Edinburgh Scotland

Hosted by Edinburgh Fringe

Programme

Created & hosted in partnership by Edinburgh Fringe & World Fringe

The inaugural World Fringe Congress took place in Edinburgh between 16 and 19 August 2012 and was attended by 74 delegates representing 47 fringe festivals from 16 countries across 6 continents. The 2012 World Fringe Congress was part of the London 2012 Festival, the cultural celebration around the Olympic Games, and was funded by the City of Edinburgh Council, Creative Scotland and British Council Scotland.

Edinburgh Scotland

Hosted by Edinburgh Fringe

Programme

World Fringe Congress 2014 took place during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – the world’s largest arts festival and the birthplace of the original Fringe from 15-17 August 2014. Hosted by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society it was attended by 56 delegates representing 38 fringe festivals from 15 countries across 4 continents.

World Fringe Congress 2014 was part of the Culture 2014 programme, which accompanied the Commonwealth Games which took place in Glasgow, and was funded by the City of Edinburgh Council, Creative Scotland, EventScotland and British Council Scotland.

Montreal Canada

Hosted by Montreal Fringe

Programme

The World Fringe Congress in 2016 took place from November 16–18 in Montreal, Canada, and was hosted by the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF) and the Montréal Fringe. The event brought together Fringe Festival representatives from across the globe for networking, discussions, and seminars on the touring circuit and festival ethos.

Edinburgh Scotland

Hosted by Edinburgh Fringe

Programme

The World Fringe Congress 2018 was held in Edinburgh, Scotland, from August 16–21, hosted by the Edinburgh Fringe. This global meet brought together producers and decision-makers from Fringe festivals to strengthen the international Fringe sector through learning, sharing, and collaboration.

Adelaide, Australia

Hosted by Adelaide Fringe

Programme

The World Fringe Congress 2020 took place in Adelaide, Australia, hosted by Adelaide Fringe from February 14–17, 2020, with the Adelaide Fringe festival continuing until March 15, 2020. This global meet brought together fringe festival producers and decision-makers to learn, share, and collaborate within the global fringe movement 

Adelaide, Australia

Hosted by Orlando Fringe

Programme

The World Fringe Congress 2022 took place in Orlando, Florida, hosted by Orlando Fringe in collaboration with CAFF and USAFF. As the oldest fringe festival in the United States and a long-standing member of the World Fringe community, Orlando Fringe brought its rich experience and leadership to the event. The Congress was held alongside the Orlando Winter Mini-Fest, a curated festival that showcased a selection of high-quality performances in multiple venues at Loch Haven Cultural Park. This created a vibrant backdrop that blended professional development with the dynamic spirit of live fringe performance. Delegates from around the world gathered at the Orlando Museum of Art for panels, networking, and collaborative sessions focused on strengthening the global fringe sector, enhancing international touring networks, and spotlighting North American fringe talent.