Uncensored, unjuried, accessible and inclusive — and now, available year-round. Step inside the newest way to experience Orlando Fringe at downtown’s Fringe ArtSpace.

Updated Jan. 19, 2023

Orlando’s theater scene just got a lot weirder — in a very good way — with the debut of Fringe ArtSpace. New to downtown Orlando’s Church Street District, the venue provides a physical home for Orlando Fringe, a pillar of our arts community and producer of the longest-running fringe festival in the U.S.: the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival.

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Upcoming events at their first-ever year-round space are set to include locally created theatrical runs, touring productions, Orlando Fringe’s Winter Mini-Fest, select programming for their signature event, and much more. It’s all part of their commitment to keeping Orlando theater weird — and you are invited to join the fun.

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Inside Fringe ArtSpace

Nestled above the central plaza of Orlando’s famous Church Street, Fringe ArtSpace is as free-spirited and welcoming as Orlando Fringe itself. The venue includes a 166-seat main stage and a black box that can accommodate up to 60 guests. Fringe ArtSpace will also extend its reach to the street below with lively entertainment activations.

In addition to hosting Winter Mini-Fest and parts of Orlando Fringe’s main festival, Fringe ArtSpace will showcase a mix of productions by emerging arts organizations that are mentored by Fringe, as well as established touring shows and musical acts. You can look forward to traditional programmed theater and concerts, plus weekly, monthly and pop-up performances, artistic explorations, readings, workshops, classes and more.

Most of all, you should expect the unexpected — this is, after all, Orlando Fringe.

What Is Fringe?

Held every May since 1992, the 14-day Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival features hundreds of ticketed performances and a free outdoor music festival. Programming mostly takes place in Loch Haven Park, part of Ivanhoe Village Main Street near downtown Orlando, with other local venues joining the fun.

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The Orlando Fringe International Theatre Festival is famous for performances that are 100%:

• Uncensored: Artists have full control over their performances, and you never know what they’ll say or do. (“Normal” fringe shows are usually better suited for mature audiences, but the organization includes all-ages Kids Fringe programming in its May festival, and all-ages entertainment will also be part of ArtSpace’s lineup.)
• Unjuried: Performers are chosen at random by a lottery, providing equity among participating artists.
• Accessible: Ticket prices for individual shows range from free to $15, which means Fringe can fit into any budget.
• Inclusive: At Fringe, everyone is treated with love and kindness. No matter who you are, who you love, what you look like, what you believe, or what you like to do, you will be welcomed.

The main event is complemented by Winter Mini-Fest, a four-day curated fringe festival held in January, as well as the new Fringe ArtSpace. In short, Orlando Fringe is an artistic representation of the city it represents — and now, you don’t have to wait till January or May to experience it.

Before You Fringe

Fringe ArtSpace is easily accessible thanks to numerous nearby parking garages and the adjacent Church Street SunRail station. The immediate area is also home to some of Orlando’s best dining and nightlife, including standout restaurants such as Reyes Mezcaleria, Artisan’s Table, The Boheme, DoveCote Restaurant, The Stubborn Mule, Ace Cafe Orlando and others. You can even make it dinner, a show and an overnight stay at two exceptional properties: Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando and AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Downtown.

Booking downtown accommodations will also give you the opportunity to check out all the other reasons to visit downtown and its adjacent neighborhoods, including concerts, professional and collegiate sports, breweries, nightclubs, living history, and much more. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy an authentic taste of Orlando — and Fringe ArtSpace — during your next visit.

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