How to find your Fringe

The Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival descends on the heart of Old Strathcona (and elsewhere in the city) from Aug. 13 to 23, with 209 productions across 37 venues, plus outdoor performances, food, and beer. It can be overwhelming for even the most seasoned Fringer, so here are some tips for making the most of the festival.

The Fringe sells a physical guide for those who lean analog, but you can also see all the shows online. That's also where you buy your tickets. Organizers recommend that you bring comfortable shoes, a refillable water bottle, and gear to handle weather (with the storms that have been coming through this year, you might as well be prepared for all four seasons and then some). The Fringe shared even more planning tips from members of the community, and it has put together a thorough guide.

The shows are organized into 14 genres, including comedy, drama, clown, magic, and storytelling. Looking for recommendations and reviews? Liz Nicholls has already previewed some shows and will be reviewing many more as the festival swings into action. Troy Pavlek offers reviews and a thorough online database showing how close shows are to selling out. The festival also crowdsources reviews online, giving nearly every production a chance to get some audience feedback. You can also just visit the Fringe grounds — you are guaranteed to be visited by a performer pitching their show sooner than you're swatting away a mosquito.