Melissa Donovan
Returning to Loch Haven Park, the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival has announced its 35th year of entertainment set to take place May 12-25.
The 14-day festival will feature over 1,000 ticketed performances, including theatre, dance, musicals, comedy and more, all celebrating Orlando Fringe’s 2026 theme: “35 Years Weird.”
As the longest-running theatre festival, Orlando Fringe values being 100% uncensored, 100% unjuried, 100% accessible, 100% inclusive, all while giving 100% of ticket sales to the artists.
“Fringe has always been a place where artists get to show up exactly as they are and audiences get to experience something they cannot see anywhere else,” Artistic Director Tempestt Halstead said in a press release. “For 35 years, we have trusted artists with the space and that trust has built a community that keeps coming back. This year, as we celebrate 35 Years Weird, we are not asking anyone to be anything other than curious. Come ready to be surprised! Come ready to feel something! That is what Fringe has always done best.”
Alongside the ticketed experiences costing around $15 each, guests can enjoy free programs, including an outdoor music festival, Visual Fringe and Kids Fringe.
The festivities span beyond Loch Haven Park with five other venues and Visual Fringe HQ being held at John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, four venues at Orlando Family Stage, and Kids Fringe at the Orlando Garden Club.
This year’s BYOV’s (“Bring Your Own Venues”) includes Renaissance Theatre Company, The Starlite Room @ Savoy, B-side at Ten10 Brewing Co. and Ivanhoe 1915, along with site-specific spots chosen by artists.
“May in Orlando means Fringe!” Director of Experience Genevieve Bernard said. “This May, we celebrate 35 Years Weird—35 years of weird, wacky, unique and wonderfully fringe-y art right here in our community. Orlando is so fortunate to have this festival in its backyard, year after year, and we’re proud of the incredible arts ecosystem the Fringe has helped build. Let’s come together to support these amazing artists, enjoy something truly special and celebrate 35 Years Weird!”
Tickets for Orlando Fringe will go one sale on April 15. For more information and updates, visit the festival’s official website, and contact the Box Office at 407-648-0077.
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