Vancouver Fringe Festival is back and it's bringing a whole lot of fun to unexpected places
Vancouver, get ready to laugh until your cheeks hurt, cry in the best possible way, and maybe even watch a live show… inside a parked car?
Vancouver Fringe Festival is back for 11 jam-packed days ā from Thursday, Sept. 4, to Sunday, Sept. 14 ā with 87 shows and over 650 performances taking place around Granville Island and at Little Mountain Gallery Gastown.
Fringe is all about shaking things up, and this yearās lineup is a glorious mix of comedy, moving stories, immersive experiences, and everything in between.
Get ready to Fringe out
Expect to see shows not only in classic theatres but also in surprising spots like boats, cafƩs, galleries, rooftops, and more!
Hop aboard a silent electric boat for the False Creek Ferriesā hit show, False Tour of False Creek, for an eccentric cruise full of warped reality, twisted facts, and straight-up misinformation.
The award-winning Spontaneous Shakespeare Company will return with their latest improv creation, Whose Lineage Is It Anyway? An Improvised Shakespearean History, where one audience member’s family history will be transformed into an epic tale before their eyes.
Check out Itās Not the End of the World for a darkly comedic performance exploring loneliness and humanity’s relationship with the forces of nature, all told through puppetry, masks, and music. Or, follow the journey of a young man who loves to sing in a show that hits all the right notes, at Drag Me to the OperaĀ
Not sure what to see? Experience the perfect taster of 30 Fringe shows packed into one night with Fringe Tease, which gives you the perfect start to the Festival with two-minute excerpts from a wide range of performances.
Beyond the shows
Need a spot to sip, eat, and discuss your newfound love for experimental theatre? We get it. Swing by the Fringe Bar at 1531 Johnston St., a nightly hotspot with local performers, tasty refreshments, and fun activities ā all on a covered outdoor patio.
There’s plenty of chances for little ones to get involved, too! Kids Fringe over on Picnic Pavilion is a brand-new series of participatory shows and workshops for children ages 4 to 12. Expect creative activities like building your own puppets, chances to play with musical instruments, and a show that takes you on a magical quest alongside a fairy and a pirate.
Make the most of the fest
New for 2025 is Fringe+, an add-on bundle stuffed with perks and discounts designed to make your Fringe experience even better. Get access to half-price tickets, discounted multibuy tickets, 10 per cent off merch, and more. You’ll even score a free ticket to bring a friend to their first-ever Fringe show!
Because, let’s face it, live entertainment isn’t always cheap here in Vancouver, but it is something everyone should be able to enjoy.
Check out the full lineup over on the Vancouver Fringe Festival 2025 website, and start plotting your 11-day culture binge now!
Vancouver Fringe Festival 2025
When: Thursday, Sept. 4, to Sunday, Sept. 14
Where: Various locations around Granville Island and at Little Mountain Gallery Gastown
Tickets: Starting at $16. Prices vary by show. Multibuy passes are available here.
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