Minnesota Fringe 2026 Review
- Lauren Hance
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
I've said it once, I'll say it again, I love the Minnesota Fringe! It is one of the most well-run festivals I have been a part of, and I'm not saying that just because I worked the festival this year.
The community of artists and arts lovers is incredibly supportive. For touring artists, if you have a good show, you will get an audience because Minnesotans show up! The venues are all top-notch, as Minneapolis is quite the theatre town. There are incredible daily after-parties and a bumpin' end of festival blow out.
The 2026 shows were a blast, with about 75% local productions and 25% touring productions. And kudos to the waitlist artists who jumped in days before the festival to fill slots when shows had to drop (heroes in my book).
Below are our reviews, which can also be found on our Instagram stories.
MUST SEE SHOWS
Small Minded
“Tyler is a master of his craft! A gifted clown and entertainer. A wonderful comedic journey with big heart.”
Tech
“Met and exceeded all my expectations! I love this style of improv. You would never know they were improvising. This year’s integration of sound effects was such a delight. Beautiful storytelling and beyond excellent improv.”
the statue of liberty is nora in a doll's house by henrik ibsen
“This is the kind of political theatre we need right now. Absolutely stunning visuals. The use of the camera added a dimension of intrigue and tension. The minimal set was executed beautifully. Mads Plonski’s performance is chilling.”
Watership Down
“Minimalism done right! The costuming was beautiful. Tight storytelling. Perfection on embodying rabbits. The music warmed my heart. Such a delight to see this kind of work from Melancholics Anonymous.”
HIGHLY RECOMMEND SHOWS
1 Hour Left to Live: A One Puppet Show by That Felt Good
“A super fun premise, improv with a puppet! Skilled improvisers who craft the life of a notorious (or angelic) puppet.”
A Confluence of Magical Arseholes
“What a good bit of fun! Utterly ridiculous in all the best ways. Loved the band on stage. Beautiful staging by Amber Bjork.”
A Magician
“Fantastic magic that keeps you guessing! A heartfelt story with a beautiful ending, offering hope and a little bit of magic to us all.”
Bury The Leads
“Nordland and Landman
prove without a doubt why they are master character actors. So many fun moments and a few that will touch your heart.”
Don’t Be Scared
“This show will send shivers down your spine and tickle your funny bones. The improv is spectacular and will leave you amazed at how they make it look so easy. An absolute good time!”
Empty Nest
“A heartwarming exploration of life after the kids move out. Hysterically accurate. A feel-good show of the festival. (Also, I am 100% going to look up wife carrying)”
Fast Death of a Salesman
“A wild premise that speaks to the tension of generations. Spectacular comic timing, with everyone having a moment to shine (including Braedyn)”
I Will Become The Silver Surfer. I Will Protect You.
“A slippery, slivery dive into how painful life moments build and grow. The superhero imagery is wonderful. I appreciated seeing Jake Mierva in a vulnerable role. Lovely acting and way more silver than I could have ever imagined.”
Latin Papi
“Such a fantastic dance show. Sensual, funny,and beautiful. I was a wee nerveous going in, and I found myself dancing along and hootin’ and hollerin’. Me mucho gusto Latin Papi!”
Sound and Noise and Bodies
“Jen Scott’s performance is energetic and warm. She invites you in with her quirky kindness, and you feel like you’re talking with a good friend. You will laugh, maybe shed a tear, but mostly you will feel hope.”
Space Company
“MOM! Sign me up, I’m ready to be your Baby Girl. Emma has the corporate energizer down pat. So funny! Takes a twist at the end with a poingnient message about corporate destruction of society.”
The Choose Your Own Adventures of Turtle Boy
“TURTLE BOY! TURTLE BOY! “
“What a feel good show, giving adults permission to play. Fantastic puppetry silks.”
Too Fat To Run
“Impecable comic timing. Eileen is a fantastic storyteller. For anyone who has ever felt less than because of their body, this show is for you. But more than that, this show is for Eileen. (Also, Eileen, if you asked I’d Turkey Trott with you)”
RECOMMEND SHOWS
Ambiguous
“A fantastic show from a debut fringe artist. Tiffany’s story is important, and something we all need to hear. Spot-on costumes. I look forward to more from this performer.”
The Quiet Piggy
“Dawn says all the things we are all thinking, with as much piss and vinegar as possible. Political theatre full of righteous anger.”
MORE FANTASTIC MINNESOTA FRINGE SHOWS
Anna
“A lovely adaptation, creating a strong piece of theatre. Fantastic acting by Caitlin Sparks. (Also, did you see their coaster flyers, such a great idea!)“
Be Not Afraid
“A visual treat. The use of props and the set was stunning. A special acknowledgment to the deer; the costume and performance were wonderful.”
Foshay
“Hudson shines as Foshay. I was tapping my toes and snapping my fingers along with the songs.”
KISMET
“A new play by a Turkish duo tracing their experience of immigration to the US. An important story that needs to be heard. Eye-opening with humor sprinkled throughout.”
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