We Loved Hosting the USAFF Conference!

From October 23 to 26, festival organizers from across the country came together in downtown Elgin to share ideas, build connections, and explore the heart of Fringe at the 2025 United States Association of Fringe Festivals Conference.

It was a joy to welcome so many wonderful people from USAFF right here in our hometown. The days were filled with learning, good conversations, and plenty of moments that reminded us why this wild, creative world of Fringe means so much to all of us.

We’re grateful for everyone who traveled in from Fringes across the country, and especially thankful for our special guests who joined the discussions and brought their insight and energy: Danielle Heal, Danny Wightkin, Holly Lombardo, Jose Alfredo, Karrie Patten, and Tish Powell.

Along with panels and conversations, we enjoyed a lively performance from award-winning Fringe artist Danny Wightkin. His interactive solo show Help Me Help You Help Yourself gave us an hour of absurdity, connection, and pure joy!

Conference attendees also got an up-close look at Nightmare on Chicago Street, Elgin’s massive immersive Halloween experience.

We’re thankful as well for our partners at Side Street Studio Arts and the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission for helping bring everything to life. And a warm thank you to the local businesses that made our time even better: Blue Box Cafe, Sugar and Rhyme Coffeehouse, Al’s Cafe, Churros Y Chocolate Inc, Las Gorditas De Don Angel #4, Trader Joe’s in Algonquin, Gigawatt Coffee Roasters, and Martini Room.

USAFF CONFERENCE WEBSITE