Elgin Fringe Festival

ELGIN FRINGE FESTIVAL

The Elgin Fringe Festival (EFF), founded in 2013, is a celebration of bold artistic experimentation and innovation, featuring an accessible and affordable experience for artists and audiences alike.

An uncurated and inclusive lineup of local and national talent converges on Elgin’s historic downtown, with over 80 performances spanning dance, theater, comedy, music, magic, and other innovative and genre-defying acts.

Venues are within walking distance, allowing attendees to explore Elgin’s emerging dining and entertainment scene. The festival also features a Visual Art Exhibition, outdoor performances for all ages, and lively events such as the Preview Party, Almost-Closing Party, and Closing Party.

With 100% of ticket sales going directly to the artists, the Elgin Fringe Festival is committed to supporting and celebrating the creative community.

ELGINFRINGEFESTIVAL.COM

Festival Overview

Type of Festival

Elgin Fringe is uncurated, with artists selected through a lottery system, creating opportunities for equity-seeking artists—including underrepresented, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ artists—alongside local and touring performers. The festival celebrates bold artistic experimentation, showcasing work across a wide range of forms and genres.
Performances take place throughout Elgin’s walkable downtown, utilizing nontraditional venues such as a black box-style theater, a visual art gallery, restaurants, pubs, and an outdoor plaza.

About our Audience

EFF attracts a diverse audience, spanning all ages from young to old. While Elgin’s population is over 50% Hispanic, the majority of festival attendees speak English as their first language. However, EFF remains committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all, celebrating artistic expression that transcends language and cultural boundaries.

Festival Stats

100% of ticket sales go back to the artists.

$10,000+ paid to artists!

$3500+ paid to visual artsts via art sales.

1,600+ audience members for performances.

50% of artists come from underrepresented communities, reflecting our commitment to creating a festival that welcomes a wide range of voices and perspectives.

Artist Information

How Artists are Accepted

Upon successful completion of an artist application, applicants are entered into lotteries for selection to Elgin Fringe Festival (EFF). Applications are accepted from February 1 to March 1 each year, with the lottery taking place at a special event in April. Selected artists will be notified within a few weeks, along with waitlist confirmations.

Lottery Categories:
• Equity-Seeking Artists: Performances featuring artists who self-identify as underrepresented. This may include, but is not limited to, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists. The festival welcomes questions regarding eligibility. Equity-seeking artists who are not selected in this category are automatically placed in the Local or Touring lottery pools, giving them two chances to be selected.

• Local Artists: Artists residing within 50 miles of Side Street Studio Arts (15 Ziegler Ct., Elgin, IL 60120).

• Touring Artists / Out-of-Area: Artists residing outside the 50-mile radius.

Benefits of Applying

Elgin Fringe gives voice to artists across all styles, genres, and content. Do you have something to share? Is your work adaptable? Do you enjoy supporting other artists? Are you skilled at self-promotion—or eager to learn? If YES, you should apply to Elgin Fringe!
• 100% of ticket sales go directly to the artists.
• End-of-festival awards include a swag bag and a reduced production fee for the following year.
• Artists receive an artist pass, allowing them to attend all shows with rush seating.

Costs and Deals

EFF has no artist application fee, but we do have a graduated production fee. Here are the 2025 rates:

• Full-Length Show Production Fee (60 minutes) : $80 per performance (up to 3 performances).

• Short Show Production Fee (20 minutes): $125 for 3 performances.

There are no additional costs beyond the production fee. 100% of ticket sales go directly to the artists.

Tech Information

Venues range widely in both capacity and technical capabilities. We try to match artists to the appropriate venue for their show based on the artists' needs. Artists have 10 minutes to load in and 10 minutes to load out. No space is available to store props or costumes.

Performance Schedule

Artists may choose between a Full-Length Show or a Short Show. Show length does not impact lottery selection.

FULL-LENGTH SHOWS
• Duration: 30–60 minutes
• Performance Options: 1, 2, or 3 performances

SHORT SHOWS
• Duration: 15–20 minutes
• Performances: 3 performances required
• Grouping: Short shows are combined with 1–2 other performances into a 60-minute showcase, curated by Elgin Fringe Festival

All performance dates, times, and locations are scheduled and confirmed by the Elgin Fringe Staff about two months prior to the festival. Performing artists are able to select one, two, three, or four performances, but do not determine venue, or performance dates and times.

Other

ELGIN, ILLINOIS

ELGIN FRINGE FESTIVAL
P.O. BOX 1264
ELGIN, IL 60121

ELGIN WELCOMES THE WIERD.