What is the Scranton Fringe Festival?
The Scranton Fringe Festival is an annual arts celebration that transforms the city into a creative hub. Since 2015, we’ve brought together performers and artists from various disciplines in Northeast Pennsylvania, showcasing theater, visual arts, and live music and film. The festival highlights creativity and community, fostering excitement and artistic expression while uplifting the human spirit through shared experiences.
What To Expect
Since 1947, Fringe Festivals have been an inclusive celebration of the arts, with a mix of avant-garde performances and more traditional creative expressions. Fringe Festivals embrace the unusual and experimental, and provide a platform for both emerging and established artists.
In Scranton, we curate live performances, including theater, comedy, dance, music, as well as films, art and more.
You’ll find a diverse array of talent, all presented in intimate and unique settings across Northeast Pennsylvania.
Tickets can be purchased online, in person at the box office at Fringe HQ, or at the door of each event. We recommend buying tickets in advance to secure your spot!
Choose between single show tickets or a festival pass for a full experience, and explore our free events as well!
2025 Fringe Venues
In 2025, we transformed an eclectic mix of venues throughout the area into vibrant stages for artistic expression.
Select a location for more info:
1735 North Main Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Available in front of the space, on the street, and in a nearby lot. Keep eye out for our sandwich boards!
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. Wheelchair access via ramp on the side of the building.
Notes: This former church is a pop-up space for select Fringe programming. The property is owned by our friends at Discovery MI School, and we thank them for generously providing us with the space! Parking is available in front of the property and on the street.
518 Lackawanna Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking 8am – 7pm (M-F). Free after 5pm. Casey Parking Garage is nearby.
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. Wheelchair access through the main entrance.
Notes: Centrally located in downtown Scranton, this location serves as a pop-up venue for the 2025 Scranton Fringe Festival. Next door at 516 Lackawanna Ave is our pop-up Festival HQ for this year.
AFA Gallery
101 Penn Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking 8am – 7pm (M-F). Free after 5pm. Electric City Garage nearby is $1 per hour.
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. Wheelchair access through the main entrance.
Notes: AFA Gallery has been at the heart of the Northeast PA arts and culture scene for nearly forty years! This intimate, beautiful gallery has been a venue and creative ally to the Fringe Festival since we began in 2015. AFA Gallery is located at 101 Penn Ave in downtown Scranton, PA (between Lackawanna Ave & Biden Street). The venue is located on the ground floor and has one (1) accessible restroom. For any further information on AFA, its gallery hours, or questions on venue accessibility contact them via their website – https://www.artistsforart.org/
Black & Brass
101 Penn Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking 8am – 7pm (M-F). Free after 5pm. Electric City Garage nearby is $1 per hour.
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. Wheelchair access through the main entrance.
Notes: Black & Brass serves as a crossroads between coffee, art, culture, and creativity. They strive to create an environment where all community members feel welcome and expressive. Their Scranton location is the newest branch, and they are so excited to be a 2025 Festival venue! 101 Penn Ave (please enter at the corner of Penn & Lackawanna), next door to AFA Gallery. There is an accessible restroom on site.
The Bog
520 Vine Street
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking 8am – 7pm (M-F). Free after 5pm. Electric City Garage nearby is $1 per hour.
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. Wheelchair access through the main entrance.
Notes:The Bog is one of the best downtown bars in Scranton, PA, without question. 341 Adams Ave, Scranton, PA, United States, 18503 Please note that all Fringe events held at this venue are 21+ and require a valid photo ID.
Doherty Pocket Park
1248 Wyoming Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking 8am – 7pm (M-F). Free after 5pm. Electric City Garage nearby is $1 per hour.
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. The park is accessible.
Notes: The Doherty Pocket Park is a new addition to downtown Scranton! All programming at this outdoor location for the 2025 Fringe Festival is free and open to all. 248 Wyoming Ave, Scranton, PA 18503 (corner of Wyoming & Linden)
Electric City Improv
227 Lackawanna Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking 8am – 7pm (M-F). Free after 5pm. Electric City Garage nearby is $1 per hour.
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. Accessible through the main entrance.
Notes: Electric City Improv is the new home for improv comedy in downtown Scranton. They offer improv classes for all ages and shows every Friday night. Come see what all the fun is about!
Friendly Alien Bookstore
111 Wyoming Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking 8am – 7pm (M-F). Free after 5pm. Casey Parking Garage is nearby.
