Fringe Festival set to return after COVID cancellation in 2020

Festival season is back in Saskatoon.

Thursday marks the kick-off of the Fringe Festival in the city. It hasn’t been held since 2019 after COVID wiped out the festival in 2020.

The festival runs for 10 days, from Thursday until Aug. 7.

It is held in the Broadway District, with outdoor portions also taking place for 2021 in three mini-sites — the Winery by the Refinery, Street Beach and the Kinsmen Fringe Family Fun Zone in W.E. Graham Park.

Anita Smith is the executive director of the 25th Street Theatre, which facilitates the annual festival. She spoke with Brent Loucks on Wednesday morning.

“As we’ve been planning throughout the past year, we’ve just been sort of, dreaming about what this event could potentially be. We’re really thankful we’re able to make it happen,” she said.

“We have modified some things … there’s still food trucks, there’s still artisan vendors, there’s still outdoor performers.”

Smith explained that the differences lie with the theatre portions of the activities. The two theatre spaces — the Refinery and the Broadway Theatre — are socially distanced, so capacity is reduced. People are also being asked to wear masks until they are seated.

Outdoor venues are also available if you’re not comfortable being inside for the events. If you’re not comfortable with being physically at the festival at all, online options are also available.

Smith said there are a few out-of-province performers, but the majority are from Saskatchewan, Saskatoon in particular.

The 25th Street Theatre website also has on-demand programs, which are pay-to-watch. Those funds go directly over to the artists, Smith said.

The Fringe Festival has run annually — with the exception of 2020 — since 1989 in Saskatoon.