Why the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival Is the Best Thing You’ll Do This Summer
If there’s one thing I look forward to every summer without fail, it’s the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival.
It’s weird and wonderful in the best way! Dozens of shows packed into twelve days, with street performers all around and patio beers flowing—seriously, what’s not to love?
Over the years, I’ve taken friends from out of town to a few shows, and they always leave amazed and wanting more.
If you also want to Fringe like a local (and skip rookie mistakes), here are some fun facts and insider tips to help you do it right.
What is the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival?
The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival is a 12-day summer celebration of indie theatre. Local and international performers stage over 150 uncensored and unjuried shows in venues across the Exchange District yearly (every July).
How to Get to the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival
By Car:
To get to the Exchange District for the Winnipeg Fringe by car from downtown, head north on Fort Street toward Portage Avenue. Turn right onto Portage, but keep in mind that right turns are restricted on weekdays between 3:30 and 5:30 PM.
From there, use the second lane from the left to turn left onto Main Street, following signs for Route 57 East. After a short drive, turn right onto McDermot Avenue, then take a quick left, followed by a right—you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Exchange District.
By Bike:
Head south from downtown and turn right onto Fort Street, then turn right onto McDermot Avenue. A quick left and right later, and you’ll roll right into the heart of the Exchange District.
On Foot:
If you’re heading to the Exchange District on foot, start by walking north from downtown Winnipeg and take the stairs when you reach them. Then, turn left toward Rorie Street, continue walking along Rorie, and take one more left.
Best Time to Visit the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival
– Media credit: winnipegfringe
The best time to hit the Winnipeg Fringe is during the middle stretch of the 12-day July festival—by then, word-of-mouth helps you pick standout shows. For peak vibes, aim for late afternoon into the evening.
Things to Know about the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival
– Media credit: mtcwinnipeg
History
The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival kicked off in 1988, launched by the Manitoba Theatre Centre, Canada’s oldest regional theatre. It started small with 14,000 tickets sold, but quickly doubled in its second year and kept growing from there.
By 2001, attendance topped 60,000 and even set a North American record in 2009 with over 81,000 tickets sold. In 2008, Chuck McEwen, former director of the Toronto Fringe, stepped in as executive producer and helped steer the festival into its next chapter.
Like many events, the Fringe hit pause in 2020 due to the pandemic and went digital for a year. But it returned live in 2022 and added a family-friendly pay-what-you-can model in 2023 and 2024 to make it more affordable.
Ticket Options
| Ticket Option | Price | Inclusion | Best For |
| 8-Show Frequent Fringer Pass | $84 | Entry to 8 shows | Solo theatre fans who plan to see several performances |
| 14-Show Frequent Fringer Pass | $144 | Entry to 14 shows | Hardcore Fringers, or those seeing multiple shows daily |
| Buddy Pass for Two Shows | $28 | 2 tickets total (can be gifted) | Besties who are planning to see two shows together |
Note:
Frequent Fringer passes are punch cards redeemable in person only. They can be used for At The Door or Advance tickets (advance redemptions include a small surcharge).
Passes can be redeemed starting in June when tickets go on sale.
Pet Policy
The organizers do not allow pets since the festival environment (hot pavement, large crowds, and tight spaces) can be uncomfortable for animals. Trainer service dogs, however, are welcome at all times.
Washrooms
Public washrooms and a changing station are available at Old Market Square, right next to the Red River College Paterson GlobalFood Institute on King Street. Fringers are kindly asked to use these designated facilities rather than those in nearby businesses.
ATMs
Many food vendors and beverage patios are cash-only, so it’s a good idea to come prepared. You’ll find ATMs conveniently located inside the Info Tent at the Red River College courtyard, in the Beer Tent, and just outside the Patio entrance.
Things to Do During the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival
Catch fun indoor performances
– Media credit: mtcwinnipeg
Indoor performances at the Winnipeg Fringe are hosted in venues throughout the Exchange District, from intimate black box spaces to larger theatre stages. Exact locations and venue details will be announced closer to the festival dates.
Expect a wide range of indoor shows, including comedies, dramas, experimental shows, and even musicals. With artists coming from all over Canada and beyond, no two shows are ever quite the same.
Check out free outdoor performances
– Media credit: winnipegfringe
Outdoor performances on stage at the Winnipeg Fringe transform the Old Market Square into a hub, where magicians, comedians, and variety acts perform throughout the day. These shows are free to watch, but tips are very much appreciated.
Watch cool street performers
– Media credit: winnipegfringe
Street performers, buskers, and entertainers (not on stage but on the streets!) bring spontaneous energy to the Winnipeg Fringe. They delight crowds with everything, from circus acts to physical theater—don’t forget to donate!
Listen to awesome live music
– Media credit: winnipegfringe
Live music is a big part of the Winnipeg Fringe vibe, and the Bell MTS Outdoor Stage—also known as the Cube—is where it all happens. Set in the heart of Old Market Square, this open-air venue hosts daily performances from noon to midnight.
