Written by Guelph Fringe Festival
Get ready for a celebration of community and the arts, as the Guelph Fringe Festival returns to downtown Guelph Aug 7-10 for four days of dynamic performances. For just $18 a ticket, audiences can enjoy a wide range of live shows by independent artists.
This year’s festival will feature a total of 35 performances over the four-day event. Each show will be hosted in one of two new downtown venues: Art Not Shame on Wyndham St, and the new Guelph Arts Council space inside the Old Quebec Street Mall.
“This year’s festival will be even more intimate, since our two performance spaces are literally steps apart,” said Festival Coordinator Paul Barson. “Now, it’s actually possible to see more shows in less time, support even more independent artists, and have a blast while you’re doing it.”
Performers are chosen through a lottery system, and the productions often feature original work spanning the full spectrum of performing arts. “It might be a personal drama, a lively dance routine, a mini musical, or stand-up comedy,” said Barson. “There’s something for everyone, and it’s always a great surprise.”
While the mainstage shows are not curated, and therefore uncensored, the Fringe organizers are continuing their commitment to entertaining everyone. This year’s festival brings back the popular Fireflies on the Fringe program, with five family-friendly shows curated especially for young audiences.
The Guelph Fringe Festival is a proud member of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF) and operates on the principle that ticket revenue goes directly to the artists. The event is made possible through the support of downtown businesses, local arts organizations, and a grant from the City of Guelph.
“We’re so grateful for the support of our community partners,” said Barson. “They allow us to bring this amazing festival to Guelph for just $18 a ticket, and that’s the best entertainment value you’ll find anywhere.”
Complete ticket and show information can be found on the guelphfringe.ca website.
