Orlando Fringe Celebrates 35 Years of Weird With 2026 Festival at Loch Haven Park
35 Years Weird. We can't wait.
Courtesy Fringe Festival
One of the city’s most beloved and unconventional cultural traditions is preparing to take center stage once again. The 35th Annual Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival returns to Loch Haven Park May 12–25, promising more than two weeks of bold performances, eclectic art and the kind of creative energy that has defined the event for more than three decades.
This year’s theme, “35 Years Weird,” embraces the festival’s long-standing identity as a space where artists can experiment freely and audiences can encounter work unlike anything found in traditional venues.
Founded in 1992, Orlando Fringe holds the distinction of being the longest-running fringe theatre festival in the United States. True to international fringe principles, the event remains 100% uncensored, 100% unjuried, 100% accessible and 100% inclusive, with all ticket revenue going directly to participating artists.
The 14-day celebration will feature more than 1,000 ticketed performances spanning theatre, comedy, dance, storytelling and musical productions by local, national and international performers. Organizers say the sheer variety of programming is part of what keeps audiences returning year after year.
“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,” said Artistic Director Tempestt Halstead. “For 35 years we have trusted artists with the space, and that trust has built a community that keeps coming back.”
In addition to ticketed shows — all priced at $15 — the festival will offer numerous free experiences, including the Outdoor Stage music festival, Visual Fringe art displays and Kids Fringe programming designed for younger audiences and families.
Festival activities will be centralized in Loch Haven Park, with primary venues at the John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center and Orlando Family Stage, while Kids Fringe will take place at the Orlando Garden Club. Several “Bring Your Own Venue” locations will also host performances throughout the Ivanhoe Village and downtown areas, including Renaissance Theatre Company, The Starlite Room at Savoy, B-side at Ten10 Brewing Co. and the new Ivanhoe 1915 space.
The popular Late Night Tent also returns, offering evening entertainment and a social hub for festivalgoers.
Director of Experience Genevieve Bernard said the festival has become an essential part of Orlando’s cultural identity.
“May in Orlando means Fringe,” Bernard said. “This year we celebrate 35 years of weird, wacky, unique and wonderfully fringe-y art right here in our community. Orlando is incredibly fortunate to have this festival in its backyard year after year.”
Key dates include an April 15 local artist teaser show and ticket launch, the official ribbon-cutting and opening events on May 12 and Patrons Pick Day and closing ceremonies on May 25.
“That is what Fringe has always done best,” Halstead said. “It surprises you, moves you and reminds you how powerful live art can be.”
More information and tickets are available at orlandofringe.org.
