The 35th Annual Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival announces "35 Years Weird" return May 12-25

The longest-running theatre festival of its kind in the US returns to Orlando with 1,000+ ticketed performances, a free outdoor music festival, kids fringe and more.

Orlando Fringe has anounced that the 35th Annual Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival is returning to Loch Haven Park in Orlando, from May 12-25, 2026. 

Orlando Fringe is a 14-day immersive cultural experience featuring over 1,000 ticketed performances spanning a wide array of genres, such as theatre, dance, storytelling, musicals, comedy and much more. 

Free festival highlights include an outdoor music festival, Visual Fringe (pieces of art on display and for sale throughout festival grounds), Kids Fringe (weekend play and entertainment for the young and young-at-heart) and more. The festival unites local, national and international artists with the Central Florida community, creating a uniquely diverse arts experience.  

As the longest-running Fringe theatre festival in the United States, Orlando Fringe is founded on being: 100% uncensored, 100% unjuried, 100% accessible, 100% inclusive and 100% of all ticket sales go directly back to the artists, with this year's theme, “35 Years Weird.”

“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,” says 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.  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."

Centralized in Loch Haven Park, the festival features five venues and Visual Fringe HQ at the John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, four venues at Orlando Family Stage and Kids Fringe at the Orlando Garden Club.  BYOV’s (“Bring Your Own Venues”) this year include Renaissance Theatre Company,  The Starlite Room @ Savoy, B-side at Ten10 Brewing Co. and a new location Ivanhoe 1915, along with various site-specific venues chosen by artists. The Outdoor Stage returns to the lawn with live entertainment and the return of the Late Night Tent.

Printed and digital programs continue from Fringe partners at Watermark Out News, as well as Box Offices located at both the John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center and Orlando Family Stage. All ticketed shows are free - $15, and entertainment on the Outdoor Stage, at Kids Fringe and Visual Fringe is free, allowing audiences to choose their own Fringe adventure.

“May in Orlando means Fringe!” says Director of Experience Genevieve Bernard.  “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!” 

2026 Orlando International Fringe Festival key dates:

• April 15 – Local Artist Teaser Show at the Peach Venue at Orlando Family Stage

• April 15 - Tickets go on sale for Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival

• May 12 – Ribbon cutting, official festival opening, and National/International Artist Teaser Show at the Peach Venue at Orlando Family Stage

• May 12-25 – Time to Fringe and Celebrate 35 Years Weird! 

• May 25 - Patrons Pick Day (top selling shows) and Closing Ceremonies

For more information and updates on Orlando Fringe 2026, visit www.orlandofringe.org, and contact the Box Office: 407-648-0077.

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