One Day. One Global Fringe Community.
Every year on 11 July, Fringe festivals, artists, venues, volunteers, technicians, audiences and cultural organisations around the world come together to celebrate the creativity, openness and community that make Fringe unique.
World Fringe Day is an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary contribution Fringe festivals make to artists, audiences and communities everywhere—and to celebrate the people who make them possible.
Whether you’re performing in New Zealand, volunteering in Canada, producing a festival in South Africa or watching a show in Edinburgh, you’re part of a global movement.
Together, we celebrate #WorldFringeDay.
Why World Fringe Day?
Established in 2017 to mark the 70th anniversary of the Fringe movement, World Fringe Day has grown into an annual international celebration involving more than 300 Fringe festivals across every continent.
It is a chance to:
- Celebrate artists and creativity.
- Recognise the people behind every Fringe.
- Share stories from across the world.
- Connect with the international Fringe community.
- Showcase the diversity and impact of Fringe festivals.
- Champion artistic freedom and cultural exchange.
Fringe festivals may all look different, but for one day each year we celebrate what connects us.
Who Are We Celebrating?
World Fringe Day belongs to everyone who makes Fringe happen.
We celebrate:
- Artists
- Festival teams
- Producers
- Technicians
- Volunteers
- Venues
- Audiences
- Community partners
- Sponsors and funders
- Local businesses
- Civic leaders
Every Fringe is built by people. World Fringe Day celebrates every one of them.
Get Involved
However you celebrate, we’d love you to be part of it.
You could:
- Share your favourite Fringe memory.
- Celebrate an artist or colleague.
- Post behind-the-scenes moments.
- Tell the story of your local Fringe.
- Share what Fringe means to your community.
- Watch a Fringe show.
- Thank the volunteers and teams who make it happen.
Use the hashtag #WorldFringeDay so we can celebrate together across the world.
World Fringe Day Themes
Each year, World Fringe Day explores a theme that reflects the values of the global Fringe movement.
World Fringe Day is an annual celebration that unites more than 300 Fringe Festivals worldwide. It takes place on July 11 each year. The day was established in 2017 to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Fringe movement, which originated in Edinburgh. Fringe festivals from New Zealand to Hawaii participate in this global celebration, highlighting the vibrant and diverse world of fringe theatre and arts.
We celebrate with the Artists, technicians, volunteers, venues, audiences, funders, licensees, festival staff and EVERYONE who is part of making a Fringe Festival happen!
Make sure you follow #WorldFringeDay to keep up with all the messages and goings-on!
World Fringe Day 2024
Theme – Freedom of Language
Artistic expression transcends language barriers. The World Fringe Family uses dialogue and exchange to celebrate diversity in all its forms. During World Fringe Day our words will be used as a bridge, not a barrier. Freedom to express as we work toward a more interconnected world.
Language is not neutral; our words can heal or harm, unite or divide. Fringe Festivals challenge the norm, provoke thought, and ignite conversations where art, politics, and ideology collide.
World Fringe Day 2023
World Fringe Day 2022
Theme: Why is Fringe Important to you?
World Fringe Day 2021
Theme: Show us your Fringe.
World Fringe Day 2020
World Fringe Day 2019
World Fringe Day 2018
World Fringe Day 2017