The Atlanta Fringe Festival is making its highly anticipated return from May 28 to June 8, bringing with it an eclectic mix of performances that promise creativity and chaos in equal measure.
Now in its 13th year, the festival will unfold over two vibrant weeks, featuring a staggering 361 performances across 10 unique venues, including renowned spots like Metropolitan Studios and 7 Stages.
Known for its artist-first approach, the Atlanta Fringe Festival offers a platform where boundary-pushing art flourishes. This year’s lineup includes everything from innovative theater and dance to storytelling and puppetry, welcoming an array of talents from local Georgia-based performers to bold voices from across the nation.
Unlike many other arts festivals that take a curated approach, the Atlanta Fringe selects its participants through an un-juried lottery system, ensuring a mix of 31 local acts and 33 touring groups that are as diverse as they are inventive.
Some notable works to look out for this year include:
– **Maggie’s Convent**: A story about a woman challenging societal norms to publish under her own name.
– **Strip Teas**: An unexpected combination of clowning, strip tease, and a whimsical tea party.
– **Down the Rabbit Hole**: A wordless reimagining of the beloved classic, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
– **Godzilla’s Not a Dinosaur**: A deep exploration of cinema’s most iconic monster and the complexities of human existence.
– **Camp Fire Stories**: A narrative reflecting on the quirks of growing up and the journey to find home again.
– **My Name is Not Bin Laden**: An insightful exploration of racial identity in the post-9/11 United States.
– **Shedding Skin**: A dance performance representing a journey of personal transformation.
– **Dreality**: A magical show blurring the lines between dreams and reality.
– **E-Race-D**: A friendly gathering that unexpectedly spirals into chaos.
– **Secret Time Travel Meeting**: A unique blend of stand-up comedy and quantum physics.
– **Red Woman Tour**: An engaging combination of stand-up and storytelling led by Ciny-Ann.
– **Based on a Drew Story**: A deeply moving examination of queer love.
– **Edgewood Avenue**: An improvisational variety show performed entirely with puppets.
– **How the Grinch Reversed Racism**: A satirical view on race and representation.
– **40.4.40 (The Hip-Hop Musical for Dreamers)**: A musical journey that explores aspirations through the lens of hip-hop.
But the Atlanta Fringe Festival doesn’t stop there.
In addition to the myriad of performances, the festival spills into the streets with Atlanta Kids Fringe, featuring free crafts, games, and family-friendly shows at the East Atlanta Kids Club on select dates: May 31, June 1, and June 7-8.
The festival also includes Atlanta Street Fringe, which transforms Little Five Points and East Atlanta Village into a lively performance space featuring pop-up acts and roving buskers on May 31 and June 1, as well as June 7-8.
For those preferring to enjoy the festival in the comfort of their own home, Atlanta Fringe Audio has crafted a 21-show podcast lineup, delivering everything from comedic skits to spine-tingling science fiction stories straight to your headphones.
One highlight not to be missed is the annual benefit show scheduled for June 2: **Five/5ths of The Fifth Element**, a quirky reimagining of the cult classic film featuring puppetry, burlesque, and chaotic clowning.
Need more convincing to attend the Atlanta Fringe Festival?
Here are five compelling reasons:
1. **Anything Goes, Seriously**: Experience a whirlwind of creativity that includes puppets, hip-hop musicals, clown performances, and more, all in one weekend.
2. **A Stage (or Sidewalk) for Everyone**: From traditional theaters to unexpected street corners, there are surprises waiting to be discovered around every turn.
3. **Feel-Good Support**: Your ticket purchase directly benefits the artists, giving you the opportunity to enjoy remarkable performances while supporting local and touring creatives.
4. **Free Fun for the Whole Fam**: Enjoy a variety of complimentary activities, including live performances and interactive crafts for kids.
5. **Vibes for Days**: The festival transforms East Atlanta into a vibrant hub of artistic expression and social connection, creating an atmosphere that celebrates creativity at every turn.
Tickets for individual shows are priced at a reasonable $18, with multi-show passes available — six shows for the price of five or ten for the price of eight.
With an expanded schedule, an imaginative lineup, and countless surprises, the 2025 Atlanta Fringe Festival is poised to deliver two unforgettable weeks of innovative artistry, collaboration, and just the right amount of unpredictability.
For more information on the full schedule and ticket purchasing, visit the Atlanta Fringe Festival website.
image source from：https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/atlanta-fringe-festival-returns-bigger-weirder-wilder-2025
