Arts and Culture

How to Do the Vancouver Fringe Festival Right, According to a Fringe Expert

Vancouver's Fringe Fest runs September 5 to 15—here's how to make the most of those 10 wacky, wonderful days.

By the Editors /

The delightfully uncurated, always quirky Vancouver Fringe Festival turns 40 this year, so we grilled executive director and longtime Fringer Duncan Watts-Grant on his expert tips for making the most of the performing arts fest, happening September 5 to 15 on Granville Island.

Duncan Watts-Grant

1. See at least three shows.

With shows ranging from 25 to 75 minutes and tickets as low as $15 (plus a mandatory annual $10 Fringe membership), you can take a few risks. Snag tickets to a surefire bet (the one everyone’s buzzing about), an experimental pick (something weird and risky) and a wildcard (a random show that fits your schedule—sometimes the best surprises come with no expectations).

2. Bring a friend to debrief with.

There’ll be plenty to discuss… especially after the more experimental shows.

3. Eavesdrop at the Fringe Bar.

It’s an all-ages spot with entertainment, drinks and a chance to mingle with performers and fellow Fringers. Plus, you’ll hear the latest buzz on must-see shows.

4. Take notes at the opening night preview.

At the kickoff (a.k.a. Fringe4All) on September 4, you can watch 30 acts preview their shows in a couple of hours. Each act has two minutes, and if they run long, they’ll be cut off by the hilarious (and yet-to-be-made) cluck-cordion, an accordion made of rubber chickens, the fest’s unofficial mascot. What could be more Fringe than that?

The Deets

The 40th Annual Vancouver Fringe Festival

WHEN September 5 to 15

WHERE Various venues on Granville Island

COST From $15 (plus $10 annual membership fee)

 

the Editors

the Editors

The editorial team at Vancouver magazine is obsessed with tracking down great food and good times in our favourite city on earth. Email us pitches at [email protected].