Investing in Bold Performance Through Denver Fringe

How our creative partnership with Denver Fringe supports artists and independent venues throughout RiNo Art District.

As a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to supporting artists, creative businesses, and community through arts and cultural programming, it felt organic for the RiNo Art District (RAD) to form a partnership with the Denver Fringe Festival. This relationship with Denver Fringe is a prime example of RAD’s mission to invest its resources — not only financial resources, but also performance space, marketing support, and more — into cultural programming that adds vibrancy and diversity to the district. 

“Denver Fringe has such an important place in the RiNo Art District,” says RAD Executive Director Daisy Fodness-McGowan. “We’re proud to continue to support the success they’re already seeing. Everyone looks forward to this festival with good reason — they bring so much vibrancy to our district and city and while you never know what to expect, you can always expect it to knock your socks off.” 

As for Denver Fringe, Executive Director Ann Sabbah is delighted to draw on additional support from RAD in order to continue to nurture this popular 7-year-old festival. In 2026, Denver Fringe — part of a global network of grassroots theater festivals of varying sizes — will bring 80+ live performances to Denver in the span of 5 days, featuring a mix of local artists and performers from around the country. 

“We strive to open the door to all kinds of creative expression,” said Sabbah. “What makes Fringe so exciting is that artists are taking risks, audiences are stepping into the unknown, and together we’re creating this spontaneous, inclusive experience where anything can happen.”

A sampling of the many venues hosting Denver Fringe in 2026 include: Cleo Robinson Dance Center, Dude IDK Studios, Fort Greene Bar, RedLine Contemporary Art Center, The Savoy, Ratio Beerworks, and The Shop at MATTER.

RAD’s presenting partnership brings Denver Fringe in residence for four days at the Truss House, RiNo Art District’s community hub and event space set within the ArtPark at Arkins Park (1900 35th St., Denver, CO, 80216). Performances at RiNo’s Truss House include: 

• Fort Pillow (immersive, comedy, storytelling)
  
• Hilma AF (theater)
  
• The LuneAtics Lounge: The Creature Within (dance, cabaret, improvisation, puppetry)
  
• Dance of a Thousand Faces (immersive, devised, dance) 

See the complete Denver Fringe lineup & schedule

The RiNo Art District is grateful to the RiNo Business Improvement District (BID) for their support of Denver Fringe programs happening within the RiNo BID boundaries.