Art lovers and curious individuals alike are in for a treat as the 12th annual Scranton Fringe Festival kicks off today. With over 40 unique performances scheduled across nearly 20 locations, the festival promises to captivate audiences until October 10.
Erin Kosisky, the associate producer, describes the festival as an event “built to inspire artists and delight curious audiences.” The festival’s lineup includes a wide array of performances such as traditional and experimental theater, music, dance, stand-up comedy, and even activities for children like puppet shows.
Festival Highlights
Inspired by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, the Scranton Fringe presents its works in various venues, including theaters, galleries, museums, and even cafes and historic sites around the city. Conor O’Brien, executive director, alongside the late Elizabeth “Lizz” Bohan, initiated this festival in 2015 to uplift local art and offer a stage for independent artists, according to Kosisky.
New performances are a staple each year. This time, audiences can look forward to productions like the true crime comedy CHUCK and the solo show “paradoxical, autobiographical, anti-identity, anti-comedy clown show” FORIEGNER, both fresh from their runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Other attractions include a free outdoor staging of The Wind in the Willows at Doherty Pocket Park, a silent disco at Globe Gallery, and a drag dance party at Ruddy’s Landmark Cafe.
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The festival begins with a public celebration at the Scranton Iron Furnaces on Thursday and Friday evenings, from 6 to 9 p.m. This event will showcase 3D projections by Endeavor Audio and Light Services Inc. on the furnaces, scheduled for 7:45 and 8:30 p.m. each night. A DJ set by Cowgirl Pills and a performance by the community choral group Untapped Voices are also on the agenda, along with various vendors.
Artists participating in the festival will be present to promote their shows, providing attendees with a preview of what the festival has to offer. Kosisky emphasizes the importance of supporting local art, stating, “If you’re coming out, it’s a great way to not only give back to the community you might be living in, but it’s a great way to support the community of artists that are working to share their shows with you.”
If you go
Click here for the complete Scranton Fringe Digital Festival Guide. This guide includes the full schedule, information on participating artists, venues, and events.
While some shows are free, others range from $10 to $15, with a $100 VIP Pass available for access to nearly every show. Tickets can be purchased online.
Arriving early is recommended as doors close promptly at the show time listed. Refunds are not available for missed shows.
During the festival, local businesses will offer discounts to those with a 2026 Fringe Button. Priced at $5, these buttons can be bought online, at participating businesses, and at festival venues. Button partners include Retro Cafe, Zummo’s Cafe, Black & Brass Coffee, DaVinci Pizza, Lost & Found Bookshop, Friendly Alien Books, Northern Light Espresso Bar, and Electric City Ciderworks.
Kosisky encourages newcomers to grab a festival guide and “walk in with an open heart, open mind, and try something new.” For more details on parking, local amenities, and accessibility, visit scrantonfringe.org.