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. Accessible through the main entrance.
Notes: Friendly Alien Bookstore is a new independent bookstore in downtown Scranton, PA! FAB offers new and used books in downtown Scranton. 111 Wyoming Ave, Scranton, PA, 18503
Giving Tree Wellness Center
311 Penn Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking 8am – 7pm (M-F). Free after 5pm. Electric City Garage nearby is $1 per hour.
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. Accessible through the main entrance.
Notes: The Giving Tree Wellness Center is a base camp where you can begin the exciting journey towards wholeness. Their goal is to support and foster a sense of mindfulness and peace in the surrounding community. They offer a variety of approaches to achieve and maintain your optimal health. For the 2025 Scranton Fringe Festival, the Giving Tree Wellness Center is the host locale of SIREN: tales from the deep, a unique approach to theater using the Giving Tree’s own float tank.
The Greenhouse Project
200 Arthur Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Free parking within Nay Aug Park
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. Accessible through the main entrance.
Notes: The Greenhouse Project’s focus is to educate both children and adults about the relationship between the foods we eat and our personal and public health. Located at 200 Arthur Ave, Scranton, PA, within Nay Aug Park. Limited free parking is near the venue, and ample free parking is available elsewhere in Nay Aug Park. The space is on the ground floor and wheelchair accessible, though audiences may have to navigate through the park depending on where they park.
Lackawanna County Children’s Library
520 Vine Street
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking 8am – 7pm (M-F). Free after 5pm. Electric City Garage nearby is $1 per hour.
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. Wheelchair access via lift.
Notes: All shows at this venue are Free.
Marywood University
2300 Adams Ave
Dunmore, PA 18509
Parking: Free parking on campus (various lots)
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. Accessible through the main entrance.
Notes: Marywood University, situated on a spacious 115-acre campus in Scranton, PA, offers a blend of historic architecture and modern, flexible venues that are perfect for events, conferences, and performances. Founded in 1915 and serving approximately 2,850 undergraduate and graduate students across more than 80 degree programs, Marywood has become a central institution in Northeastern Pennsylvania. At the heart of campus sits the stunning Rotunda within the Liberal Arts Center—featuring polished marble floors, a dramatic domed ceiling nearly the diameter of the U.S. Capitol’s, and Roman murals by Gonippo Raggi that reflect the institution’s rich heritage. The 2025 Scranton Fringe Festival is proud to be working with Marywood University.
Scranton Shakes Space
300 Lackawanna Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Free parking available within Marketplace at Steamtown (recieve validation at venue before you leave)
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. Accessible through the main entrance.
Notes: This fantastic black box space, the year-round home of our friends at the Scranton Shakespeare Festival, is located on the ground floor of the Marketplace at Steamtown. The venue can be found near the center of the building, accessible on foot from the main doors or via elevator and escalator from the parking garage below. Please note public restroom for this venue are located on 2nd floor of the marketplace near the food court. The Marketplace at Steamtown is located at 300 Lackawanna Ave in downtown Scranton PA – main doors located near the corner of Lackawanna Ave and Penn Ave. Scranton Shakes will offer validation for parking within the Marketplace garage during all 2025 Scranton Fringe events.
The Ritz Theater
222 Wyoming Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking 8am – 7pm (M-F). Free after 5pm. Electric City Garage nearby is $1 per hour.
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. Accessible via stairs or via a chair lift.
Notes: The Ritz Theater, a former vaudeville hall and movie house, is under new ownership and has become a major venue in the local cultural scene! Book a table at Noir before or after seeing a Fringe show. The Ritz Theater is at 222 Wyoming Ave (between Linden Street & Biden Street). The theater is reached via stairs or via a chair lift.
The Trolley Museum
300 Cliff Street
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Free parking on-site at Trolley Museum
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. Accessible through the main entrance.
Notes: Lackawanna County’s Electric City Trolley Museum is a gem within the cultural landscape of Northeast PA. The Electric City Trolley Museum is a transport museum located in downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, next to the Steamtown National Historic Site. The trolley museum is located at 300 Cliff Street in downtown Scranton, PA. For more information or questions on this venue please contact them directly – https://www.ectma.org/ or by calling them at (570) 963-6590
The V Spot
906 Providence Rd.
Scranton, PA 18508
Parking: Free street parking on site at V Spot
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. Accessible through the main entrance.
