ORLANDO, Fla. — We’re in the midst of 14 days of uncensored, unvetted theater.
The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival is celebrating 35 years, touted as the longest-running fringe fest in the United States.
The theme this year is a celebration of all things “weird.” “[We] embrace weird as whatever you are,” spokesperson Tempestt Halstead said. “Come as you are.”
The fest pulls in artistic rebels, the misfits, and the dreamers who would rather not rotate in the circles of mainstream entertainment. The Visual Fringe gallery also showcases the creatives.
“Awaken” is one of the highly anticipated shows this year. It’s a contemporary dance and spoken word production that journeys through the five stages of grief, something its creator — Cindy Heen — is experiencing right now. “Four years ago, I lost my mom. And then, on May 7, 2026, my 101-year-old grandmother passed away. It’s a way to come together and find that inner warrior that we all have.”
The Fest is taking place at Loch Haven Park through Memorial Day.