There’s nothing like the Fringe…A place where you can uncover the truth about aliens with a saxophone, learn to be German in 5 easy steps, and explore teenage love through decades of music all in ONE NIGHT! These are just a few of the theatre adventures that await you at the 2026 Saskatoon Fringe Festival.

We create a safe and welcoming environment that keeps the audience coming back

“We are not the biggest Fringe around but we punch way above our weight,” says 25th Street Theatre Artistic and Executive Director Anita Smith. “We’ve become one of the favourite stops for national and international artists. We create a safe and welcoming environment that keeps the audience coming back with their friends and families year after year.”

It’s always a highlight to come and visit

Erin Scott-Kafadar can’t wait to return with her show Tango After Midnight, a multi-media performance that blends the worlds of tango and ballet. The dancer lives in Montreal and Argentina and says Saskatoon’s Fringe is her favourite Fringe stop.

“It feels like home. We feel very supported and that’s not always the case,” says Scott-Kafadar. “We return to the same billet every time we’re here and stay in touch with them year round. It’s always a highlight to come and visit.”

Every year there are things from each show I see that are inspiring to me

Local artist Danielle Roy is fully involved in this year’s festival. She’ll head up the Collaboration Station, a space where kids can explore their own creative side making theatre inspired crafts. Roy is also acting in Two Bees Production Crossroads, a local show that includes one of her short plays Curses.

“Fringe is a great opportunity to grow your career,” says Roy. “There’s so much to learn, even if you’re not performing. These shows are something that you don’t usually see in traditional theatre. How did they do things on a budget? How did they solve this lighting or staging challenge? Every year there are things from each show I see that are inspiring to me.”

We’re fostering the next generation of performers

Dramas, comedy, magic and music; this year’s festival has 26 productions with something for everyone at The Refinery, The Broadway Theatre, and The Cosmo plus, a return to Grace-Westminster United Church for Bring Your Own Venue performances. New this year is the Collaboration Company, a group of young aspiring theatre artists, guided by professionals to produce their very own Fringe show for the community.

“We’re fostering the next generation of performers through this program as we encourage them to get in there and give it a shot,” says Smith. “We hope they walk away knowing what goes into a show so one day, when they are in the Fringe, they’re ready.”

In between shows visitors can explore the festival grounds for free in W.E. Graham Park and along 11th Street. There will be buskers, carnival games, an artisan market, a bouncy and a chance to learn the circus arts with performers. Looking for a perfect selfie? Stop by the Thelma Pepper Art Installation, giant polaroid frames with backdrops inspired by the photographers work. The fun will spread out along Broadway Ave. to celebrate the neighbourhood with Broadway Days Aug. 1 – 3. Don’t miss the Fringe Fun Run Aug. 2 or the trivia night in the Fringe Garden Aug. 4 as you sip on the Stage Left Lager by High Key Brewing.

This festival feels like you’re a part of something bigger

The fun doesn’t end on Aug. 8th as 25th Street Theatre hosts Fringe Encore featuring acclaimed musician and performer Chase Padgett’s How To Play Guitar (Poorly) Aug. 9th. The show is a blend of stand-up and live music about his relationship with the guitar and the two men who shaped his journey. This performance is a fundraiser for both the artist and 25th Street Theatre.

“This festival feels like you’re a part of something bigger,” explains Smith. “Each of these shows could stand on their own but when you put them all together, it feels so special and exciting.”

2026 Saskatoon Fringe Festival

July 30 – Aug. 8

Various Venues

Tickets: $14 – $17 Single Show & $150 10-Show Pass

For the full schedule and tickets follow this link.

 

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