The 41st Annual Vancouver Fringe Festival returns to Granville Island and Gastown, September 4 to 14. The Vancouver Fringe Theatre Society has programmed 11 days featuring 87 shows with more than 668 performances across 19 venues, with performers from Canada, the US, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Japan, China, and Australia.
This year’s Fringe Festival also offers free nightly music and entertainment in the all-ages Fringe Bar, located at the Ocean Artworks Pavilion on Granville Island, as well as free programming as part of Kids Fringe for kids and their families.
“This year we’re expanding our programming and offering the biggest Festival since before the pandemic,” says Duncan Watts-Grant, Executive Director, Vancouver Fringe Theatre Society. “The 41st Vancouver Fringe will have more performers and shows, free programming and a new Kids Fringe with free activities for children and families.”
Kids Fringe features two days of free programming, only for children 4-12 years of age (with an accompanying adult). Held outdoors and under cover behind the Waterfront Theatre, beginning at 10am each day with kid-friendly performances from Fringe artists, puppet and flamenco workshops, and activities supported by Education Partner Arts Umbrella, as well as a Kids Craft Fair provided by the Kids Market.
Speaking about the partnership, Paul Larocque, Arts Umbrella President & CEO said: “At Arts Umbrella, expanding access to the arts is at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of artists and make a lasting, meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people. This year, we are proud to partner with Vancouver’s inaugural Kids Fringe on Granville Island as their official Education Partner. We look forward to supporting and celebrating performing artists and creativity across our city, while opening more doors for young people to experience the richness of our vibrant arts community.”
Fringe Bar, an all-ages venue with free nightly entertainment at Ocean Artworks invites everyone to visit from 5pm to late on weekdays and 3pm to late on weekends throughout the Festival. Fringe Bar features free entry, a licensed bar, food trucks, nightly music, DJs, and performances including Balkan Shmalkan (Sept. 5), Mx. Fringe 2025 Drag Pageant (Sept. 9), and Asian Persuasion All Stars (Sept. 13).
“New this year, Fringe goers no longer need to purchase a Festival Membership, and all our tickets are between $16-20,” adds Watts-Grant. “We think everyone should be able to afford the magic of live performance. And if you want to help make the Fringe affordable for others, consider tipping the Fringe when you buy a ticket. You help us sustain the Vancouver Fringe for years to come.”
“Granville Island is proud to be celebrating our 25th year as the Presenting Sponsor of the Vancouver Fringe Festival,” said Tom Lancaster, General Manager of CMHC Granville Island. “The Fringe is hands-down one of the best parties in town; full of exciting people and incredible live performances. Fringe is integral to Granville Island’s identity as the Arts and Culture hub for Vancouver.”
Special Events at the 2025 Vancouver Fringe Festival are three special ticketed shows at Performance Works.
Fringe Teaser – 30 Fringe shows packed into one night before the official Festival opening.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Vancouver International Burlesque Festival presents: Platinum Promenade – 20th Anniversary celebrations in partnership with the Vancouver Fringe Festival. (must be 18 to attend)
Thursday, September 4, 2025 @ 8:30pm
Calamity Cabaret – Your favourite flashlight cabaret reimagined by Fringe darling, Holly M. Brinkman. (must be 18 to attend)
Saturday, September 13, 2025 @ 11pm
Stand-up comedy moves off-site as the Vancouver Fringe Festival partners with Little Mountain Gallery, in Gastown, to offer one venue off Granville Island delivering a mix of stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy throughout the Festival, featuring individual performers and a comedy variety showcase with different shows each night of the Fringe.
Vancouver Fringe Festival performers set all ticket prices (typically between $16 to $20), with 100% of net ticket profits returned to the artists. Each ticket includes a $5 ticket fee to cover the ticketing and credit card transaction costs plus taxes. Single tickets or MultiBuy passes are available online now at vancouverfringe.com