Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What is the Cincinnati Fringe Festival?
The Cincinnati Fringe Festival is a 12 day arts festival that occurs in Downtown Cincinnati, primarily in Over-the-Rhine. Each year, around 30-35 different performances will occur over the course of the 12 days in theatres, bars, and storefronts (you name it, we've probably turned it into a venue), performing just around 150 times. Fringe traces it's routes to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a festival that has inspired many across the country.

What is FringeNext?
2011 is the first year of our new initiative, FringeNext. This program was created to engage high school students as a part of the Fringe community. Each of three groups will present shows that we created by, produced by, directed by, and feature some of the regions up-and-coming young artists.

What is FringeDevelopment?
This year, we've decided to take advantage of the critical mass of artists that are a part of the festival each year and give them more opportunities to work together. Fringe Artists will be collaborating, connecting, and sharing ideas while they aren't performing for you! We've arranged for yoga classes, financial workshops, acting workshops, master classes and more! Several of these workshops have public performances you can be a part of. Visit the FringeDevelopment page for more info.

Who produces the Cincinnati Fringe Festival?
Know Theatre of Cincinnati IS the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. We are one organization - with two names. Know Theatre's staff works hard all year round to produce the festival each year. Huzzah!

Where is the festival headquarters?
The festival headquarters and main box office is located at Know Theatre of Cincinnati, 1120 Jackson Street, 45202. Tickets can be purchased here online, over the phone, or in person.

What is the Bar Series?
After the shows are over, the lights are down, audiences, artists, volunteers, and staff head to Know Theatre's underground to mingle and have fun! Each night features either a nifty theme or Fringe-A-Oke. We'll also do Fringe-A-Oke on some nights after the scheduled activities are over. Every evening begins around 10:30 pm with the Channel Fringe Hard-Hitting Action News Update, your source for Fringy news from anchor Sadie Bowman.

Getting Around

Where can I park?
We recommend parking at the Gateway Quarter/Kroger parking garage located at 10 E Central Parkway (Enter on 12th Street) or the Gateway Quarter Parking Lot located at the corner of 12th and Vine Street. Park at this central location and you are within walking distance of all venues in the festival!

Can I walk to the venues?
Yes! We work hard to keep our festival a 'walkable' festival. All of the venues are within a four block radius of the Fringe Headquarters at Know Theatre of Cincinnati.

Is there a map of the venues?
There is a map on the back of the Offical Fringe Guide, available at all venues around the festival. You can also download a pdf of just the map here. This map also includes discount at business you'll see in our neighborhood. Bring in your ticket stubs or passes and tell them the Fringe sent you!

Box Office Information

How can I buy my tickets or passes?
Click on the individual show pages on our Performance page. Above the show's photo you'll see a green button that says 'buy tix'. Click that button and our mighty ticketing system will process your order. You can also call 513.300.KNOW(5669) to reserve your tickets or passes in advance over the phone.

Don't wait in line, buy ONLINE!

What are your box office hours?
Before May 31, Know Theatre's box office is open 11am - 6pm Monday through Saturday. From May 31 - June 11, the box office hours are 10am - 10pm during the festival.

Where can I buy tickets in person?
In advance
Advance tickets can be purchased at the Fringe Festival Headquarters (Know Theatre of Cincinnati, 1120 Jackson Street) prior to 2pm on the day of the performance in person or over the phone. After 2pm on the day of the performance, advance tickets can no longer be purchased until the venue box office opens thirty minute prior to the performance time.
At the venues
Venue box offices will open thirty minutes prior to the performance time. After 2pm on the day of the performance, advance tickets can no longer be purchased until the venue box office opens.

Do I have to buy my tickets in advance?
Not at all - 90% of all sales at the Fringe festival are walk-up sales. Most attendees just their tickets at the door for the show they want to see. That's what makes Fringe spontaneous!

How do the passes work?
Full Frontal: All Access Pass
Full frontal passes are non-transferable passes (meaning one per person) that can be used to both reserve tickets in advance at headquarters and gain entry at venue box offices. The 2pm rule applies for advance reservations - see above.
Voyeur: Six Show Pass
Voyer six show passes can be used flexibly (more than one person can use a single pass) for six entries into any festival event. These passes can only be used in ONE of two ways: 1) Six advance tickets may be reserved with box office headquarters for pick-uip at venue box offices. 2) Voyeur pass can be used as a punch card for tickets at venue box offices.

When does the venue house open?
Venue houses will open fifteen minutes prior to show time.

What if I get there late?
NO LATECOMERS WILL BE SEATED. Avoid disappointment. Be on time.

When I purchase a ticket, where does the money go?
Every time you purchase a ticket for a Fringe Festival performance, 50% of your admission price goes directly to the artists who created that show. The Fringe Festival exists to foster the creation of new work. Thank you for helping to support independent artists with every ticket you buy.