Art, talent, food and fun: Fringe returns to Saskatoon

Acrobats, jugglers, fire eaters and musicians are all part of this year’s Fringe Festival off Broadway in Saskatoon.

The festival kicks off Thursday, and includes 18 live theatre performances in three venues: the Refinery, Cosmopolitan Senior Centre and the Broadway Theatre. The festival also features outdoor stages, digital shows, buskers and food trucks.

If you’re checking out an indoor show, you’ll be asked to wear a mask.

“Our industry is really high-risk when it comes to COVID,” explained Anita Smith, artistic and executive director with 25th Street Theatre. “We ask that our patrons wear masks while they’re attending the shows, unless they’re eating or drinking.”

After two years with no international acts, Smith said they’re happy to have them back.

“A lot of the folks that had registered to participate in 2020 are here this year,” she said. “Finally!”

In addition to the international talent on display, the festival also includes acts from all over Canada, including six groups from Saskatchewan.

Smith said she’s hoping the festival will bring out large crowds.

“I think that it’s important for us to support as much art as we can at this time, just because it has been such a tough go for artists,” she said. Show schedules and ticket information can be found online.