Runs Sept 4 to 14th, 2025.
Not many acts from the Victoria Fringe Festival are heading to Vancouver Fringe Festival 2025, but that’s no reason to skip it! When most live theatre acts examine the “game of life,” letting us explore the human condition through the safe lens of an observer, what’s presented are often eye-opening in more ways than one!
Solo shows, a hallmark of Fringe, make this exchange especially powerful—raw, intimate, and deeply personal. Unlike film, which often leans on escapism, Fringe thrives on honesty. Other forms of theatre will vary, but ultimately, when we can connect with the story, the meaning isn’t hidden; it’s right in front of us, asking us to feel, reflect, and engage.
Over the years, I’ve seen countless performances that deserve standing ovations. Many artists return with fresh material or clever twists on familiar acts, and that’s part of what keeps me coming back. Although one performer missed the lottery for my local Fringe, he’s thankfully back at Terminal City. This individual has consistently stood out, earning a spot in my top ten yet again. I won’t reveal their name just yet, but longtime readers may already recognize the work—newcomers will have fun seeing if they can guess who it is.
This year’s picks are presented in alphabetical order. These links go to ticket purchases and showtimes.
Continue reading “Top 10 Nerdy Must-See Picks of Vancouver Fringe Festival 2025”
Devon More Music presents an outdoor art-rock show… for the dogs! Canines and their human companions can enjoy Devon’s infectious originals alongside curious cover songs in the open air – under the cover of Granville Island’s Picnic Pavilion. This show aims to turn the old adage “never work with children or animals” on its head, and prove that anything is paw-sible!
YARGH! Join the saltiest sea captain ever on a “30min scenic boat tour” This queer nautical comedy is like the deranged love child of Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse and Gilligan’s Island. This show is a whirlwind of revenge-fueled sea-venture combining outrageous physical comedy with a few dark twists and turns.
Full Metal Comedy is a stand up comedy show based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It was started by Shawn Cuthand and Danny Knight as a way to get stage time in Saskatchewan. In the prairies you can literally see that there is no stage time for miles and days! The show works like an open mic to encourage new comedians to give it a try, but for the Vancouver Fringe, we’re bringing our best!
What’s lurking in the lake? Margot and Evie are best friends. When they hear a legendary sea monster is hiding in the depths of their camp waters, they are determined to uncover its secrets. For fans of Gravity Falls and The Babysitters Club Mysteries, this heartfelt campfire jamboree explores the relationship between girlhood and eco-anxiety.
Amidst the improbability of connections forming around us, “Proximity: The Space Between Us” , co-created by an all-abilities cast, delves into the delicate balance of distance and connection. Through a series of interconnected narratives that open into a realm of infinite possibility, this physical theatre piece embraces the emotional and physical complexities that define our shared humanity, inviting audiences to reflect on the threads that unite and separate us.
Some of the performers who appeared at the Victoria Fringe Festival do not have long to relax with the Vancouver Fringe celebration coming up days after. It’s a bigger event allowing for more venues and less walking to get around. In the works I have missed, I’m glad I have the option to do a day-trip over (weekend is better) to catch up on those that I missed due to overlap or some other reason.
By Ed Sum
By Ed Sum