The Minnesota Fringe Festival is an annual performing arts festival held in Minneapolis and St. Paul. It showcases a diverse range of performances, including theater, dance, music, and multimedia art. The festival typically features hundreds of shows from local, national, and international artists, providing a platform for both established and emerging talent. Founded in 1993, the festival operates on a lottery system, allowing artists to apply for performance slots. This unique approach encourages creativity and experimentation, making it a vibrant hub for innovative works. The Minnesota Fringe Festival usually takes place in August and attracts thousands of attendees each year.