Many colourful characters will be downtown over the next 12 days for the Fringe.
There will be plenty to watch over the next 12 days as Winnipeg welcomes a wide range of exciting performing companies from around the world for the 27th annual Winnipeg Fringe Festival, which opens today and runs until next Sunday, July 27, 2014.
Fringe activities centre around Old Market Square with venues throughout the downtown.
The Fringe kicks off officially at noon today with live music by Slow Leaves at the Exchange District Biz Noon-Hour Series.
The action continues all day and all night until midnight with appearances by Scarlet Union, Chris Without the Hat, Lisa Lottie, Central Canadian Circus Arts and the featured band, The Noble Thiefs, at 10 pm.
Albert and Arthur Streets will be the central locale for the Fringe, where patrons can sample good eats from the food trucks around Old Market Square and browse the wide selection of vendors, while watching all kinds of street performers do their thing.
This location is also home of Kids Fringe, which opens at noon on Thursday, July 17, and offers a variety of family-friendly activities like face painting, storytelling and more.
The magic on stage begins at 6 pm this evening, as the first shows of the festival get underway.
Tickets can be purchased at the door of each venue, in advance at www.winnipegfringe.com, or in person at the Royal MTC lobby at 147 Market Avenue. Ticket prices range from $5 to $10, with many companies offering a special 2 for $10 discount. A Frequent Fringer Pass will get you into see 12 shows for $94.
More information is available online and a Fringe program can be purchased for $7 at Liquor Marts, McNally Robinson, the Info Centre at the Royal MTC lobby, the Info Tent and at regular venues.
Expect the unexpected, and some great shows, at this year’s Fringe.
All photos courtesy of Leif Norman and the Winnipeg Fringe Festival