Notes: The V Spot is one of Scranton’s most popular watering holes and, in recent years, has become a hub for local music and performing artists. Please note that all programming at this location is 21+ with a valid photo ID. 906 Providence Rd, Scranton, PA 18508
The Workshop
334 Adams
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking 8am – 7pm (M-F). Free after 5pm. Linden Garage nearby is $1 per hour.
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. Accessible through the main entrance.
Notes: The Workshop, a newly formed media/small performance space, is located at 334 Adams Ave in downtown Scranton, PA. The venue is within walking distance of several parking garages, and street parking is free on nights and weekends. Across the street from another festival venue and one of downtown Scranton’s most beloved watering holes – The Bog – The Workshop is sure to be a hotspot of Fringe Fest activity! Located at ground level this intimate space is wheelchair accessible.
Seeing A
Show
what you need:
Tickets can be purchased online, in person at the box office at Fringe HQ, or at the door of each event. We recommend buying tickets in advance to secure your spot.
Choose between single show tickets or a festival pass for a full experience, and explore our free events as well!
ARRIVE EARLY:
Early enough to both park and find a seat. Doors close promptly at the listed show time. Late arrivals are permitted only at the discretion of the venue front-of-house-manager. There are no refunds for missed shows.
Enjoy with your senses, not your phone:
Photos, Videos or Audio Recordings are not allowed in any venue without an accredited Media Pass.
What Happens if a show is cancelled?
While rare, it does happen. Cancellations will be listed on this website and our social media. We will also contact all ticket holders via the email you provided at time of purchase, and work with you to either refund it, pay your ticket forward or exchange it for another performance.
Food & Lodging
The greater Scranton area is a vibrant destination to explore before, during, and after the Fringe! With incredible support from our community-focused partner the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau, you can discover amazing nearby hotels for your Festival stay, along with fantastic local restaurants and cafes offering a variety of delicious food and drinks between shows. Check out this years festival partners here.
The greater Scranton area is a vibrant destination to explore before, during, and after the Fringe! With incredible support from our community-focused partner the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau, you can discover amazing nearby hotels for your Festival stay, along with fantastic local restaurants and cafes offering a variety of delicious food and drinks between shows.
Transportation
Where can I park?
Parking options during the fringe festival include garages and public lots, with metered street parking in downtown Scranton Monday to Friday (8 AM to 7 PM) and free on weekends. Most festival activities will occur outside metered hours, but it’s important to check signs and times to avoid fines.
Do I need a car to get around?
Many venues are located within walking distance of each other. But if you need a ride to get here, or assistance getting between venues, the County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS) and various local taxi services can help.
Accessibility
At the Scranton Fringe Festival, we’re dedicated to ensuring that everyone can experience the magic of the arts.
FRINGE FOR THE PEOPLE
Based on the idea of “radical hospitality”, our Fringe For The People initiative provides free tickets to individuals and groups that could not otherwise afford them.
No complex applications, no hoops to jump through. Just simple access to tickets for anyone who otherwise wouldn’t be able to join us.
Interested in getting tickets or donating so the program can expand its reach? Contact Us to get started.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
Unless otherwise noted, all festival venues are wheelchair accessible, with ADA restrooms available.
visual impairments
Patrons who are blind or have low vision are encouraged to Contact Us beforehand so we can help pick and reserve the best seats.
support companions
Patrons who travel with a support companion or aid of any kind can qualify for one (1) free companion ticket. Please Contact Us beforehand to book your tickets—we cannot promise this accommodation at our box offices/venues on the day of.
Digital Program
Your gateway to the Festival on the go – this Digital PDF puts the Fringe program right at your fingertips, no matter where you are.
Frequently Asked
Questions
The Scranton Fringe Festival is an annual two-week arts and culture event in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Scranton Fringe celebrates performing arts like theater, dance, puppetry, music, visual arts, and spoken word. It aims to provide a platform for emerging artists and those looking to experiment with their work. The festival takes place in various venues across the city.
A Fringe Festival is a celebration of independent, diverse, and boundary-pushing performing arts. The movement began in 1947 with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which has since grown into the largest annual arts festival in the world. Today, Fringe Festivals exist across the globe, providing platforms for theater, comedy, dance, storytelling, and more. The Scranton Fringe Festival embraces this spirit, bringing together artists and audiences for a vibrant, risk-taking, and community-driven experience.
