Fringe Fest: Top 10 non-theatrical events you should attend!

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Montreal’s infamous Fringe Fest and the organizers of the festival have certainly not failed to deliver an endless array of options to tickle any festivalgoer’s fancy.

Let’s jump right into our top non-theatrical picks: on June 4th there will be a Hawt Summer Slowdance party at the Mainline Theatre (3997, St-Laurent), complete with designated dancers to coax wallflowers away from the, well, walls. Slow songs will be played all night long and a dance card booklet will be present for those who want to book or reserve dances with their crushes in advance.

Next up is the Fringe Excursion Field Trip to the Centre St-Ambroise (5080, St-Ambroise), where guests can enjoy barbecued food, improv comedy, trivia games and a movie. Bicycles are welcome. On June 9th, Montrealer Rick Miller’s talents as comedian, imitator and singer are showcased in the play Bigger Than Jesus at the Quat’Sous Theatre (100, Av. Des Pins E). The following night sees the Opening Party with musical collective Kalmunity and special guests at Parc des Amériques (corner Rachel and St-Laurent).

On June 11th, art collective Indyish is throwing a Fringe Mess at the same park with musical guests from Brie Nielson to DJ Andrew “Da White Boy” Kushnir. Every night throughout the festival, a talk show called The 13th Hour will take place at Studio Juste Pour Rire (2109, St-Laurent) at 1 am. Zack Winters, Rufus O’Hallahan and Sweet Sweet Jimmy Priest will discuss the festival’s daily events. On June 15th, Cirque du Soleil talent scout Marc-André Roy will be giving a free talk and presentation on the Scene Hour Stage about becoming a clown in the circus from his own personal perspective.

Also happening on the 15th is the M60 Montreal 60 Second Film Festival at Parc des Amériques, where hundreds of Montreals can showcase their one-minute films. The festival nears its end with two exciting events: Fringe Pop on the 18th and 20th, where the likes of Silly Kissers, Beaver Sheppard, Li’l Andy and Pop Winds will perform in Parc des Amériques and Drag Races, a drag queen competition hosted by Mado Lamotte on June 19th at Cabaret Mado (1115, Ste-Catherine E).

The Fringe ends on June 20th with Frankie’s Award Gala and Closing Party at Studio Juste Pour Rire.

Now you know where to go, but how will you ever decide?