2023 Charm City Fringe Week 2 Schedule

Ladies, gentlemen, non-binary pals, and intergalactic weirdos, gather 'round because we've got a tale to spin about last week's reunion! A big THANK YOU to everyone who graced us with their presence at our first Fringe Festival since the good ol' days of 2019. Your enthusiastic support and shared love for the peculiar arts made this weekend truly special.

In case you missed out on the spectacle (shame on you!), fear not, for we're not done yet. We've got a whole week of fringe-tastic madness lined up from October 4th to 8th, just waiting for you.

Join us as we continue to celebrate the weird, the wonderful, and the utterly unique. Your seat is waiting, and the stage is set for an unforgettable experience.

Tickets and passes are still available, and we're counting on your passion for the arts to fill those seats and make this coming week a resounding success.

Get Tickets

Keep scrolling for all the must-see events and exciting happenings during Week 2 of the Charm City Fringe Festival!

Your ticket not only grants you access to remarkable shows but also helps us keep the spirit of fringe theater alive. So, don't miss your chance to be part of something truly exceptional. Secure your tickets now, invite your friends, and together, let's ensure that the Fringe Festival shines brightly for all to see.

Experience the Best of the Fest with Festival Passes

The 2023 Fringe Festival passes are on sale now! Choose between the 3 types of passes: 

Date Night Pass: 2 tickets to 2 shows and 2 festival buttons. 

3 Ticket Pass: 3 tickets and 1 festival button. 

All Access Pass: entry to all festival events for the ultimate experience. 

Wednesday, October 4

Le Mondo 406 N. Howard St

7pm - Arson 101

Arson 101, A Choose Your Own Adventure is the story of one relationship told collaboratively between the audience and the actors to create 1008+ possible show combinations. Winner of the 2023 “Artists Pick” and “Spirit of the Fringe” Awards at San Diego International Fringe Festival, it begins when the soon-to-be-lovers meet, and ends... who knows where?!  Secure your spot


8:45pm - The Galaxy Brain Experience

Created by Joe Cahill, The Galaxy Brain Experience combines hip-hop music, chamber music, animation, and dance. This 45-minute original story follows Astris on her psychedelic journey into space. Whether traveling on a rocket, through a black hole, or a maze, she learns to love herself while living alongside her mental illness.— Click here for tickets

BlakWaterMusic 218 W Saratoga St.

7:30pm - Flurpa

Deep in a river, a creature grows. Up on the bank, mutant children, with 12 eyes, cry. Men pass furtive glances while the water levels rise. Everything hinges on a mother who's sickly tired from deceit. In a town poisoned to the bone, even good men get scared. But whoever said there was anything good growing in Flurpa? — Click here for tickets

MAP Underground 218 W Saratoga St.

8:15pm - Law & Order B.I.G

Law & Order: B.I.G. -- Created by Michael Harris and developed by the Baltimore Improv Group (BIG), this Fully Improvised show places America's longest running episodic series in YOUR hands. From finding a dead body in public to the verdict given by the audience, it's everything you expect from Law & Order, as you've never seen it before. — Click here for tickets

Thursday, October 5

Le Mondo 406 N. Howard St

10pm - Fringe After Dark : Between 2 Minds

Between 2 Minds is a symphony of laughter, wonder, and sheer disbelief, seamlessly merging the impossible and the hilarious. Prepare to be captivated by the talents of Bernardo Rodriguez, the masterful mind reader, and Judge Mentalist, the mesmerizing hypnotist. In this thrilling theatrical spectacle, the power of the mind reigns supreme, and the audience is the true star of the show. Between 2 Minds is not just a show; it's an unforgettable experience that will leave you questioning the limits of your own mind. Don't miss your chance to witness this extraordinary fusion of talents as you prepare to be spellbound, enchanted, and utterly amazed as you embark on a journey to Enter the Impossible. — Click here for tickets

 

MAP Underground 218 W Saratoga St.

