What is the Scranton Fringe Festival?
The Scranton Fringe Festival is a multi-day, multi-venue arts celebration across Scranton from October 1 to October 10, 2026. Featuring theater, musicals, dance, puppetry, and more, it supports bold creativity with minimal risk to artists and audiences. 2026 marks our 12th year!
THE SCRANTON FRINGE EXPERIENCE
Know Before You Go
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.
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 here on our website or at the door (as long as they last).
2026 Fringe Venues
In 2026, we transformed an eclectic mix of venues throughout the area into vibrant stages for artistic expression.
Keep an eye on this page as we add additional venues.
Select a location for more info:
1735 North Main Ave
Scranton, PA 18508
Parking: Free parking is available directly in front of the theater, along with nearby street parking and in the rear of the Wright Center. Please follow Fringe parking signs when arriving.
Accessibility: No Smoking Allowed. Wheelchair access via ramp on the side of the building.
Notes: The Sanctuary Theater is Scranton Fringe’s resident performance, rehearsal, and community arts space, located inside a beautifully repurposed former church in North Scranton. The intimate venue hosts Fringe performances, workshops, rehearsals, and special events throughout the year.
AFA Gallery
101 Penn Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking is available nearby and is enforced from 8:00 AM–7:00 PM Monday–Friday; street parking is free after 7:00 PM and on weekends. Electric City Garage is a convenient nearby 24-hour garage.
Accessibility: No smoking. Wheelchair access through the main entrance. One accessible restroom is available.
Notes: AFA Gallery has been at the heart of Northeast Pennsylvania’s arts and culture community since 1988. This intimate downtown gallery has been a Scranton Fringe venue and creative partner since our first Festival in 2015. AFA Gallery is located at 101 Penn Ave., between Lackawanna Avenue and Biden Street. Learn more at artistsforart.org.
Black & Brass
101 Penn Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking is available nearby and is enforced from 8:00 AM–7:00 PM Monday–Friday; street parking is free after 7:00 PM and on weekends. Electric City Garage is a convenient nearby 24-hour garage.
Accessibility: No smoking. Wheelchair access through the main entrance. An accessible restroom is available.
Notes: Black & Brass Coffee’s Penn Avenue location combines coffee, art, culture, and community in the heart of downtown Scranton. Located at 101 Penn Ave., next door to AFA Gallery; please enter near the corner of Penn and Lackawanna avenues.
Black Scranton Project Center
1902 N. Main Ave
Scranton, PA 18508
Parking: Free parking is available within BSP Center for Arts & Culture lot, directly next to the venue.
Accessibility: No smoking. The public event space is wheelchair accessible.
Notes: The Black Scranton Project Center for Arts & Culture is the home of the Black Scranton Project, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and celebrating Black history and culture in Scranton and Northeast Pennsylvania. Located in the historic former North Scranton Bank building at 1902 N. Main Ave., the center provides space for exhibitions, educational programming, community gatherings, arts, and cultural events.
Lackawanna County Children’s Library
520 Vine Street
Scranton, PA 18509
Parking: Metered street parking is available around the library and is enforced 8:00 AM–7:00 PM Monday–Friday; street parking is free after 7:00 PM and on weekends. The Adams & Mulberry Garage and Linden Garage are additional nearby options.
Accessibility: No smoking. Wheelchair access is available via lift.
Notes: The Lackawanna County Children’s Library is a beautiful, family-centered space located at 520 Vine Street between Adams and N. Washington avenues. Built in 1915, the building is known for its Classical Revival architecture. All Fringe programming at the Children’s Library is free and open to the public, continuing a partnership that dates back to the Festival’s first year in 2015.
Doherty Pocket Park
248 Wyoming Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: There is no dedicated venue parking. Metered street parking is available throughout the surrounding downtown area from 8:00 AM–7:00 PM Monday–Friday and is free after 7:00 PM and on weekends. Connell Garage and Linden Garage are nearby options.
Accessibility: No smoking. This is an outdoor, accessible public park.
Notes: Doherty Pocket Park is an intimate outdoor performance space at the corner of Wyoming Avenue and Linden Street in downtown Scranton. For the 2026 Festival, the park hosts The Wind in the Willows on October 2 and 3. Both performances are free and open to all, presented in partnership with the City of Scranton and Scranton Tomorrow.
Electric City Improv
227 Lackawanna Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking is available nearby from 8:00 AM–7:00 PM Monday–Friday and is free after 7:00 PM and on weekends. Electric City Garage is a convenient nearby 24-hour garage.
Accessibility: No smoking. Accessible through the main entrance.
Notes: Electric City Improv is downtown Scranton’s home for improv comedy, offering performances, classes, workshops, and training for both new and experienced performers. During Fringe, the venue hosts a full schedule of short-form and long-form improv performances.
