🎭 Minnesota Fringe Festival 2025: Theater Without Limits Across Minneapolis & St. Paul

If you love creativity, laughter, and performances that break all the rules—the Minnesota Fringe Festival is the place to be. Running from July 31 to August 10, 2025, this massive arts celebration turns the Twin Cities into a playground for independent theater, comedy, dance, storytelling, music, and more.

With hundreds of performances across multiple venues in Minneapolis and St. Paul, it’s one of the most exciting—and unpredictable—arts festivals in the Midwest.

What Is the Minnesota Fringe Festival?

Started in 1994, the Minnesota Fringe Festival is part of a global movement of “Fringe” festivals that celebrate unfiltered, uncensored, and unforgettable live performances. Artists from all over the state—and beyond—submit original works that span genres from the ridiculous to the profound.

Whether you’re into:

  • 💬 One-person storytelling shows

  • 🤣 Laugh-out-loud sketch comedy

  • 💃 Expressive modern dance

  • 🎶 Original musicals

  • 👻 Interactive and immersive theater experiences

  • 🧒 Family-friendly acts for kids

…you’ll find something that surprises and delights you.

No two shows are the same. And no one tells the artists what they can or can’t do. That’s what makes Fringe so exciting.

When & Where

🗓 Festival Dates: July 31 – August 10, 2025
📍 Venues: Multiple theaters in the Twin Cities, including:

  • Rarig Center (West Bank, Minneapolis)

  • Mixed Blood Theatre

  • Augsburg University

  • Theater in the Round

  • Strike Theater

  • and pop-up spaces across Minneapolis & St. Paul

Shows typically run 45–60 minutes, and you can easily hop from one venue to another for a full day (or weekend!) of Fringe fun.

How Tickets Work

To attend a show, you’ll need:

  • A Fringe Button (one-time $5–$7 purchase for the festival year)

  • A ticket for each performance (typically $10–$15 per show)

There are also multi-show passes and day passes if you plan to see several performances.

🎟️ Pro Tip: Purchase your tickets early for popular shows—they can sell out quickly!

Why Locals Love Fringe

✔️ Affordable and accessible – See a full day of shows without breaking the bank
✔️ Community vibes – Meet artists, chat with fellow theatergoers, and explore new venues
✔️ Something for everyone – Whether you want to laugh, cry, or be weirded out in the best way
✔️ Support local and independent art – Many performers are Minnesota-based creatives bringing bold new ideas to life

It’s a highlight of summer in the Twin Cities—and a great excuse to explore neighborhoods like Cedar-Riverside, Northeast, and Downtown St. Paul.

How to Plan Your Fringe Adventure

  • 🔍 Visit minnesotafringe.org for the full schedule, show descriptions, and artist bios

  • 📱 Use the Fringe app to browse shows, read reviews, and create your personalized schedule

  • 🛑 Arrive early—shows start on time and late seating isn’t allowed

  • 🧢 Dress for the weather—many venues require short walks between them

Final Take: Fringe Is For Everyone

Whether you’re a die-hard theater nerd or just looking for something different to do in the Twin Cities this summer, the Minnesota Fringe Festival is one of the best cultural experiences around. With 11 days of bold, inspiring, and often hilarious performances—this is your chance to support the arts, step out of your comfort zone, and have a whole lot of fun doing it.