The Tucson Fringe Festival returns January 8–11, transforming downtown Tucson into a lively crossroads of independent theatre, comedy, dance, storytelling, and experimental performance.
Now in its 14th year, the festival continues its mission of celebrating bold, boundary-pushing art through an unjuried and uncensored format that gives artists full creative freedom and audiences an experience unlike any traditional theatre season.
Modeled after the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Tucson Fringe operates on an open-access philosophy. Performers are not selected by a panel or restricted by genre, allowing an eclectic mix of voices, styles, and perspectives to take the stage. The result is a dynamic lineup that ranges from laugh-out-loud comedy and music to deeply personal solo performances, innovative ensemble pieces, and experimental works that challenge convention and spark conversation.
Throughout the four-day festival, performances run continuously during the day and evening at downtown venues including the Historic Y and Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre. The intimate nature of these spaces allows audiences to connect closely with performers, creating an immersive environment where storytelling feels immediate and personal.
Many attendees choose to see multiple shows in a single day, moving from one performance to the next and discovering new artists and genres along the way.
The 2026 festival features more than 30 performances by nearly 20 acts from Tucson and across North America.
This diversity of talent reflects the festival’s commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and supporting independent artists at all stages of their careers. In keeping with its artist-first model, Tucson Fringe allows performers to keep the majority of their ticket revenue, ensuring that the creative community directly benefits from audience support.
In addition to live, in-person performances, Tucson Fringe offers virtual viewing options through livestreams and on-demand recordings, expanding access for audiences beyond Southern Arizona. Audience engagement is a core part of the festival experience, with attendees invited to vote on their favorite shows, contributing to festival awards and recognition.
Since its founding in 2011, the Tucson Fringe Festival has grown into a cornerstone of the city’s arts scene, known for its adventurous spirit, inclusive ethos, and celebration of creativity without limits. Whether you’re a seasoned theatre lover or simply curious to experience something unexpected, the Tucson Fringe Festival offers four days of raw, inventive, and unforgettable performance to kick off the new year.
Head over to https://www.tucsonfringe.org/ to plan your experience!