Minnesota Fringe Festival: A Celebration of Art and Storytelling

Audience Members applauding a performance in the Fringe Festival

The Minnesota Fringe Festival is a beacon for creativity, diversity, and innovation in the performing arts. Founded in 1994, this annual festival takes place in Minneapolis and St. Paul, showcasing a wide array of performances across theater, music, dance, comedy, and genres that defy traditional categorization. With a mission to connect adventurous artists with adventurous audiences, the Minnesota Fringe Festival has become one of the largest un-curated theater festivals in the United States.

In this blog, MINNeSTAY will dive into the history, highlights, and unique features of this remarkable event while exploring how it continues to shape the artistic landscape of Minnesota.

A Brief History of the Minnesota Fringe Festival

The festival was inspired by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which began in Scotland in 1947. The Minnesota Fringe Festival adopted the fringe ethos: an open-access platform where artists of all kinds could participate without the barriers of curation. The lack of a selection process ensures an inclusive and diverse lineup, giving both seasoned professionals and emerging talent an equal chance to shine.

Over the years, the festival has grown exponentially, attracting performers and audiences from across the globe. It has become a cornerstone of Minnesota’s cultural calendar, drawing attention to the state’s vibrant arts community.

What Makes the Fringe Unique?

Open-Access Model

Unlike traditional festivals that rely on a jury or a committee to select performances, the Minnesota Fringe Festival uses a lottery system. This democratic approach ensures that everyone, regardless of experience or background, has a chance to participate.

Diverse Programming

The festival’s lineup features something for everyone:

Theater: From classic plays to experimental works.
Dance: Performances range from contemporary to traditional styles.
Music: Singer-songwriters, bands, and unique musical acts take the stage.
Comedy: Stand-up comedians and improv troupes bring laughter.
Family-Friendly Shows: There’s a dedicated selection of performances suitable for children and families.

Enjoy Multiple Performance Venues in Minneapolis and St. Paul Minnesota

The festival isn’t confined to a single location. Performances take place in theaters, community centers, and unconventional spaces across Minneapolis and St. Paul, encouraging audiences to explore the cities while enjoying the arts.

The Fringe Festival is Affordable Family Fun.

The festival is designed to be accessible to everyone. Tickets are reasonably priced, and festival passes offer an economical way to see multiple shows. Ticket Pricing

Individual Tickets

Usually range from $10 to $15 per performance.
Children’s performances or Family Fringe shows sometimes have lower prices, starting around $5 to $10.

Day Passes

Offer unlimited access to shows for a single day. Prices generally range from $20 to $30.

Festival Passes (Multi-Day Options)

5-Show Pass: Around $70–$75.
10-Show Pass: Approximately $120–$135, offering better value for frequent attendees.

All-Access Pass

Unlimited access to all performances during the festival, priced around $200–$250.

Highlights of the Minnesota Fringe Festival 2025

This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever. With an emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, the 2025 edition will continue to set the standard for fringe festivals worldwide. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned Fringe-goer, you’re sure to find performances that surprise, delight, and inspire.

Fringe Central is now Fringe After Hours

Fringe Central has changed its name to Fringe After Hours. The reason is that the after-hours events are now later 11:00PM-12:30AM. The events are designed to showcase various locations throughout the festival. It’s a space where artists and audiences can mingle, share stories, and celebrate the arts. With live music, food trucks, and a lively atmosphere, Fringe After Hours is the perfect way to unwind after shows.

Fringe Scavenger Hunt

Fringe Festival cat to find in the scavenger hunt.

This year you can join in the fun by solving the clues to find “Buttons the Minnesota Fringe mascot” the buttons are in public spaces throughout the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. Finding the buttons will give you a chance to win a 5-Show Pass to the 2026 Minnesota Fringe Festival… and learn some West Bank history in the process!

Ten (10) plastic replicas of Buttons the Minnesota Fringe mascot will be placed throughout the festival area. A clue for each outdoor location will be included in the Daily Fringe newsletter and posted on our website (with a link to the previous day’s clues) during the first 10 days of the festival. Sign up for the Fringe File to get the clues delivered to your inbox each day of the festival.

Solve the clues to pinpoint the locations of Buttons. Take a selfie with the mascot when you find it. Once you have found all 10 mascots, show your 10 selfie photos to personnel at the Information Booth (located in the Rarig Center) where they will take your contact information to be entered in a drawing for one of up to ten 5-Show Passes to the 2026 Minnesota Fringe Festival.

Winners will be announced online and at the Closing Night Party.

Tips for Guests Attending the Minnesota Fringe Festival

Plan Ahead: With so many shows to choose from, it’s a good idea to review the schedule in advance and prioritize the performances you want to see.
Arrive Early: Popular shows can sell out quickly, so arrive early to secure your spot.
Be Open-Minded: Fringe is all about experimentation. Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the unexpected.
Take Breaks: With performances scattered across multiple venues, allow time to relax and recharge between shows.
Support Local Businesses: Many venues are located near great restaurants and cafes, so take the opportunity to explore the local culinary scene.

Make it a MINNeSTAY for the Minnesota Fringe Festival!

The Minnesota Fringe Festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the transformative power of the arts. Whether you’re an artist, an audience member, or a volunteer, the festival offers a unique opportunity to connect with others and experience the magic of live performance.

So mark your calendar, BOOK you next MINNeSTAY and grab your tickets, and get ready to embark on an artistic adventure like no other. The Minnesota Fringe Festival awaits!