‘Embrace the Fringe’: Winnipeg Fringe Festival officially kicks off

The annual Winnipeg Fringe Festival has officially kicked off, with nearly 150 acts expected to take place in and around downtown.

The 2025 Winnipeg Fringe Festival is officially underway, offering audience members a chance to take in an array of independent theatre and performances.

This year’s event includes nearly 150 acts, including 92 brand-new shows. Offerings include kid-friendly performances, comedy, dramas, musicals, and more.

Festival manager Tori Popp said the festival also features theatre companies from across Canada and beyond.

“A lot of new companies are coming to Winnipeg, and I think we’re just ready to embrace the Fringe and do some new productions,” Popp said.

“Everybody is coming out and trying something new.”

Popp said Winnipeg has one of the best Fringe Festivals in the country and encourages people to have fun and take some risks.

“Fringe is about finding something that you didn’t know you loved, Popp said.

“But it’s here for you; I bet it is.”

The Winnipeg Fringe Festival is on from July 16 to 27. The festival takes place at 25 venues in and around downtown, including MTYP, Tom Hendry Warehouse, Gas Station Arts Centre and the Prairie Theatre Exchange.

• With files from CTV’s Taylor Brock.