In 1947, six rogue performers invaded the periphery of the internationally acclaimed Edinburgh International Festival – a celebrated event that effectively overlooked most local and emergent talent. Quickly, a contagion of visceral energy from these performers captivated the attention of audiences, and sent a beacon of hope to other frustrated and undiscovered artists. Within a few years, this modest project that had emerged “round the fringe of the official Festival” has proven itself to be a foundation of creative prowess. Today, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world, and its model has inspired hundreds of like efforts around the globe.

NAVIGATING THE FESTIVAL

Tickets and Info:

FRINGE CENTRAL STATION at Strauss Park, 3534 Washington

PATRON LOUNGE at Fubar, 3108 Locust

Need help?  Find a volunteer with a green band, or staff in a yellow or blue shirt anywhere on the grounds.

ASL: Many of our dance and movement shows are deaf-friendly.  This year, some shows will also feature a volunteer ASL Interpreter.  Please check Fringe Central Station for an up-to-date list of ASL-interpreted shows. 

Grounds Transportation and Parking

Free golf cart rides all Festival weekend to patrons with a Fringe Badge

Bike or Bus and get your Fringe Badge for $4.

MetroLink: Grand Station.  MetroBus: #70 Grand, #10 Gravois-Lindell, #97 Delmar, #58X Twin Oaks Express

Street parking free after 7pm on weekdays and Saturdays and all day Sunday

Paid lots and secure parking throughout Festival grounds 

PRACTICAL INFO

FRINGE IS EASY.  Ticketing and timing work the same for every show in every venue.  There are just 30 minutes between shows so everything runs like clockwork.

FRINGE IS SOCIAL. Fringe is a big party, so don’t be shy jumping into conversations, crashing parties, reviewing shows or lingering at Fringe Central Station.

BADGE REQUIRED.  The Festival Badge is the only thing that keeps us going, so we have to be strict.  No Badge?  No entry

60 Minutes or Less. Shows always start, and end, on time.

NO LATE SEATING.  There are over 100 events this weekend.  That means we have to run a tight ship!  Nothing starts late and nothing runs long at Fringe.

$12 and Under.  Tickets are never more than $12 and ticket sales go directly to the artists and technicians.   (Individual tickets do not include badges.)

All ticket sales are final.  Since 100% of ticket revenue goes to artists, we cannot issue refunds.

What to Wear: The St Lou Fringe festival grounds are concentrated into less than ½ mile.  While all of our venues are air conditioned, we’re still in the middle of summer!  Wear comfortable clothes and bring layers to comfortably move back and forth between venues and outdoor events.  Definitely wear your walking shoes.  Wacko costumes welcome.