7:30pm - Spank Bank Time Machine

Best friends, sex parties, douches, death, and 50% of Andrew Christian underwear. Travel with John Michael in a spanks- and participation-fueled time machine to every one of his orgasms. It's a Queer Fantasia about how grieving makes you horny. — Click here for tickets

8:45pm - Law & Order: B.I.G

BlakWaterMusic 218 W Saratoga St.

6:30pm - Flurpa

9:15pm - Tweets You Can Hold: A Fashion Presentation

An intrepid group of thespians awake one morning to startling news: their friend, the supermodel, is calling in a favor. She has an important obligation and can’t make her runway that evening– can they cover for her? Of course, they can! The thespians nail the assignment and set off on a journey from fashion to stardom to friendship. It's a part-tay! — Click here for tickets

410 Lofts 410 N Eutaw St

8:45pm - The 1973 Dodge Monaco Station Wagon

Our family had a huge Dodge in the 70s. We bought it when the Ford finally died just as we were about to cross into Mexico, to stay for an unspecified amount of time – and under very unspecified circumstances. I remember some things about that period. But I was a child, so I've forgotten a lot. My dad remembers some things. My mom remembers some other things. My photographs are fuzzy. And no one remembers the things I do. What actually happened? — Click here for tickets

Media Rhythm Institute 20 N Howard St

6:30pm - Who Gave Sylvia the Bottle?

A surprise party turns into a "Who Done It?" This is what happens when Sylvia gets the bottle. She was supposed to be celebrating her 60th Birthday. Now she's gotta go to jail. But we're going to find the culprit before the cops get here. Who gave Sylvia the bottle? — Click here for tickets

Friday, October 6

Le Mondo 406 N. Howard St

 

MAP Underground 218 W Saratoga St.

 

410 Lofts 410 N Eutaw St

8:45pm - The 1973 Dodge Monaco Station Wagon


Media Rhythm Institute 20 N Howard St

9:15pm - Who Gave Sylvia the Bottle?

Saturday, October 7

Le Mondo 406 N. Howard St

10pm - **Fringe After Dark** Time Machine Blueprints

Shawn Wickens is a comedian, futurist and casual stoner. One night a weed brownie changed his life. The next morning he realized he had bought the domain name: TimeMachineBlueprints.com. Things only got weirder from there. You will remember this very true comedy show… in the Future! — Click here for tickets

 

MAP Underground 218 W Saratoga St.

4:30 & 6:30pm - Baal & Dix

Meet Bertolt Brecht and Degenerate painter Otto Dix. Kinda. Fact or fantasy? Either way, they’re yours to devour. Baal & Dix is an immersive piece that explores German auteur Bertolt Brecht and his contemporary, Otto Dix. The audience chooses their own path in this quasi-factual, cabaret-style romp into toxic art. — Click here for tickets

2:45pm - Spank Bank Time Machine

8:15pm - Law & Order: B.I.G

 

410 Lofts 410 N Eutaw St

8:45pm - The 1973 Dodge Monaco Station Wagon



Media Rhythm Institute 20 N Howard St

9:15pm - Who Gave Sylvia the Bottle?



Theatrical Mining 401 N Howard St

8pm - Triple Play


BlakWaterMusic 218 W Saratoga St.

9:30pm - Ladies Night with Ebony Jackson

Come Party with comedian Miz Jaxxxn as she navigates through love  sex and relationships during this comedic storytelling event filled with crowd participation and laughter. — Click here to get tickets

Sunday, October 8

Le Mondo 406 N. Howard St

11am - Fringe After Dark: Drag Brunch with Pariah Sinclair

End the 2023 Charm City Fringe Fest with a BANG! Come see the best drag performers in Baltimore at “Fringe After Dark: Drag Brunch”. Hosted by Pariah Sinclair at Le Mondo on Sunday October 8 at 1130 am. Featuring Naomi Ratchet, Myah Duboise Blue, and Stealya Manz. — Click here for tickets

MAP Underground 218 W Saratoga St.

6:30pm — Charm City Fringe Closing Party - All good things must come to end and the 2023 Charm City Fringe is one of them. Come spend one last evening with Fringe! Mingle with the artists, enjoy live music, and watch our festival awards ceremony! This event is FREE and open to the public. RSVP Here

Theatrical Mining 401 N Howard St

1:30pm - Triple Play

Media Rhythm Institute 20 N Howard St

3pm - Who Gave Sylvia the Bottle?

