By Jim Carchidi
April 14, 2026
Orlando International Fringe Festival will mark 35 years of theatrical mayhem at Loch Haven Park, May 12-25. Tickets are available beginning Wednesday, April 15.
Taking the stage
Founded in 1992, Orlando Fringe Festival is the longest-running Fringe theatre festival in the United States. Performances were first held at makeshift venues in Downtown Orlando before growing attendance forced a move to Loch Haven Park in 1995 with kids’ programming added not long after. Local, national and international performers are hosted with 100% of all ticket sales going directly to the artists.
Creative connections
This year’s theme, “35 Years Weird,” embraces the Fringe mission of presenting an unconventional, uncensored, and inclusive environment where artists can take risks and connect with their audiences.
“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. “Take a chance. See something you would not normally pick. Walk into a room without reading too much about it. Those are often the shows people end up talking about the most.”
Key dates
April 15: Local Artist Teaser Show at the Peach Venue at Orlando Family Stage; 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
How to Fringe
Following its tradition of mold-breaking experiences, the Fringe ticketing process is unique and first-timers need to make note of the process.
A festival button must be purchased from the ticketing website or at the Fringe box office. A button does not count as a ticket but everyone must wear one to enter a ticketed show. Only one button purchase is necessary for the entire festival.
Show tickets are available online or at the Fringe box office. Free performances are held on the Outdoor Stage and art exhibits at the Visual Fringe galleries can also be accessed free of charge.
Additional information including full performance schedule, the online box office, and a digital program (to be posted in the coming days) are available at orlandofringe.org.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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