Our 2025 annual celebration of the arts is September 25th – October 5th. We also produce theater and other creative events year-round!
Please click here to learn more about our upcoming performances and events.
For a list of shows during the annual Fringe Festival, click here.
There are shows appropriate for people of all ages, make sure to read show descriptions closely for recommended ages and content warning before purchasing a ticket.
All Fringe programming at the Children’s Library is free and open to all and has been since it has served as a Festival venue every year since 2015.
To see all events at the Lackawanna Children’s Library, CLICK HERE →
Most tickets are just $15! Want full access? A $100 VIP Pass gets you into nearly every show. Some events are free or donation-based. Buy tickets her on our site or at the door (if available)
Tickets can be purchased online via this website or at the door of any performance/event while seats remain available.
To book seats, members can contact Fringe via email ([email protected]) anytime. If you want to become a member – please click here or email us!
Buy tickets here on this website or at the venue door, if available.
Regardless of venue, all Scranton Fringe events/performances accept all major credit cards. In person, we also accept cash and sometimes Apple Pay and Venmo. Please note that we cannot accept checks at the door.
Yes! To see the list of free performances during Scranton Fringe, CLICK HERE →
Yes, groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts depending on the performance. We can also help coordinate discounts on meals at one of our restaurant partners. Groups must coordinate with us beforehand – we cannot offer discounts at the door. Please email us ([email protected]) and someone will follow up with you as soon as possible!
All sales are final; there are no refunds except in the event we must cancel an event/performance. If you have any questions or wish to see if you can exchange your tickets for another performance, please email us ([email protected]) or give us a call (570-290-7011).
To see the complete list of shows being performed at the 2025 Scranton Fringe Festival, CLICK HERE →
The running time of our productions varies by show. Most performances at the 2025 Fringe Festival are 60 to 90 minutes, with a few even shorter. For specific information on your show, please visit the show page on our website or view the Fringe guide.
Performance cancellations are rare. If we need to cancel a performance or event for any reason, we will do so on this website and on our social media platforms. We will also contact all ticket holders via the email they provided at the time of purchase, and we will work with them to either offer a refund, donate their ticket back to Fringe, or exchange the ticket for another performance.
Scranton Fringe is committed to making the arts as accessible as possible. Unless otherwise noted, all our festival venues are wheelchair accessible, with ADA restrooms available.
Patrons who are blind or have low vision are encouraged to contact us beforehand so we can help pick and reserve the best seats.
Patrons who travel with a support companion or aid of any kind can qualify for one (1) free companion ticket. Please contact us beforehand to book your tickets—we cannot promise this accommodation at our box offices/venues on the day of.
Late seating is permitted at most Festival venues, though this is at the discretion of the front-of-house manager.
Scranton Fringe loves producing work in so many different venues across Northeast PA. Please visit each venue’s website to learn more about their own specific and unique house rules/policies.
No photography, video, or audio recordings are allowed — unless you’re part of our authorized media team.
All of our venues are non-smoking.
Most of our venues have restroom facilities.
Downtown offers garages, paid lots, and metered street parking. For hours and more info, visit scrantonpaparking.com. Parking at Maywood University and within Nay Aug Park is free.
We are always accepting passionate volunteers, click here to see all of the ways you can assist Scranton Fringe.
The best way to contact us is via email ([email protected])! You can also call us (570-290-7011) and leave a message. Our team is small but mighty, so please allow us 2 to 3 days to respond to any non-urgent matters.
The Scranton Fringe Festival is an annual two-week arts and culture event in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Scranton Fringe celebrates performing arts like theater, dance, puppetry, music, visual arts, and spoken word. It aims to provide a platform for emerging artists and those looking to experiment with their work. The festival takes place in various venues across the city.
A Fringe Festival is a celebration of independent, diverse, and boundary-pushing performing arts. The movement began in 1947 with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which has since grown into the largest annual arts festival in the world. Today, Fringe Festivals exist across the globe, providing platforms for theater, comedy, dance, storytelling, and more. The Scranton Fringe Festival embraces this spirit, bringing together artists and audiences for a vibrant, risk-taking, and community-driven experience.
Our annual celebration of the arts will be October 1st through the 10th, 2026. But we also produce theater and other creative events year-round!
There are shows appropriate for people of all ages, make sure to read show descriptions closely for recommended ages and content warning before purchasing a ticket.
