OKC’s Fringe Festival unveils lineup and venues; runs Sept 16-26

2021 Theatre Crude Fringe Festival Charles Jackson, Jr in “Due Time, PANTOMIME.”

Theatre Crude Fringe Festival has unveiled the lineup for its annual Oklahoma City festival, returning September 16-26, 2026. The 11-day festival will be hosted at three venues this year, with performances at Perpetual Motion Dance Company and two spaces within Project 3810.

2019 Theatre Crude Fringe Festival “Water Won’t Wait” by Perpetual Motion Dance at Capitol View Event Center. Photo by Abby Welch.
2019 Theatre Crude Fringe Festival “Water Won’t Wait” by Perpetual Motion Dance at Capitol View Event Center. Photo by Abby Welch.

The Theatre Crude Fringe Festival is a two-week nonprofit event in Oklahoma City showcasing creative, original theatrical artists. With a focus on adventure, Theatre Crude allows patrons to explore as many different genres and styles of theatre as possible. The Fringe Festival aims to provide unique perspectives and stretch the definition of theatrical performance. Visit the website at theatrecrude.org.

“We expanded to three locations last year. A change which allowed us to welcome more artists, present more original work and connect with even more audience members,” said Jenny Brand, Theatre Crude’s executive director. “It’s a sign of how much Oklahoma City’s performing arts community continues to grow.”

Now welcoming its eighth year, the festival will feature 82 in-person performances from 22 multidisciplinary companies and performance groups. Audiences can choose from a rotating lineup of one-act performances spanning genres including comedy, musical theatre, theatre for young audiences, magic, dance, solo performance, horror, drama, mystery and more. Six different free workshops will also be offered as part of the festival.

2025 Theatre Crude Fringe Festival Jennifer Wells and Scotty Taylor in Thank You, Places by Next Stage. Photo provided.
2025 Theatre Crude Fringe Festival Jennifer Wells and Scotty Taylor in Thank You, Places by Next Stage. Photo provided.

Brand says Theatre Crude Fringe Festival connects OKC to a global movement.

“Fringe festivals have helped launch the careers of countless artists around the world, and we’re proud to be creating those same opportunities here in Oklahoma City,” Brand said. “Whether it’s a fully realized production or the first spark of a new idea, we’re dedicated to providing artists with a place to take creative risks and where audiences discover something unexpected.”

2022 Theatre Crude Fringe Festival Matthew Percival, Nicholas Bartell, Ashley Mandanas in “The CatMaster Cycle” by Cat Pitt. Photo by Dennis Spielman.
2022 Theatre Crude Fringe Festival Matthew Percival, Nicholas Bartell, Ashley Mandanas in “The CatMaster Cycle” by Cat Pitt. Photo by Dennis Spielman.

Festivalgoers can maximize their Fringe experience with a Wildcat Flex Pass, which includes admission to four shows, or a Black Gold Pass for unlimited performances throughout the festival. Passes and individual tickets are available at theatrecrude.org and may also be purchased at the door, subject to availability.

Project 3810 is located at 3810 N Tulsa Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 & Perpetual Motion Dance is located at 402 N Hudson Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

The Gayly online. 9/12/26 @ 5:07 p.m. CST.