WHAT IS FRINGE???

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Fringe Festivals focus on performing arts but also include film, visual art, music, and other types of art forms. Performances take place in downtown areas in cafes, theaters, storefronts, and a variety of other locations. The first Fringe Festival started in 1947 in Edinburgh, Scotland, as an alternative festival that played concurrently with the Edinburgh International Festival. There are more than 20 fringe festivals throughout the United States with more in Canada and Europe.

Downtown Elgin is a prime location for a fringe festival due to its urban feel and proximity to Chicago.  Now headed into our sixth year, the Elgin Fringe Festival is and inclusive and dynamic experience. We are first come-first served, uncurated, uncensored, and 100% of our ticket sales go back to the artists! Programming includes our Family Fringe Day, a day filled with games, performances, and art projects that is free and open to the public, our ever-growing visual art component hosted at Side Street Studio Arts, aka Fringe Central, as well as a live music component that highlights the juggernaut of a music scene Elgin has to offer. The city's ever-evolving arts scene, ease of walkability, and diverse community are ingredients for a highly needed and sought after Fringe Festival.

EFF 2020 Staff

Executive Director Erin Rehberg

Artistic Director Nick Mataragas

Technical Director Tanner Melvin

Managing Director Amanda Harris

Finance Director Sarah Manata Smith

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.

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The Elgin Fringe Festival is thrilled to be hosting the annual meeting of the United States Association of Fringe Festivals in October 2020!