The Trolley Museum
300 Cliff Street
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Free on-site parking is available at the Trolley Museum/Steamtown National Historic Site grounds.
Accessibility: No smoking. Accessible through the main entrance.
Notes: The Electric City Trolley Museum celebrates Scranton’s rich electric railway history through historic vehicles, exhibits, artifacts, and seasonal trolley excursions. The museum is located at 300 Cliff St. on the grounds of Steamtown National Historic Site, adjacent to downtown Scranton. For additional information, visit ectma.org or call 570-963-6590.
Friendly Alien Bookstore
111 Wyoming Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking is available nearby from 8:00 AM–7:00 PM Monday–Friday and is free after 7:00 PM and on weekends. Connell Garage is a convenient nearby public garage.
Accessibility: No smoking. Accessible through the main entrance.
Notes: Friendly Alien Books is an independent bookstore in downtown Scranton offering a curated selection of new and used books, bookish gifts, and regular community programming. The store is located at 111 Wyoming Ave.
Globe Gallery
135 Wyoming Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking is available nearby from 8:00 AM–7:00 PM Monday–Friday and is free after 7:00 PM and on weekends. Connell Garage is a convenient nearby garage.
Accessibility: No smoking. Please use the venue’s confirmed accessible entrance/restroom information here.
Notes: Globe Gallery is a contemporary downtown gallery dedicated to connecting artists, collectors, and visitors through rotating exhibitions, First Friday events, and creative collaborations. Located at 135 Wyoming Ave., the gallery aims to make contemporary art welcoming, accessible, and connected to the Scranton community. Learn more at globegallery.art.
Groove Brewing
1401 Sanderson Ave
Scranton, PA 18509
Parking: Free on-site parking is available in Groove Brewing’s lot, with additional free neighborhood street parking nearby.
Accessibility: No smoking.
Notes: Groove Brewing is a neighborhood microbrewery located in Scranton’s Pine Brook neighborhood. Founded with a focus on great beer and community, Groove features a rotating selection of beers brewed on site and regularly hosts community events and live programming.
Lost & Found Bookshop
628 Biden St.
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking is available nearby from 8:00 AM–7:00 PM Monday–Friday and is free after 7:00 PM and on weekends. Linden Garage and the Adams & Mulberry Garage are nearby public-garage options.
Accessibility: No smoking.
Notes: Lost & Found Bookshop is a locally owned independent bookstore offering new and used books for readers of all ages, along with locally made and book-inspired gifts. The shop also hosts readings, signings, and other community events. Located at 628 Biden St. in downtown Scranton.
Retro Cafe
1139 Capouse Ave
Scranton, PA 18509
Parking: Free neighborhood street parking is available. Additional evening parking may be available immediately next door at Strange Birds.
Accessibility: No smoking. The front entrance can be accessed by stairs or ramp, and the venue has one wheelchair-accessible restroom.
Notes: Retro Café is a colorful neighborhood café and community gathering place in Scranton’s Pine Brook neighborhood. With a playful retro-inspired atmosphere, coffee, food, and regular arts and community programming, it is located at 1139 Capouse Ave., directly across from On&On and next door to Strange Birds.
Ruddy’s Landmark Cafe
1044 Capouse Ave
Scranton, PA 18509
Parking: Free neighborhood street parking is available around the venue, with limited parking immediately near the building.
Accessibility: No smoking. Venue is wheelchair accessible.
Notes: Ruddy’s Landmark Cafe is a longtime neighborhood bar and gathering place on Capouse Avenue, featuring food, drinks, music, games, and community events. The relaxed neighborhood venue joins Scranton Fringe as one of our Pine Brook-area performance spaces.
Scranton Iron Furnaces
159 Cedar Ave
Scranton, PA 18505
Parking: Street parking nearby is free where available. Limited spaces are available on-site. For Fringe Fest events at the furnaces on October 1st and 2nd, parking is also available at the Fitzpatrick Field Parking Lot (100 Cedar Ave) thanks to the University of Scranton.
Accessibility: No smoking. The Iron Furnaces are an outdoor historic site with grass, gravel, and other uneven surfaces.
Notes: The Scranton Iron Furnaces are one of the region’s most striking historic landmarks. Four massive stone blast furnaces remain from the former Lackawanna Iron & Coal Company, reflecting Scranton’s central role in America’s 19th-century industrial development. The site is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission and is located just outside downtown Scranton at 159 Cedar Ave. Pennsylvania Government
Strange Birds
1141 Capouse Ave
Scranton, PA 18509
Parking: Free street parking is available along Capouse Avenue and surrounding neighborhood blocks. Limited parking is also available directly in front of the venue and in nearby shared/available lots during event hours.
