The Kansas City Fringe Festival begins on Friday, July 17, 2026, and runs through July 26. The Fringe Festival is a visual arts extravaganza that straddles a thin line between mass appeal and eclectic tastes. It includes multiple events at various venues throughout Kansas City.
Buttons and show tickets
Anyone attending the KC Fringe Festival has to purchase and wear a Fringe Festival button to get into any of the events. For adults, it’s a one-time purchase of $5. Kids 12 and under can get one FREE. Buttons are available online and can be purchased at Fringe 411 (Union Station, 30 Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO) or at individual performance venue box offices.
Some of the events are FREE with a one-time purchase of a Fringe Festival button, but others require show tickets. Show tickets for individual performances are $15 ($8 for kids). Tickets are available for purchase online, at each show venue’s box office, or at Fringe 411 (Union Station, 30 Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO). You have to be wearing your button to get into any of the events, even the ones that require you to buy tickets.
Button Perks
The good news is your Fringe Festival button entitles you to perks from some local businesses. Some perks are only available during the festival while others are made available all year round. Just be sure to mention your button before ordering. Here’s a list of participating merchants and their deals.
The Fringe Festival allows artists (both emerging and established) the opportunity to show works of any content, form or style. Fringing encourages artists to explore boundaries and to make bold choices in the creation of art.
Click here to see the schedule of performances. There are also workshops, after-parties and other events.
Fringe Special Events & Key Highlights
Photo: A memory from a past Fringe festival.
Featured Shows
During the core stretch of the festival (July 17–25), look out for these multi-day performances across the metro:
- Theater & Musicals: HELP! I’m trapped in a MUSICAL!, Nice to Meet You!, American Raccoon, and Maga Pop Girly!
- Comedy & Local Originals: Everything Bagel, NED’s Night-Hole Live, and Jerry Christ.
- Magic & Movement: Real Magic – Jordan Allen, Magic of Grandmas, and Nritya Indian Dance.
These are the major venues:
- City Stage at Union Station (30 W Pershing Rd). The central hub hosting the Flash Previews, musical theater, and major ensemble acts.
- The Bird Comedy Theater (103 W 19th St). Nestled in the Crossroads District, hosting sketch, improv, and late-night comedy.
- MOD Gallery (1809 McGee St). An intimate arts space utilized for smaller independent plays and visual fringe showcases.
- Kansas City Oasis / Center for Spiritual Living (1717 W 41st St / 1014 W 39th St). Midtown spaces hosting a diverse mix of spoken word, drama, and acoustic acts.
- Kansas City Young Audiences (3732 Main St). A dynamic facility hosting movement, magic, and family-friendly fringe productions.
- Kansas City Public Library (Central & Plaza Branches). Venues hosting special artist previews, panels, and regional community storytelling.
- Fringe 411 Office. The central box office headquarters for merchandise, ticket bundle pick-ups, and customer service.
Click here to see the full schedule of performances. We’ve also got a viewable/printable program (click on the photo) with full details.
Multiple
where do I get a button??????
Hi Barb, you can purchase your button at any of the show venue’s box offices or at Fringe 411 located inside Union Station.