Apply Now: Calgary Fringe Lottery
Calgary Fringe
Deadline to apply: December 5, 2025
Next year is the 20th annual Calgary Fringe Festival. It will run for nine days, from Friday, July 31, to Saturday, August 8, 2026. The Fringe Festival is ideally suited for performing artists who produce their own work; in other words, act as both producer and artist (self-producing artists).
The Calgary Fringe considers itself a “Boutique Fringe Festival” – it’s for a small group of people, exclusive, particular, not for all tastes. Boutique Festivals are usually located in smaller but privileged/found places: they are usually cozy corners within a neighbourhood and would include performance spaces like coffee shops, outdoor parks, dance halls, churches and wine cellars. It’s for all those who are looking for a nice place, with an eclectic mix of artistic performances and a good vibe with the rest of the attendees. The Boutique Fringe Festival is for true lovers of the Fringe who just want to enjoy the moment, live a unique experience surrounded by similar people with whom to connect.
The Calgary Fringe Festival is sandwiched between the Winnipeg Fringe and the Edmonton Fringe, two of the largest Fringe Festivals on the Canadian Fringe touring circuit. Artists touring these two Fringe Festivals have the opportunity to earn some extra cash when performing at the Calgary Fringe Festival to at least cover their living expenses in the down time between when the Winnipeg Fringe ends and the Edmonton Fringe begins, while at the same time continuing to workshop/perform their shows so that it stays vibrant and fresh without stagnating. It’s also a chance for touring artists to slow down and take a breath from the hectic pace of these two large festivals.
As a Boutique Fringe Festival, artists have the luxury of not having to compete with large masses of artists, are treated as a person and not as another number, and are supported, loved and welcomed. Think of us as a Fringe spa for artists!
As a proud member of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals, we ensure that 100% of the ticket price (not including taxes and ticketing surcharges) goes into the pockets of its participants. We are committed to giving artists the opportunity to produce work in an inclusive, engaging and highly accessible environment.
The only constraints on material or content are for the consideration of legality, and the health and safety of all those involved, including artists, staff, volunteers and audiences. The Calgary Fringe reserves the right to enforce any necessary measures as needed to ensure a fun event for all.
We are an open access theatre arts festival where participants are drawn through a lottery or random draw process. Performances can be anywhere from 40 minutes in length to a maximum of 60 minutes. In the summer of 2025 we hosted 20 performing artists. Artist payout median in 2025 was $2,850.
Application process
The 2026 application deadline is December 5, 2025 at 4pm MT.
- All applicants must pay a non-refundable $25 application fee at the time of application. Applications that do not include the fee will not be processed.
- You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hrs of applying. If you do not, please check your junk/spam folder first and if nothing is there, please let us know.
- You may not submit more than one application to the Calgary Fringe.
- Each application must identify a producer. Once submitted, neither the producer name nor the theatre company name on your application can be changed. One person cannot act as producer for more than one application.
- If accepted into the festival, you cannot transfer/sell your spot to another company.
For more information and to apply visit 2026 Theatre Artist Lottery Application — CALGARY FRINGE.
Anyone can apply!
We currently have 12 lottery spots available for 2026**: 5 x lottery spots for Calgary and surrounding area, 4 x lottery spots for National, and 3 x lottery spots for International. Two of the lottery spots will be reserved for Kids Fringe Theatre shows. We strive for 50% in the IBPOC/Equity Seeking Artist Category and 50% in the General Artist Category.
**The number of available lottery spots will be adjusted after the CAFF Touring Lottery selection process has been completed and confirmed.
There is a $25 non-refundable application fee due at time of submission. After the deadline, the lottery draw determines who is and who is not included in the Calgary Fringe lineup. If your name is drawn, you will be asked to pay the remaining participation fee of $670 by February 28, 2026.
