Skip to main content

festival dispatch

Photo of Katie Yoner and Dayna Lea Hoffmann by Marc Chalifoux. iPhoto caption: Photo of Katie Yoner and Dayna Lea Hoffmann by Marc Chalifoux.

REVIEW: North America’s biggest fringe festival happens in Edmonton — and the atmosphere is invigorating

Every August, the Edmonton International Fringe Festival transforms the popular historic neighbourhood of Old Strathcona into an 11-day street party. Multiple blocks become pedestrian-only. Food trucks whip up greasy food. A kids’ stage hosts family-friendly theatre. Beer tents flourish. World-class street performers attract crowds of passersby. 

By Liam Donovan / Aug 29, 2025
Braeden Etienne in 'Believe In It Alive.' iPhoto caption: Braeden Etienne in 'Believe In It Alive.' Photo courtesy of Treading Theatre Festival, taken by Phi Doan.

REVIEW: The inaugural Treading Theatre Festival is spotlighting Kitchener’s growing theatre scene — and paying critics to attend

Running at the Schneider Haus National Historic Site in downtown Kitchener, the festival features five site-responsive productions in intimate and unconventional performance spaces.

By Charlotte Lilley / May 31, 2025