the EAC's call for increased municipal arts funding. "Now is an excellent time to please reach out to your councillors, to the city, to let them know that arts matter now, and investing in events like Fringe is crucial to supporting a vibrant Edmonton," Dart said.

The festival also announced that the free shuttle between the main grounds and the French Quarter will return this year. It was discontinued in 2025 due to budget constraints, but it is back through a partnership with the city and Edmonton Transit Service. Pêhonân is expanded with an installation of Mikiwaps, or tipis, south of the Strathcona Community League; it will be connected to the festival through the Buffalo Path, inviting visitors to slow down, gather, and connect. So far, the festival is expected to include 209 shows running at 37 venues, a little bit smaller than last year. Festival guides will go on sale on July 29, and tickets and passes will be available on Aug. 5.