You might think your family is a bit too straight-laced for a fringe fest, but that’s because you’ve never been to the Chicago Fringe Festival. This performing arts showcase celebrates the wildest and wackiest of Chicago’s experimental theater scene, and makes sure to include your littles in the out-of-the-box fun.
Kids Fringe is designed for minis ages 5-12, with shows made just for them, on stage at Jefferson Playhouse. Kids can expect the dance stylings of Tiffany Lawson Dance, silly antics from Barrel of Monkeys and storytelling by Stephanie Chavara. Plus, Hit the Lights! Theater Co. brings its shadow-puppet inspired show all the way from New York City for some Windy City-style fun.
When you aren’t being awed by the kid-friendly performances, enjoy free activities and workshops, such as improv and movement classes, mask- and instrument-making programs, castle-building, bubbles, stories, games and all the other things kids love.
And while the typical Fringe Festival offerings are uncensored, you can rest easy knowing your kiddos won’t be hearing naughty words or seeing anything racy. They’ll just be enjoying some not-so-typical performances and broadening their worldview.
For once, we think you’re going to like being on the fringe—as Kids Fringe demonstrates, it’s a pretty good place to be.
If you go
Kids Fringe
Sept. 3-10
