Vancouverscape, a Vancouver based blog covering travel, tech, and lifestyle

Another Vancouver International Fringe Festival is just around the corner! Now in its 26th year, the festival gets under way on September 7th (Opening Night Appi-teasers) and continues through the 18th. It features over 80 local and international acts, chosen either by lottery or on a first come, first serve basis. For those unfamiliar with the Fringe, it’s worth checking out the Opening Night Appi-teasers event. You’ll get a sneak preview of this year’s artists and be able to participate in a silent auction as well as sample tasty bites from Dockside Restaurant, The Keg, and Cats Social House. And wine sampling courtesy of Mark Anthony!

I’ve been a Fringe fan for years and can attest to the funky, at times wacky vibe that permeates Granville Island during the festival. There are so many ways to enjoy the Fringe. Tickets go on sale tomorrow and include individual show sales, the ever-popular Frequent Fringer Pass (10 shows for $90, inc. HST), and the Opening Night Appi-Teasers. The festival brochure can be found around Granville Island, at the Fringe Centre, Blenz Coffee locations around town, and Vancouver public libraries. There’s an online version available as well.

[Miracle in Rwanda]

Don’t forget to download (a first this year!) the free iPhone VanFringe app, available shortly in the iTunes store. I’m looking forward to trying the app and getting a quick and handy glimpse of what’s available and hoping that the app will update frequently enough to see what shows are still available for ticket purchase. As many venues are intimate, it’s often a quick sell-out, especially for a show that’s caught a lot of buzz early on.

[Peter ‘n’ Chris Save the World!]

The Fringe Info Centre is the place to check out reviews, show information, and updates. Located at 1592 Johnston Street (just a tad past Granville Island Brewery, on the right), the centre will be open weekdays from 4-8 pm and on weekends from noon to 8 pm. There are also shows off-island, called Bring Your Own Venue (BYOV). Off-island locations range from the Vancouver Police Museum to Wicked Café and are listed both online and in the program guide.

[7(x1) Samurai]

Another option is to purchase a Pick of the Fringe ticket, available starting September 20, running from September 23 to 26 at the Waterfront Theatre. The public gets to vote and ultimately choose the best of the best, normally featuring four shows over the four days. How it works: the shows with the highest ratings in the provincial, national, and international categories win the Pick. The fourth show is decided by Fringe staff, who see a LOT of shows during the course of the festival. The winners will be chosen at the Fringe Awards Night on September 19, 2010, at Performance Works (and on the website shortly thereafter).

[Colin Godbout as Unplugged Cop]

If you’re planning on dropping in to one of the shows, tickets can be purchased at the door starting 45 minutes prior to show time, subject to availability, CASH ONLY. After the show, stop in at the St. Ambroise Fringe Bar at the Agro Café (1363 Railspur Alley) every night during the festival. There will be live music, DJ’s and a nightly BBQ menu, featuring locally sourced and mostly organic items on offer. A lot of performers like to hang out with their adoring public. You never know just who might walk in!