Calgary Fringe

🏕️🎭 That’s a wrap on Calgary Fringe 2025, campers! 🎭🏕️

From the first bugle call to the final campfire song, you pitched your tents, told your stories, and roasted your marshmallows to perfection.

To our artists: thanks for bringing your A-game to arts camp. To our audiences: thanks for braving the weather, the late nights, and the occasional mosquito to cheer us on. To our volunteers: you’re the counsellors who kept this whole cabin running.

Until next summer, keep your badges polished, your campfire stories wild, and your s’mores ratio just right. See you back at arts camp in 2026!

Mini Poetry Slam at Calgary Fringe!
Writers Guild of Alberta and Calgary Poetry Slam - Calgary, Alberta, Canada

SPECIAL FRINGE AFTER DARK EVENT

Mature Content Content (Age 14+)

Join the Writers' Guild of Alberta for a special edition of the Calgary Poetry Slam at Calgary Fringe this summer! Hosted by Matt Miller.

Sign-up starts at 9:30pm.
Participants announced at 9:45pm.
Show starts at 10:00pm.

This is a mini version of the Calgary Poetry Slam. Six performers will be selected by random draw and will each read two poems (3 minutes max.) The poet with the highest combined score after two rounds will be the winner!

Cash prizes!
First place gets $100 || Second place gets $50

Show up at 9:30pm to put your name into a draw for the chance to compete!

SLAM FAQS:

What is a poetry slam?

Slam poetry is a type of competition where people read their poems without props, costumes, or music. After performing, they receive scores (0-10) from randomly selected judges. The judges can be anyone: they don’t even need to be poets! Scores are awarded based on how much each judge likes a poem. The purpose of this judging process is to make poetry participatory for everyone. Slam poetry doesn’t need to be a specific form of poetry.

What do I need to bring?

• $22 entrance fee (can purchase tickets ahead of time online, or pay at the door. Both cash and card payments accepted.)
• 2 poems, each less than 3 minutes.
• Friends! The bigger the audience, the better the show!

What are the rules?

• No props, no costumes, no animal acts, no nudity.
• No booing.
• Keep your poem under 3 minutes and 10 seconds or you'll lose points.

CONTENT WARNING: poetry slams often deal with hard topics such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, grief and death, social issues, etc.

Ticket sale proceeds goes to the Writers Guild of Alberta and the Calgary Poetry Slam.

Calling all curious campers and big thinkers! This is theatre made for grown-ups who still love to play. Think bold characters, sharp stories, and creative sparks flying. It’s engaging, thought-provoking, and full of energy. Grab your notebook, pour a coffee, and get ready to question, create, and connect.

So You Wanna Write A Play?!?
with Trevor Rueger of Alberta Playwrights' Network

Have you ever thought “I have a great idea for a play, but I don’t know where to start?”. Join Trevor Rueger (Executive Director of Alberta Playwrights’ Network) for a 90 minute crash course on writing for the theatre. Topics will include creating characters, plot, action, crisis and conflict. For new and experienced writers.

Trevor is an actor/director/playwright/dramaturg with over 30 years experience. During his career he has worked on the development of over 500 new plays and assisted the development of countless playwrights from all over Canada.

This workshop sells out every year, so register today - and check out the lineup for this year’s Calgary Fringe, August 1 to 9. Explore the full lineup, grab your tickets, and start planning your festival schedule. Campers, this summer is all about supporting bold art. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.

🔥 Build your own adventure
🏕️ Explore new ideas
🎟️ Get your tickets now at calgaryfringe.ca
📍Inglewood, Calgary
📅 August 1 to 9

Tag your camp crew. Pick your path. Try something unexpected. That’s what Fringe is for.