You might think hosting the 35th annual Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival — which is the longest-running festival of its kind in North America, featuring more than 1,000 ticketed performances over two weeks at the end of May — would earn the folks at Orlando Fringe a few days off. Not so much.

(JOSHUA-PAUL ESTABALAYA)

This summer, the organization has found its new headquarters, moving from Orlando Shakes to a space on Virginia Drive in Ivanhoe Village. To help facilitate the move, Fringe asked the community to donate funds and come out for an estate sale of festival oddities, memorabilia and furniture.

“Our move has given us a really unique opportunity to slow down and go through 35 years of Fringe history, which has been both nostalgic and exciting,” said Tempestt Halstead, Fringe artistic director. “Now that we’re settled into our new office, it’s been great to have a fresh space to work and plan what’s next.”

In late August, they hosted an open house at their new home, located at 634 Virginia Drive. During the move, they collected applications for the Winter Mini-Fest, a curated weekend festival that takes place in January 2027. 

They also brought Orlando Out Fest out of the closet after taking last year off. The celebration of LGBTQIA storytellers and artists will take place Sept. 10 – 13 with an opening party on Sept. 9. 

“As the former Executive Director of Orlando Fringe and the current Chief Executive Director of The Center Orlando, I get to marry my two passions; theatre and serving the LGBTQ community,” wrote Out Fest curator George Wallace. 

Recognition came to the Fringe as well, in the form of Orlando Weekly’s annual Best of Orlando lists. The organization was the top readers’ choice in two categories: Best Arts Event or Arts Festival and Best Local Festival Overall.

The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival is the longest-running Fringe festival in the United States and has grown from a niche event into a huge festival that brings in millions to the local economy. (ASHLEIGH GARDNER/COURTESY OF ORLANDO FRINGE)

Next up for Fringe? The Orlando Fringe is opening the application lottery window for the 2027 International Fringe Theatre Festival.