Theatrical Mining 401 N Howard St

8pm - Triple Play

Posted on October 2, 2023 by Mickey Moulder.

2023 Charm City Fringe Weekend 1 Schedule

Are you passionate about the arts? Craving a dose of inspiration, a touch of the weird, or a hearty laugh that'll light up your days? Do you long to connect with Baltimore's thriving arts community? Well, we've got something extraordinary in store for you!

Then you won’t want to miss this! 

Welcome to Weekend 1 of the Charm City Fringe Festival, where the cityscape itself becomes a canvas for boundless expression, and the stage sets the scene for countless captivating stories. We extend a heartfelt invitation to embark on an exhilarating journey with us through the enchanting and diverse world of fringe theater.

This weekend is your passport to a dazzling array of experiences that will leave you not just entertained, but profoundly moved and thoroughly inspired. As we step into the enchanting realm of the Charm City Fringe Festival, we'll explore a rich tapestry of performances, artists, and encounters that define this festival as an absolute gem on Baltimore's cultural calendar.

This blog will be your trusty guide, leading you through all the must-see events and exciting happenings during Weekend 1 of the Charm City Fringe Festival. So, don't hesitate – grab those tickets, brace yourself for sheer amazement, and let's plunge headfirst into a world where creativity knows no limits! It's an adventure you won't want to miss!

Get Your Tickets!

Experience the Best of the Fest with Festival Passes

The 2023 Fringe Festival passes are on sale now! Choose between the 3 types of passes: 

Date Night Pass: 2 tickets to 2 shows and 2 festival buttons. 

3 Ticket Pass: 3 tickets and 1 festival button. 

All Access Pass: entry to all festival events for the ultimate experience. 

Thursday, September 28 - Charm City Fringe Launch Party

Le Mondo

Kick off the Charm City Fringe Festival with a bang!

Reunite with your fellow art enthusiast at our Launch Party on September 28th at Le Mondo (406 N Howard). Get ready for a night filled with festival previews, busking, music and mingling.This event is free and open to the public, making it the perfect chance to discover what the Charm City Fringe Fest is all about!

To add a unique twist to the evening, we invite you to channel your high school persona and dress up for the occasion. It's a high school reunion you won't want to miss, filled with nostalgia and vibrant energy. We can't wait to see you there!

Le Mondo - 406 N. Howard St — 7:30-10PM — Secure your spot

Friday, September 29 - Day 1 of Charm City Fringe Fest

Le Mondo

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6:30pm - 50 Shades of Gay: 8th Anniversary

Get ready to indulge in an unforgettable evening as Ike Avelli and his incredible lineup of performers celebrate the 8th Anniversary of the renowned show, "50 Shades of Gay." This spectacular event promises a night filled with laughter, music, dazzling drag performances, hilarious sketches, and an abundance of audience participation and giveaways.
Step into a world where comedy knows no boundaries and laughter reigns supreme. Ike Avelli, a seasoned entertainer known for his wit and charm, will take you on a journey that explores the diverse and vibrant facets of the LGBTQ+ community. — Click here for tickets

8pm - Welcome to Splitsville

You may know Matt Sadowski from his work as the Blue Power Ranger. After almost two decades, the filmmaker and playwright, returns to the stage with his first solo show. It's a deeply personal rap session about the people we lose, the insights we gain, and the love that we want.

"Splitsville" is an embarrassingly honest and ironically melancholic cautionary tale about a hopeless romantic ADHD-ridden writer, his kids, and the hilarious and cringe-worthy stories surrounding the temporary apartments he moved in and out of while going through a divorce. He has a lotta crap to unpack! Laugh with him. Laugh at him. Laugh because it’s not you, or if it is . . . laugh at yourself.— Click here for tickets