With a pro sound system and covered stage, musical acts like solo artists, full bands, and DJs get 45 to 60 minutes to perform while festival goers relax on the grass. Catch a chill afternoon set or an energetic evening show for a wonderful Fringe experience.
Bring your little ones to Kids Fringe
– Media credit: winnipegfringe
Kids Fringe is the go-to spot for little Fringers! Running daily from 12 PM to 3 PM in Old Market Square, it’s packed with free craft games, workshops, and fun performances. It’s right by food trucks, market stalls, and the outdoor stage.
Just a quick walk away, the Kids Venue at MTYP has shows made especially for kids under 12. Tickets are pay-what-you-can at the door, or grab advance ones for just $12 (adults) and $6 (kids). Even the tiniest Fringers (like babes in arms) are welcome!
Hang out at the Beer Tent
– Media credit: winnipegfringe
After a day of show-hopping, the Liquor Mart Patio and Torque Brewing Beer Tent is the perfect place to kick back. You can grab a cold beer, a cooler, a glass of wine, or a refreshing bubbly and unwind with fellow Fringers.
Sample yummy Fringe street food
– Media credit: winnipegfringe
Fringe and food go hand in hand, and the festival offers a lineup of tasty eats from local faves like KYU Grill, The Churro Stop, Mini O’s Mini Donuts, and more. Grab something sweet or savory, snag a beer from the Beer Tent, and catch a show outdoors!
Shop and support local vendors
– Media credit: winnipegfringe
The Fringe’s local vendor market is located at the Red River College courtyard. You can snag small-batch earrings, pottery, candles, honey from Bee Project, handmade soaps by Kat’s Handmade, or colorful prints by Art by Ciara 204 (for you or a loved one!).
Volunteer for the Fringe Festival
– Media credit: winnipegfringe
The Winnipeg Fringe wouldn’t be possible without its amazing volunteers who help bring the festival to life every July. You could sell tickets, usher in venues, help out at Kids Fringe, pour drinks in the Beer Tent, or answer questions at the Info Tent.
Volunteering is also a great way to get in on the action, meet fellow theatre lovers, and stay in the loop on the hottest shows and best venues. If you want to join the team, just shoot a message to [email protected] to get started!
Where to Eat near the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival
Peasant Cookery
– Media credit: peasantcookerywpg
Website: http://www.peasantcookery.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peasantcookerywpg/
Address: Travellers Building, 283 Bannatyne Ave
Hours: Monday: 4:30 PM – 10 PM
Tue – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Fri – Sat: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
Contact: (204) 989-7700
Peasant Cookery is a cozy, rustic spot just a 1-minute walk away from the Cube. So, if you want a sit-down meal rather than street or food truck food while enjoying the Fringe, this is the place to be.
You can’t go wrong with their 12 oz Pork Chop—it’s beautifully cooked, thick-cut, and plated like a bone-in ribeye. And if you’re here on a Wednesday, don’t miss Buck-a-Shuck Oyster Night—fresh oysters for a dollar each? Total Fringe-week win!
Clementine Cafe
– Media credit: clementine.winnipeg
Website: http://clementinewinnipeg.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clementine.winnipeg/
Address: 123 Princess St
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 2 PM
Contact: (204) 942-9497
Looking to grab some breakfast before Fringing? Clementine is just a two-minute walk away from the Cube.
I recommend their Braised Bacon Benedict—thick-cut braised bacon on a biscuit topped with poached eggs, brown butter hollandaise, and dill.
If you want to start the party early, wash down your meal with their Morning Helper—gin, St Germain, thyme syrup, and prosecco. They also serve great coffee, wine, beer, cider, and plenty of non-alcoholic options, too.
Where to Stay near the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival
Fairmont Winnipeg
– Media credit: travelmanitoba
Website: https://www.fairmont.com/winnipeg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairmontwinnipeg/
Address: 2 Lombard Place
Hours: Check-in time: 4:00 PM
Check-out time: 11:00 AM
Contact: (204) 957-1350
Fairmont Winnipeg is only an 8-minute walk away from the festival action, so you’re never far from your next show. The rooms are a dream to boot, with plush down comforters, Egyptian cotton sheets, and thick high-end bedding.
After a day of fringing, you can unwind in the saltwater pool (with city views!), soak in the hot tub, or relax in the steam room. For added convenience, it also has an on-site restaurant and even direct access to Winnipeg’s downtown underground shopping area.
Mere Hotel
–Media credit: merewinnipeg
Website: https://www.merehotel.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merewinnipeg/
Address: 333 Waterfront Dr
Hours: Check-in time: 3 PM
Check-out time: 11 AM
Contact: (204) 594-0333
Mere Hotel is a sleek, modern option just a quick 3-minute drive from all the fun. Rooms are stylish and comfy, and they offer extras like free WiFi, flat screen TVs, bathrobes, and even mini-fridges—perfect for stashing snacks between shows.
Some rooms even have pretty river views (which you can request upon booking). And in addition to the Fringe, it’s also close to other local gems like The Forks and the Winnipeg Convention Centre.