This year’s Vancouver Fringe Festival was a bit different for me. I was away on holiday during the first week, and when I returned, I had to dive straight back into work. But even though I couldn’t fully indulge from the start, I made up for it the best way I could: by spending every single evening after work on Granville Island. Battling jet lag, yes – but I don’t regret a thing.
The vibes this year were incredible. The energy was contagious, and what struck me most was how the volunteers and coordinators made it all feel so personal. Even though I hadn’t been around in the first week, they still recognized me, greeted me by name, and made me feel like part of the festival family. That kind of warmth is hard to come by, and it made the experience even more special.
And then there were the shows. The lineup this year was a mix of funny, bold, and heartfelt. My favorites were:
- Jimmy Hogg: Potayto Patohto
- Overshare
- Witch With Her Skirt on Fire
- Softie
I also loved being able to connect with artists I’ve crossed paths with throughout the year in other corners of the Vancouver arts scene – people like Rachel Ruecker (through the Cultch and her Gastown tours), Jennifer Beveridge (also from the Cultch), and Kevin Jesuino, who directed Dance Floor Memoirs and I know from the Arts Club. Seeing them at Fringe added a personal layer to the whole experience.
Of course, there were shows I didn’t get to but wish I had – The Pole Shebang, BFF-less, Colourful Yumiverse (I have seen her some of her stand-up sets at Jokers Canada and quite enjoyed her style), and Last One Standing. That’s the bittersweet thing about Fringe – you just can’t see it all.
The venues deserve their own shoutout too. I was especially delighted by the Federation of Canadian Artists gallery being used as a performance space. Normally I am there dropping off paintings for my spouse’s business, but this time I got to experience it in a completely different context – and it felt like a beautiful full-circle moment. The Tru Café was another gem. I hadn’t been in since it changed from Starbucks, and wow – what a lovely spot and offering.
And of course, the setting of Granville Island itself never disappoints. It’s such a natural fit for Fringe – the arts, the studios, the businesses, the foot traffic, the seawall, the mix of locals and visitors.
If I had to name one downside? Parking. It’s tough and expensive if you’re hoping to spend the whole day. But honestly, even that felt like a small price to pay for the kind of joy and creativity the festival brings.
Despite the late start, the jet lag, and the full workdays, I left this year’s Vancouver Fringe Festival feeling inspired, connected, and grateful. Fringe always reminds me why I love the arts so much – it’s raw, it’s communal, and it makes space for stories you won’t find anywhere else.
Until next year, Fringe. I’ll be back – and maybe this time I’ll clear my calendar for the whole two weeks 
