August is a thrilling time in Old Strathcona as the streets are transformed into the grounds for the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival — one of the oldest and largest fringe festivals in the world!
The 42nd Fringe Festival: The Answer is Fringe! runs this year from Thursday, August 17 - Sunday, August 27. The festival features more than 185 shows in 33 indoor venues, plus outdoor stages, performers and musicians, delicious eats, and a dedicated KidsFringe, opens a new window family experience. If this sounds like out-of-this-world level excitement, that’s because it is! And can you guess what bookish building is right in the middle of all this Fringe-y fun? Our Strathcona Branch.
We’re open during the Fringe as a nice spot to cool off, read and hang out with friends if it happens to be hotter than the sun outside.
Plus, we’re also joining in on the intergalactic adventures at the KidsFringe. We invite you to hop aboard our ship and enjoy the ride. From storytimes to KidsFringe performances, EPL is blasting off to Fringe family fun from Friday, August 18 - Saturday, August 26.
Experience the Fringe at your library:
Theatre for Younger Audiences Free-For-Al
Saturday, Aug. 19, 12 – 1 p.m.
Strathcona Branch, 8331 104 St
Join us at the Strathcona Branch to learn all about Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) performances at this year’s Fringe! TYA shows are indoor shows created especially for kids. This is the perfect chance to discover your new favourite shows, learn about the awesome programs and surprises KidsFringe offers, and schedule your festival. Adventure awaits!
Blast off to Storytime with EPL
Daily, August 18-26 (except August 19), 1:30 – 1:45 p.m.
Strathcona Branch, 8331 104 St
Every day of Fringe, we’ll be sharing some out-of-this-world stories and songs with the whole family! Plus, check out the fun Fringe-themed activities we have available in the library. It’s the perfect reason to head inside and beat the heat after you’ve been busily fringing.
Out of this World Adventures with EPL
| Friday, Aug. 18 - 2:45 p.m. | Saturday, Aug. 19 - 2:30 p.m. | Sunday, Aug. 20 - 2:45 p.m. |
| Monday, Aug. 21 - 12:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. | Wednesday, Aug. 23 - 12 p.m. | Friday, Aug. 25 - 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. |
| Saturday, Aug. 26 - 11:30 a.m. |
Join the Edmonton Public Library for literary adventures that are truly out of this world! Our stellar library staff are bringing the library fun right to KidsFringe grounds at Lighthorse Park with readers’ theatre performances featuring our favourite stories in the cosmos. These interactive stories and rhymes are sure to delight kids and space beings alike!
Bonus: Check out a copy of The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
This year’s Fringe Festival theme (The Answer is Fringe!) is inspired by The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. If you still haven’t read this science fiction classic, check out a copy from your local branch and learn why the answer is 42.
The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Bonus: Join the Strathcona’s Summer Programs
While you’re in the area, check out the other exciting programs at our Strathcona Branch. Other highlights happening right in the midst of the Fringe.
Friday, Aug 18, 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Family Storytime
Tuesday, Aug 22, 2:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Friendship Bracelets (ages 9-12)
Wednesday, Aug 23, 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Fly Me to the Moon (preschoolers)
Friday, Aug 25, 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Family Storytime
Saturday, Aug 26. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Summer Starts at EPL Closing Fair
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