Accessibility: No smoking. Public areas of the venue are wheelchair accessible, including an ADA restroom.
Notes: Strange Birds is a vibrant, inclusive multi-use creative space in Scranton’s Pine Brook neighborhood, founded by local creatives Theresa O’Connor and Charley Rude. The venue hosts visual art, music, performances, workshops, and community programming, with a particular commitment to providing a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ people and allies. Strange Birds is located at 1141 Capouse Ave., next door to Retro Café and across from On&On.
The V Spot
906 Providence Rd.
Scranton, PA 18508
Parking: Free street parking is available along Providence Road and surrounding neighborhood streets.
Accessibility: No smoking. Accessible through the main entrance.
Notes: The V Spot is a popular North Scranton bar, restaurant, and live-music venue that has become an important home for local musicians and performing artists. Please note that all Fringe programming at this venue is 21+ and requires valid photo ID.
The Workshop
334 Adams Ave.
Scranton, PA 18503
Parking: Metered street parking is available nearby from 8:00 AM–7:00 PM Monday–Friday and is free after 7:00 PM and on weekends. Linden Garage is a convenient public garage nearby.
Accessibility: No smoking. Located at ground level and wheelchair accessible through the main entrance.
Notes: The Workshop is an intimate media, design, and small-performance space located at 334 Adams Ave. in downtown Scranton. The ground-floor venue is within easy walking distance of several downtown restaurants, bars, galleries, and other Fringe venues.
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 after 7pm and all day on Saturday and Sunday. 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.
THEATER FOR THE PEOPLE
Based on the idea of “radical hospitality”, our Theater 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
What Is Scranton Fringe?
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.
What Is A Fringe Festival?
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.
When Is the Scranton Fringe Festival?
Our 2026 annual celebration of the arts is October 1 – 10. We also produce theater and other creative events year-round!
What shows are coming up / happening now?
Please click here to learn more about our upcoming performances and events.
For a list of shows during the annual Fringe Festival, click here.
Who Can Go To The Scranton Fringe Festival
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.
Is the Scranton Fringe Festival Family Friendly?
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 →
How much Do Scranton Fringe Festival Tickets Cost?
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)
How Do I Buy Scranton Fringe Tickets?
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 (info@scrantonfringe.org) anytime. If you want to become a member – please click here or email us!
Where is the Scranton Fringe Box OFfice?
Buy tickets here on this website or at the venue door, if available.
What Methods of Payment Does Scranton Fringe Accept?
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.
Are Any Scranton Fringe Shows Free?
Yes! To see the list of free performances during Scranton Fringe, CLICK HERE →
Are There Any Group Discounts?
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 (info@scrantonfringe.org) and someone will follow up with you as soon as possible!
Can I Get a Ticket Refund or Exchange?
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 (info@scrantonfringe.org) or give us a call (570-290-7011).
What Shows Will Be Performed At Scranton Fringe in 2026?
To see the complete list of shows being performed at the 2026 Scranton Fringe Festival, CLICK HERE →
How Long Are Scranton Fringe Shows?
The running time of our productions varies by show. Most performances at the 2026 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.
What Happens if a show is cancelled?
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.
Are Scranton Fringe Venues Accessible?
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.
What happens to our tickets if we are late?
Late seating is permitted at most Festival venues, though this is at the discretion of the front-of-house manager.
What are the specific rules for your venues?
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.
Can I Take Photos During a Performance?
No photography, video, or audio recordings are allowed — unless you’re part of our authorized media team.
Can You Smoke At Scranton Fringe?
All of our venues are non-smoking.
Are There Bathroom Facilities at Scranton Fringe?
Most of our venues have restroom facilities.
Where Can I Park At Scranton Fringe?
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.
How Can I Get Involved With Scranton Fringe?
We are always accepting passionate volunteers, click here to see all of the ways you can assist Scranton Fringe.
I have more questions. Who Can I Talk to?
The best way to contact us is via email (info@scrantonfringe.org)! 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!
Northeast PA Playwrights Incubator
The Northeast PA Playwrights Incubator is a new Scranton Fringe program designed to support emerging or aspiring playwrights in our region as they develop a new script from outline/early draft to a festival-ready staged reading.
This is a structured, supportive process built for writers who want:
- clear milestones and accountability,
- professional feedback and artistic guidance, and
- a public next step for their work in front of an audience.
The program is intentionally accessible across a wide geographic region. Most activities take place online, with one in-person weekend in Scranton (July) to bring the cohort together for focused writing time and development.
Congrats to our 2026 selected playwrights:
Denise M. Clark, ED.
Will Krisanda
Fenix Dietz
Jess Mason
Get Your 2026 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 2026 button partners
Discounts valid october 1 – 10, 2026
