Edmonton 
North America’s oldest and longest-running Fringe Festival, the Edmonton Fringe Festival has cancelled its 39th edition for the first time. The Edmonton Fringe usually takes place in Old Strathcona, for a vibrant 11 days and features buskers, outdoor performers, artisans and vendors and over 1,600 live theatre performances hosted in close to 50 venues.
Edmonton Fringe Adventures announcing the 2020 edition cancellation said,
“Sometimes it simply isn’t possible for the show(s) to go on…
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of the 39th Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival. While the decision to cancel is difficult, far-reaching, and emotional, we also know it’s necessary. It’s hard to imagine a summer in Edmonton without Fringe, but the health and safety of all fringers is our top priority.
“We will fringe again, and we look forward to celebrating the 40th Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival August 12 – 22, 2021. Until then, we are shifting our priorities toward reopening the doors of the ATB Financial Arts Barns as soon as it if safe to do so and championing our creative community.
“We exist because theatre exists. And theatre will play an important role in healing as we learn to process and understand the impacts of this pandemic.
“We will adapt. We will continue to be home to creativity, risk, craft, and community. And we will open our doors as soon as it is safe for us to gather again.
“Take care of yourselves and each other, fingers.”
