Elgin Fringe Festival returns for 12th year with 80 performances
The Elgin Fringe Festival enters its 12th year with four days of bold performances, community events, and celebrations across downtown Elgin. The main festival weekend runs Thursday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Sept. 28, offering an inclusive and affordable experience for audiences of all ages.
The week kicks off with the final Fringe Fix at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, in DuPage Court.
This free outdoor performance features Magic Rob! with daring circus thrills with magic, comedy, and danger. Stop by your favorite downtown restaurant or bring a picnic and enjoy a lively preview of what’s to come at this year’s festival.
On Wednesday, Sept. 24, festivalgoers can catch sneak peeks of this year’s shows at the Fringe Opening Party at Martini Room, 161 E. Chicago St.
Performances officially begin on Thursday, Sept. 25, and run through Sunday, Sept. 28, with more than 80 shows across multiple venues including Side Street Studio Arts, Elgin Art Showcase, Martini Room, Habitat for Humanity, and Elgin Public House.
Festival entry buttons are just $4, with performance tickets ranging from free to $12. A festival pass, which includes access to all events, is available for $95.
All ticket sales go directly to the artists, ensuring Fringe remains a vital space for creativity and experimentation.
“We are thrilled to see downtown Elgin come alive again for Fringe,” said EFF Artistic Director Nick Mataragas. “This festival is about building community, celebrating creativity, and experiencing the unexpected.”
The mission of the Elgin Fringe Festival is to encourage bold artistic experimentation and innovation by providing an accessible, affordable experience for both artists and audiences alike.
Produced by Side Street Studio Arts, the EFF is made possible with support from the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, Elgin Public House, Habitat for Humanity, The Illinois Arts Council, The Reva and David Logan Foundation, Martini Room, Funky Rooster Tattoo and Art Studio, Domino’s Pizza, the Palmer Foundation, and the Seigle Foundation.
For the full schedule and ticket information, visit elginfringefestival.com.