Saturday, September 30 — Day 2 of Charm City Fringe Fest

Dear Globe Coffee

5:30pm - VIP Arcade Happy Hour

Join us for the VIP Arcade Happy Hour at Dear Globe Coffee!
Indulge in the full magnitude of the festival by securing your tickets to our exclusive VIP Arcade Happy Hour. Get ready to immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere where you’ll not only have the chance to connect with the festival's brilliant artists, but also mingle with the very individuals who orchestrate this enchanting event. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating evening of drinks, appetizers, and an abundance of thrilling arcade games! — Click here for tickets

Le Mondo

3pm & 5:30pm - Alas, Confederates

"The Past is a foreign country, they do things differently there." Greytown, Nicaragua. 1899. An old Rebel pens his Civil War memoirs. Using a local girl as his stenographer, the recollections come easily, until the writing session where he tries to remember the third day at Gettysburg.

First came Confederates (2016). “If you are a Civil War buff and a theater lover, this is the show for you.” DC Metro Arts. And then, the controversial Black Confederates (2018). This is the final play from the "The Trilogy of the Confederacy," written by Virginia playwright James F. Bruns. — Click here for tickets @ Le Mondo

10PM - Fringe After Dark Presents: Black Out Comedy

The blackout comedy show is a stand up comedy event where 5 comedians  appear in succession into a pitch black room illuminated

by a single spotlight fading to black between each comic — Click for tickets

Downtown Cultural Arts Center

8pm - Triple Play

The devastation of war, the effects and affects of the aftermath of Vietnam. Bobby Lee, nearly escaping an ambush, begs for forgiveness and pleads to the gods to return him home in Baltimore City. His wish is granted, but there is a high price and a unsettled debt to be paid.

Sunday, October 1 — Day 3 of Charm City Fringe Fest

Le Mondo

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12pm - Fringe After Dark Presents: Chuck a Buck

Chuck-A-Buck and the Chic Chuck Picks. A one man comedy show of imaginary friends helping a boy overcome his shyness to date the girl of his dreams. Writer Charles Shafer plays all five characters (three males and two females). It is the story It's a wacky story that sorta has a real message (but not too blatant).The audience gets to join the effort to help our hero (and maybe themselves) overcome one additional fear. — Click here for tickets

2pm - 50 Shades of Gay @ Le Mondo

3:45pm - Alas, Confederates @ Le Mondo

5pm - Fringe After Dark Presents: Game Show Gauntlet

The Game Show Gauntlet is a celebration of game shows past and present from all around the world. Relive staying home sick from school and watching game shows all day! Audience members will have a chance to get called up on stage and compete in a variety of trivia games, word games, games of luck and skill, and more. It’s Game Show Network meets Mario Party in a comedic, interactive, fun show.

 It's free to play but if you buy a Skip the Line ticket, you'll be bumped up to the front of the line to play! — click here to get tickets

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Posted on September 26, 2023 by Mickey Moulder.

What is the Charm City Fringe Festival?

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Do you love the arts? Are you looking to mix up your life with some inspirational, weird, or down right hilarious performances? Do you want to connect with the Baltimore arts community and support creative learning opportunities for adults and young people alike? 

Then you won’t want to miss this! 

Voted “Best Eclectic Festival” by Baltimore Magazine in 2018, the annual Charm City Fringe Festival will showcase over 90 performances of the most original, cutting-edge theatre and performing arts across multiple venues in the Bromo Arts & Entertainment District this October 10th through 20th. 

You can expect fresh new shows, zesty after-parties with live music and comedy, exclusive festival collaborations, and special deals around the city throughout the 11 days of red-hot performances. 

It’s an opportunity for Baltimore performing artists to shine and for audiences to witness incredible theatre, explore new avenues of expression, and support our city’s arts and culture - all at a great price!

Experience the Best of the Fest with Festival Passes

The 2019 Fringe Festival passes are on sale now! 

While you eagerly await the announcement of the festival schedule, save a bunch with festival passes. The earlier you buy, the more you save with our new EARLY BIRD discounts that end on September 9th! Once the full festival schedule is released in mid-September, individual tickets will go on-sale. 
Choose between the 3 types of passes: 

  1. Date Night Pass: 2 tickets to 2 shows and 2 festival buttons. 

  2. 3 Ticket Pass: 3 tickets and 1 festival button. 

