Fringe Unforgettable
The 45th Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival returns to the heart of Old Strathcona!
Fringe Unforgettable runs August 13 – 23 with 209 indoor theatre shows (more than 1,300 live performances!).
Newly located this year on the greenspace south of the Community Hall (10140 86 Ave) is the pêhonân (“meeting place” in Nêhiyawêwin) community of mikiwahps, or tipis.
When you arrive at this community of tipis, you are invited to explore a variety of self-directed and interactive experiences rooted in Indigenous knowledge, storytelling, teachings, and ways of life.
Explore new programming: 13 Moons, Sacred Medicines, Stories of the Sacred, A Métis Story, and the return of Whose Land.
pêhonân programming
13 Moons
Explore the 13 Moons and the seasonal teachings that guide Indigenous ways of living throughout the year. Discover how each moon reflects the interconnected relationship between the land, waters, plants, animals, and people.
Sacred Medicines
Learn about the four sacred medicines – tobacco, sage, cedar, and sweetgrass – and their cultural significance in many Indigenous traditions. Discover how these medicines are used with respect in ceremony, prayer, healing, and daily life.
Whose Land?
Journey through the history of Turtle Island by exploring the traditional territories and homelands of First Nations peoples. Reflect on whose land you are on today and deepen your understanding of Indigenous presence, history, and stewardship.
Stories of the Sacred
Discover how storytelling has preserved Indigenous history, culture, language, and teachings for countless generations. Through reflection and interactive displays, explore the power of stories to connect us to the land, our communities, our ancestors, and one another.
A Métis Story
Discover the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Métis Nation through stories, artifacts, and lived experiences. Learn about Métis identity, language, music, artistry, and the resilience of a people who continue to shape Canada.
Buffalo Path
Follow the Buffalo Path from the Fringe site to the new space to learn about the profound relationship between the buffalo and Indigenous Peoples of the Plains. Explore how the buffalo provided food, clothing, shelter, tools, and spiritual teachings, sustaining communities for countless generations.
The pêhonân opens Friday, August 14, with an opening ceremony at 1 PM and runs until Sunday, August 23.
The Opening Ceremony will feature Cultural Welcome, Blessing, & Smudge by Elder Ekti Cardinal, Traditional Hand Drum Songs by Lyndon Aginas, Métis Fiddle Songs by Darla Daniels, and Contemporary Song by Bobbi Jo Starr.
Once again, there will be road closures for set up and tear down in our neighbourhood.
From Friday, August 7, to Wednesday, August 30, these road closures will be in effect.
- 83 Avenue between 103 Street and 104 Street
- 84 Avenue between 103 Street and 104 Street
- 85 Avenue between 103 Street and 104 Street
- Northbound 103 Street service lane between 83 Avenue and 85 Avenue
- Northbound 104 Street service lane between 83 Avenue and 85 Avenue
- Adjacent alleyways and designated parking areas
In addition, the city is temporarily relocating the bins of the Strathcona Recycling Depot on the south side of 85 Avenue, east of 104 Street for the duration of the Festival.
Signs will be up in the neighbourhood reminding Fringers to:
- Park in public lots;
- Keep noise to a minimum; and
- Throw trash in bins.
People who plan on going to see the Fringe should
- bike
- take transit
- use the High Level Street Car
- use the free Fringe Shuttle from the Fringe Site to the French Quarter
- rent a scooter or e-Bike from Bird Canada, Lime, or Neuron.
Parking in the neighbourhood is limited but you can download the HotSpot Parking App at oldstrathcona.ca/visit to find spots to park.
For more information visit fringetheatre.ca or email hello@fringetheatre.ca
For city concerns call 311