​​Sep. 25–28, 2025
Fringe Performance Weekend
Sep. 5–28
Visual Arts Exhibit
Sep. 5–28
Fringe Fix: Free Outdoor Performances
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This year marked our 12th annual Elgin Fringe Festival, and it exceeded all expectations. The festivities began in early September with our Visual Arts Exhibition opening reception, featuring the remarkable work of 20 visual artists. We also introduced new Fringe Fix outdoor shows leading up to performance weekend, with live music, improv, and magic that drew more than 100 audience members.
During the main festival weekend, more than 150 performers shared their creativity across eight downtown Elgin venues, presenting over 80 live performances. Together, we filled 1,325 seats—more than double last year’s total. It was a weekend full of wonder, connection, and remarkable artistic expression.
We’re especially proud of the diversity represented among our performers, with 63% self-identifying as part of an underrepresented population. This includes, but is not limited to, artists who identify as BIPOC and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
This year’s festival reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a space that celebrates a wide range of voices and perspectives. We can’t wait to see you next year… and remember, whatever happens, happens!
​2025 ELGIN FRINGE FACTS
80+
Performances
Seats Filled
37
Visual
Artists
1300+
Performers
20
8
150+
Venues
Performing Groups
A WIDE SPECTRUM OF ARTISTIC EXPRESSION​
Cabaret, comedy sketch shows, burlesque dancing, Appalachian traditional music, dance parties, biographical storytelling, stand-up comedy, clowning, acrobatics, juggling, Spanish punk ’n’ roll, multi-instrumental improvised music, Americana, rock, group dance, queer performance art, pop music, magic, improv comedy, microfiction, multimedia, improvised mariachi, daring circus acts, musical theater, role-playing improv, solo dramedy, spoken word, instrumental & classical guitar, improvised storytelling, musical improv, visual art, and the undefined!
