Tales of combat, magic elixirs, puppets, the circus… It’s just a taste of what’s in store at the 34th annual Saskatoon Fringe Festival (Aug. 3 – 12). It’s 10 days packed with 18 plays to from all over the world and even some from right here at home to choose from. Shows like The Trombone Guy’s Story from Sweden’s Teater KEF, Kentucky’s Other Erika with The Barn Identity, and DomestiKATE originally from Saskatoon and now Calgary. There’s something for every age and taste being performed at the Refinery, Broadway Theatre and The Cosmopolitan Seniors’ Centre.

“We’re known as the city with all the festivals and we don’t take that responsibility lightly.”

25th Street Theatre’s Executive & Artistic Director Anita Smith says her team is committed to creating a festival that survives and thrives.(Erin Crooks)

“The Saskatoon Fringe Festival is a real source of pride. We’re known as the city with all the festivals and we don’t take that responsibility lightly,” says Artistic and Executive Director Anita Smith. “It’s really unfortunate that Saskatoon lost two festivals this year. We are committed to ensuring the Fringe perseveres by connecting the community through theatre and all the great outdoor activities that accompany our festival.”

The whole community is getting in on the Fringe action through several new partnerships with community groups. On August 6th, there’s the inaugural Fringe Fun Run. A five kilometre fun run through the festival site. High Key Brewing has created a Fringe beer perfect for summer sipping. On August 12th aspiring photographers can take in the Thelma Pepper Art Walk. It’s a chance to learn about this incredible Saskatchewan photographer as you stroll the festival site and along the riverbank taking your own photos along the way. Your snaps will become part of a living art piece created during the Fringe.

There’s plenty of fun for the whole family in the theatre and on the festival grounds. (Nicole Stevenson Photography)

The outdoor festival site in and around W.E. Graham Park will feature a full lineup of buskers, visual art, carnival games, an artisan market and many food vendors. This year, the Fringe will be back on Broadway Ave. for a special street fair August 5th and 6th, reconnecting with local businesses and celebrating the spirit of the neighbourhood. 25th Street Theatre is also bringing back Fringe +1, a singular performance after the festival of Ingrid Garner’s award-winning Fringe play Eleanor’s Story. The tale of an American girl caught in the midst of World War II Berlin is being performed Aug. 13th at The Broadway as a festival fundraiser.

“There’s a real nostalgic feeling to be able to cruise Broadway and be part of the
Fringe,” says Smith. “The Fringe Festival is our chance to come out, support each other
and have a ton of fun together.”