The 100 Best Affordable Vacations (66 page)

MORE FAVORITE FRINGE FESTS IN THE UNITED STATES & CANADA

 
Boulder International Fringe Festival, Boulder, Colorado.
Twelve days in mid-late August; tickets from $10.
303-803-5643,
www.boulderfringe.com
.

 
Minnesota Fringe Festival, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota.
Ten days in early August; tickets from $12.
612-872-1212,
www.fringefestival.org
.

 
New York International Fringe Festival, New York, New York.
Some 1,200 multiarts performances offered over 16 days in mid to late August; tickets from $15. Unlike other festivals, selection is competitive and based on quality.
212-279-4488,
www.fringenyc.org
.

 
Orlando Fringe, Orlando, Florida.
The oldest fringe fest in the United States, held over 12 days in late May; tickets from $6.
407-648-0077,
www.orlandofringe.org
.

 
Philadelphia Fringe Festival, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Runs over two weeks in early September; tickets from $25 with discounts for multiple shows.
215-413-9006,
www.livearts-fringe.org
.

 
San Francisco Fringe Festival, San Francisco, California.
Two and a half weeks in early to mid-September; tickets from $10.
415-931-1094,
www.sffringe.org
.

 
Winnipeg Theatre Fringe Festival, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
The festival literally takes over the town of 680,000, and artists become instantly recognized celebrities—at least for the run of the show. About 80,000 typically attend over the 12-day show in mid-July; tickets cost about $9 Canadian.
877-446-4500,
www.winnipegfringe.com
.

ENJOY THE SHOWS

Fringe regulars offer these tips:

 Book hotels in advance. Because the festivals span a number of days, you can usually find rooms…but the later you wait, the higher the rate may be.

 Keep an open mind. See something you aren’t inclined to see; you may be surprised.

 Ask around. Once you hear a show is good, snag a ticket quickly.

 Consider a pass that includes a number of shows; it usually saves time and money.