With the 2025 Fringe Festival just around the corner, the city will soon be taken over by some of the most unique theatrical performances local, national, and international artists have to offer.
But did you know that there are so many more things to do at Ottawa’s Fringe Festival?
Whether it’s coming to see the wide variety of performances, or to hang out around the Fringe Courtyard and catch the free community series, there truly is something for everyone at Fringe.
“[Fringe] is exciting and energetic and at the beginning of summer, which I think makes it an exciting space to be at.” says Executive and Artistic Director of Fringe Alain Richer.
Not only will there be both English and French programming this year, but the festival will also include some family-friendly programming as well.
Fringe will be hosting their second-ever Fringe Family Day on June 15, which is the first Sunday of the festival.
“[These shows] are good for kids starting around the age of six, all the way to teenagers,” says Richer. “It’s exciting for us to have those shows, and to invite those younger audiences.”
Fringe Festival 2025 poster. Photo provided.
And to ensure that there is never a dull moment, Fringe’s community programming will be held at the Fringe courtyard, full of activities outside of theatrical performances.
Fringe’s preview night will be taking place June 11, the day before the festival begins. It’s essentially a giant showcase where artists pitch their performances to a sold-out audience, and a fun way to kick off the festival.
There will also be the Best of the Fest to close the festival, where the most popular shows from each official venue will put on an encore performance.
“We’re also coming back with some of the recent favourites like our Silent Disco evening at the SAW Courtyard,” says Richer, which will take place on June 19, from 9:30–12:30pm.
Other events will feature some community partnerships, which will provide free events, food vendors, Happy Hours, dance parties, and even an improv battle.
“Each night [of the festival], there will be a different community partner curating or hosting something on the outdoor stage at SAW, for free,” says Richer. “This will help promote their organizations, and the great work they’re doing, or just liven up the space on top of our performance days.”
The Courtyard will be open from 4:30pm–1am Monday-Friday, and 1pm–1am from Saturday-Sunday.
“Fringe becomes a place where all of the local creators get to connect and see each other and support each other, and be there for each other,” says Richer. “It’s that energy, that vibe, that places itself on the entire festival. It’s a really important and special space.”
For more information about the Fringe Festival and to see their online schedule, you can check out their website, or our last preview article. You can purchase your tickets online or at the box offices located at Fringe Courtyard (67 Nicolas Street), Arts Court Theatre (67 Nicholas St.), La Nouvelle Scène (333 King Edward Ave.), or at LabO (Pop-up box office – high traffic times – 10 Daly Ave.), and you can see the full line up of community events here.
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