The 2026 Orlando Fringe Festival returns to Loch Haven Park May 12–25, celebrating its 35th anniversary under the theme “35 Years Weird.” For two weeks each May, the longest-running Fringe festival in the United States fills two performance campuses with 1,000+ ticketed shows spanning theatre, dance, comedy, musicals, storytelling, and spoken word — plus free outdoor concerts, visual art, and kids programming.
Best of all: 100% of every base ticket dollar goes directly to the artists.
What makes Orlando Fringe different
Orlando Fringe operates on four non-negotiable principles that set it apart from any other festival in the region:
- 100% unjuried — artists are selected by lottery, not committee
- 100% uncensored — complete artistic freedom, content from family-friendly to adult
- 100% accessible — affordable tickets, accommodations for visual and hearing-impaired audiences
- 100% inclusive — the Amplified Voices Lottery reserves 30% of spots for shows produced by marginalized communities (10% BIPOC, 10% LGBTQIA+, 10% other)
2026 festival dates and hours
- Festival run: May 12–25, 2026
- Tech rehearsals: May 9–11 (not open to public)
- Box offices open: One hour before first show through last show each day
- Tickets on sale: April 15 at 6:00 pm EST at orlandofringe.ssboxoffice.com
Venues
The festival spreads across two neighboring campuses in Loch Haven Park.
John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 E Rollins St)
- Margeson Theatre (Orange) — 320 seats
- Goldman Theatre (Yellow) — 125 seats
- Mandell Studio Theater (Pink) — 100 seats
- Shakes Rehearsal Room (Brown) — 80 seats
- Santos Dantin Theatre (Blue) — 60 seats
Orlando Family Stage (1001 E Princeton St)
- Universal Orlando Theatre (Peach) — 320 seats
- Edyth Bush Theatre (Silver) — 320 seats
- Black Box Theatre (Green) — 100 seats
- OFS Rehearsal Hall (Scarlet) — 60 seats
Venues are color-coded on the festival map, making it easy to navigate between shows.
Tickets and the festival button
Most shows are priced between free and $15 (plus a $2 ticketing fee per ticket). To enter any ticketed show, you also need a festival button — a one-time purchase that funds festival operations. Pick it up online in advance and redeem it at any box office before your first show.
A few things to know before you go:
- Popular shows sell out fast — buy early
- All sales are final; no exchanges or refunds unless a show is canceled
- Arrive at least 20 minutes early; shows start on time
- Buy tickets online at orlandofringe.ssboxoffice.com
Kids Fringe
Kids Fringe runs on weekends only: May 16–17 and May 23–24, 10 am–2 pm at the Orlando Garden Club inside Loch Haven Park. Shows are 30 minutes or less, admission for kids is free, and interactive workshops round out the experience. It’s one of the best free family activities in Orlando that weekend.
Free outdoor stage
The Fringe Lawn hosts free performances throughout the festival — musicians, singer-songwriters, bands, dancers, poets, and storytellers. No button required. Bring a blanket, grab a drink from the vendors, and enjoy.
Food, drinks, and the Fringe Lawn
Food trucks, bars, and vendors line the Fringe Lawn throughout the festival. Outside food and beverages are not permitted on the festival grounds, so plan to grab something on-site. The lawn scene is half the fun — it’s where you’ll overhear performers pitching shows, run into friends, and discover your next favorite act by accident.
Parking and getting there
Loch Haven Park has limited free parking at two lots (one near Orlando Family Stage, one shared by Orlando Shakes and the Orlando Museum of Art). Both fill up fast on weekend evenings.
Nearby paid options:
- Science Center Parking Garage (paid, close to the park)
- Advent Health McRae Garage (paid, first-come first-served)
- Street parking on Mills Avenue (Route 17/92)
The festival recommends arriving early or using rideshare. SunRail’s Florida Hospital stop at 500 E Rollins St is within walking distance on weekdays.
Local Tip: For prime-time Saturday shows, skip the parking gamble entirely and rideshare. Drop-off on E Princeton St puts you steps from both venue campuses, and you won’t lose 20 minutes circling the lot. On weeknights, SunRail is a great option too — the AdventHealth station at 500 E Rollins St drops you just a few minutes’ walk from both venue campuses, no parking required.
Plan your visit
- Official site: orlandofringe.org
- Tickets: orlandofringe.ssboxoffice.com
- Festival schedule (PDF/Excel/digital): 2026 Festival Schedule
- Parking details: orlandofringe.org/where-to-park
- Accessibility services: boxoffice@orlandofringe.org
Orlando Fringe Festival Video
Orlando Fringe Festival Map