The last live show you saw was probably from a plush red seat with a neatly printed program in your lap. BorderLight Fringe Festival? Totally different story. Every summer, downtown Cleveland hands the stage to bold, boundary-pushing artists from around the world, turning Playhouse Square and its surrounding streets into a buzzing celebration of theater, dance, music and multimedia that feels anything but ordinary.
What To Do There:
BorderLight Fringe Festival features dozens of performances across multiple venues throughout the Playhouse Square District. From intimate solo shows and experimental works to large-scale productions and outdoor pop-up performances, the lineup spans genres, cultures and creative styles. This is a time where the plethora of creatives in The Land show up and support each other in the most spirited expression possible. You might find yourself in a traditional theater seat for one show, then standing curbside for a street performance the next. Many productions are original works, Cleveland premieres or international collaborations, giving audiences a rare chance to experience global artistry in downtown Cleveland. No matter what the seating arrangement is you are guaranteed to be inspired.
What Else To Do:
With multiple shows scheduled throughout the day and evening, BorderLight makes it easy to plan a full arts-focused getaway in The Land. Grab dinner before the first show, explore Playhouse Square and East 4th between performances or stay after and grab a drink or an ice cream cone before you head home. Whether you’re fringe-curious or a lifelong theater kid, BorderLight Fringe Festival delivers storytelling without borders that welcomes everyone to experience the joy of the arts.
Tips For Attending:
- See more than one show. BorderLight is designed for hopping from venue to venue. Mix a big, buzzworthy production with a smaller experimental piece and get the full experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be moving between Playhouse Square theaters and nearby performance spaces, sometimes with only a short break in between.
- Build in time for food and drinks. Downtown Cleveland has no shortage of food, drink and dessert spots and post-show hangouts. Make a full day out of it.