All Fringe programming at the Children’s Library is free and open to all and has been since it has served as a Festival venue every year since 2015.
To see all events at the Lackawanna Children’s Library, CLICK HERE →
Most tickets are just $15! Want full access? A $100 VIP Pass gets you into nearly every show. Some events are free or donation-based. Buy tickets her on our site or at the door (if available)
Tickets can be purchased online via this website or at the door of any performance/event while seats remain available.
To book seats, members can contact Fringe via email ([email protected]) anytime. If you want to become a member – please click here or email us!
Regardless of venue, all Scranton Fringe events/performances accept all major credit cards. In person, we also accept cash and sometimes Apple Pay and Venmo. Please note that we cannot accept checks at the door.
Yes, groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts depending on the performance. We can also help coordinate discounts on meals at one of our restaurant partners. Groups must coordinate with us beforehand – we cannot offer discounts at the door. Please email us ([email protected]) and someone will follow up with you as soon as possible!
All sales are final; there are no refunds except in the event we must cancel an event/performance. If you have any questions or wish to see if you can exchange your tickets for another performance, please email us ([email protected]) or give us a call (570-290-7011).
The running time of our productions varies by show. Most performances at the 2025 Fringe Festival are 60 to 90 minutes, with a few even shorter. For specific information on your show, please visit the show page on our website or view the Fringe guide.
Performance cancellations are rare. If we need to cancel a performance or event for any reason, we will do so on this website and on our social media platforms. We will also contact all ticket holders via the email they provided at the time of purchase, and we will work with them to either offer a refund, donate their ticket back to Fringe, or exchange the ticket for another performance.
Scranton Fringe is committed to making the arts as accessible as possible. Unless otherwise noted, all our festival venues are wheelchair accessible, with ADA restrooms available.
Patrons who are blind or have low vision are encouraged to contact us beforehand so we can help pick and reserve the best seats.
Patrons who travel with a support companion or aid of any kind can qualify for one (1) free companion ticket. Please contact us beforehand to book your tickets—we cannot promise this accommodation at our box offices/venues on the day of.
Late seating is permitted at most Festival venues, though this is at the discretion of the front-of-house manager.
Scranton Fringe loves producing work in so many different venues across Northeast PA. Please visit each venue’s website to learn more about their own specific and unique house rules/policies.
No photography, video, or audio recordings are allowed — unless you’re part of our authorized media team.
All of our venues are non-smoking.
Most of our venues have restroom facilities.
Downtown offers garages, paid lots, and metered street parking. For hours and more info, visit scrantonpaparking.com. Parking at Maywood University and within Nay Aug Park is free.
We are always accepting passionate volunteers, click here to see all of the ways you can assist Scranton Fringe.
The best way to contact us is via email ([email protected])! You can also call us (570-290-7011) and leave a message. Our team is small but mighty, so please allow us 2 to 3 days to respond to any non-urgent matters.
Perform At Fringe
At Scranton Fringe, we celebrate creativity by choosing shows that push boundaries and captivate audiences.
Our selection process is all about finding bold, original performances that inspire and engage.
We welcome applications from artists who are ready to share their unique stories and daring visions with a curious and supportive audience.
Your show should be ready to produce, and we have a wide variety of venues available.
There is no cost to apply, so embrace the opportunity to be part of an unforgettable festival experience!
Taking Up Space Film Festival
CELEBRATING DIVERSE NARRATIVES
The vibrant Taking Up Space Film Festival highlights BIPOC filmmakers and storytelling.
Co-presented by Park Multimedia, the Black Scranton Project, Scranton Films, and Scranton Fringe, this fest within a fest celebrates diverse voices during the annual Scranton Fringe Festival with films selected by a jury of BIPOC creatives.
Captivating short films are screened at the historic Ritz Theatre in Scranton, PA, with longer films available online. And we’ll be celebrating Black History Month ‘26 with encore screenings of select films with the Black Scranton Project.
2025 applications for Taking Up Space have closed, but you can LEARN MORE NOW by visiting its profile on FilmFreeway.
Get Your 2025 Fringe Button
Unlock Amazing Local Discounts During the Fest
Scranton Fringe buttons offer discounts to many great great local businesses during the Festival! You must wear/present your button to receive the discount at the time of the purchase.
Only $5
Our 2025 button partners

Talking to the Box Office...