Old Strathcona is transitioning into ground zero for the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival on Monday, August 11, 2025. Photo by Shaughn Butts /Postmedia

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For many theatregoers, this may go without saying, but the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre festival is making it official.

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This year’s event will be Unforgettable.

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Organizers of the annual theatre-palooza announced Monday the theme for the 2026 edition — the 45th fest, in fact — and it’s Fringe Unforgettable.

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“This year’s theme celebrates the moments that linger long after the final bow,” a release from the Fringe said.

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“The unexpected discoveries. The daring performances. The belly laughs, tears, chance encounters, familiar faces and hugs in a lineup outside a theatre, and the unforgettable stories that have shaped North America’s largest and longest running Fringe Theatre Festival for nearly half a century.”

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Running from Aug. 13-23, the festival will see 209 shows in 37 venues around town, with the usual key haunts of the French Quarter and, of course, Old Strathcona and surrounding areas.

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The fest will also include free concerts in ATB Park, featuring a mix of local and touring artists, KidsFringe, 35 outdoor performers from circus artists to street theatre.

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New this year will be an expanded pêhonân with a new Indigenous-led gathering place for storytelling and connection, as well as what’s called “Q2Q: A Queer Barns Series” featuring open mics, drag workshops and more.

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Returning this year is the Fringe Shuttle, a free service getting folks from the main Fringe Grounds to the French Quarter, supported by Edmonton Transit.

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Festival Guides go on sale July 29, while ticket sales start Aug. 5 at noon.

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