San Diego International Fringe Festival
Location: San Diego, CA
Dates: May 12, 2026 to May 24, 2026
Submission Deadline: February 28, 2026
Website: https://sdfringe.org/
About
San Diego International Fringe Festival artist applications are now open. Since 2012, they have welcomed national, international, and local artists for an unparalleled event celebrating creativity in our region.
Submission Requirements
Who is selected?
San Diego Fringe Festival follows a non-juried, non-censored model. Participants are accepted as follows:
- 50% local, 25% national, 25% international
- 50% of each category is selected on a first-come, first-served basis
- 50% of each category is selected by lottery
Performance Guidelines:
- Show length: 45-60 minutes
- Maximum tech time: One 2.5-hour rehearsal before the first performance
- Setup/strike time: 10 minutes each
- Basic tech support provided at Fringe Managed Venues
BYOV (Bring Your Own Venue):
Artists who wish to produce in a space outside of Fringe-sponsored venues may apply as a BYOV production. The festival encourages creative and nontraditional spaces such as bars, restaurants, parks, warehouses, and retail locations. BYOV participants handle their own venue arrangements.
BYOV fees cover listing in the festival program, ticket sales through the Fringe box office, and marketing/publicity support. Artists retain 100% of ticket sales.
Finances
Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable)
Production Fees:
- BYOV: $325
- 60-99 Seat Venue: $600
- 100+ Seat Venue: $700
- 200+ Seat Venue: $800
- Bi-National Venue (Mexico): $175
Production fees cover venue rental (for Fringe Managed Venues), five assigned performances, inclusion in the printed guide, box office and ticketing support, Fringe staff assistance, and tech crew costs. Artists keep 100% of ticket sales.
Additional costs:
- Extra performances (subject to availability): $150
- Additional Bi-National performance: $175
Volunteer Information
The San Diego International Fringe Festival relies on volunteers to help bring this event to life. Volunteers assist with ushering, ticket scanning, production support, and various festival tasks.
Volunteer Perks:
- Free official Fringe T-shirt
- Free access to shows (for volunteers who work 10+ hours)
- Behind-the-scenes experience with San Diego’s largest performing arts festival
For more information or to sign up, click here.
Videos