July 17th-Welcome to the 2025 Winnipeg Fringe. We are just starting to get things sorted out. We’ve had a few Shameless Self Promotions sent in, but can always add more. We also have our first reviews in, and will be adding more throughout the coming days. We can also use your help with that, if you have seen a show and have something to say about it, please drop us a line. Just be sure to include your full name so we can attribute it correctly.

What’s New This Year—We have a few venue changes, The Gas Station Theatre is back after renovations, and the West End Cultural Centre also returns. There is no venue 7 (normally Dave Barber Cinematheque) but its number stays in hiatus so the Fringe doesn’t need to confuse everyone by renumbering everything else. Also note that due to the cancellation of ‘Never Swim Alone’ the only show at Venue 12 (The Output) in the Cinematheque building will be “A Lesbian in the Kitchen”.

For those going to Venue 16 or 17 in PTE, be aware there is only one set of doors (the Mid Point Doors) on Portage Avenue that you need to use to get to the Elevators and Escalators. The Fringe has provided a map.

Construction is also underway at the Manitoba Museum, so to get to the Planetarium Theatre you need to enter from the front doors facing Main Street and work your way to the stairway down to the lower level.

Parking and Transit—Getting to and parking at the Fringe may be a bit of a struggle this year, as we have had a major overhaul to our Transit system and the city will be removing parking meters over the summer. If you don’t take the bus during the rest of the year (or are a performer from out of town), you can use the Winnipeg Transit app or Navigo to figure out the best way to get to the Fringe. It is not certain when the parking meters will be removed from the Exchange District, but you can use the Pay by Phone App or purchase Prepaid Parking Booklets at The Parking Store (495 Portage Ave.) if you end up somewhere they have been removed.

Roaming Donkey—Once again we are focusing more on Instagram this year for our social media. This will be thanks to the hard work of our now veteran “Instagram Donkey Handler”, Ashley Frantik. She will be posting Jenny’s Fringe adventures throughout the festival. Be sure to get your picture with our very photogenic donkey. We hope you follow along, and will be announcing a contest to reward those who help us spread the word very soon.

Have a great Fringe, and check back here often to see the latest reviews.

-Murray Hunter