  3. All Access Pass: entry to all festival events for the ultimate experience. 

The most bang for your buck is the All Access Pass which allows you to see as many performances as your art-loving heart desires.

What’s the festival button?

Buttons are included with your first performance ticket or with each pass type. The festival button gives you access to special deals at participating businesses and a $5 discount off performance tickets for the rest of the festival. The $5 cost of the button serves as a direct donation to the festival so we can keep our programming going while continuing to give the artists a minimum of 80% and up to 100% of ticket sales.

2019 Launch Party!

Are you interested but want to know more about Charm City Fringe and our festival? Come to our Launch Party on October 10th at Maryland Art Place (218 W Saratoga Street) for a night filled with festival previews to get a taste of what is to come! More details will be released soon, so save the date and sign up for our email list to receive the latest information.

Be a Part of Our Community

The annual Charm City Fringe Festival is put on by Charm City Fringe (CCF), a nonprofit that supports Baltimore’s ever-growing fringe theatre community. Through the festival and other semi-regular productions and workshops, this organization provides a platform for artists to showcase their work and reach new audiences while offering creative learning opportunities for young people to get interested and involved in the performing arts. 

Our primary mission is to support the artists for their contribution to our culture and community, which is why the majority of ticket sales goes straight to them. That’s also why we need your generous help as a community to keep Charm City Fringe going.

We would be so grateful if you joined us and volunteered for one of the many festival duties, such as operating the box office, merchandise duties, street team, photography, ushering, and more. Your time and effort will be immensely appreciated, plus you will meet some incredible people along the way! 


By volunteering, you can earn free tickets, merch, and other cool stuff as a thank you from us! Who doesn’t love free stuff? 

Check out our volunteer Facebook page where we share the latest updates on volunteer opportunities and sign up now using our Volunteer Form. Email volunteer@charmcityfringe.com if you have any questions or would like more information.

We can’t wait to see you at the next wild and wonderful Charm City Fringe Festival this October 10th through 20th at Baltimore’s Bromo Arts & Entertainment District! 

Stay up-to-date on the latest festival news through our Facebook page @CharmCityFringe. And don’t forget to buy your best-value EARLY BIRD passes which ends September 9th! 

If you would like to make a 100% tax-deductible donation to the arts today, you may do so through our secure account on our website. Your donation will directly bolster the ongoing efforts of Charm City Fringe and its year-round services to Baltimore’s artists, audiences, and youth. Thank you!





Posted on August 26, 2019 by Guest User.

Nights on the Fringe Raises more than $3,000 for Artists!

Thank you for coming out for Nights on the Fringe at the Baltimore Theatre Project last month! The event was packed with a variety of curated performances by Baltimore area artists, and Fringe is proud to be able to give back to the artists all of the money raised from ticket sales. Woo!

Here are some fun facts from this year’s event, which once again was hosted by funnyman Umar Khan and WTMD radio whizz Aaron Henkin.

  • More than 300 people saw the shows.
  • Almost $3,500 in ticket sales went back to the artists.
  • 20 swag-filled totes with Umar and Aaron’s faces on them are now floating around the city.

Nights on the Fringe is a variety show of different acts, with live music interludes by Telepathic Dog between performances. The band performs on stage, creating a cabaret-type vibe that’s complemented by Umar and Aaron’s banter and thoughtful introductions of each act.

See photos from this year's Nights on the Fringe!

Night I on Friday, June 8, featured:

  • Beautiful ballet by Ballet Theatre of Maryland
  • A quirky one-act play by Interrobang Theatre
  • A comedic motivational speaker focused one-man-show by Alexander Scally
  • A shadow puppet story about a historical Baltimore figure by Cagesafe Productions
  • An independent short film by Devin Martin
  • Powerful poetry by National Poetry Slam Champions from DewMore Baltimore
  • A colorful crankie of a cat’s walk through Baltimore by Matt Muirhead

Night II on Saturday, June 9, featured:

  • Modern dance by The Collective
  • Interactive magic by The Encounter
  • A knock-down performance about sexual assault by WombWork Productions
  • Aerial circus performances with 1920s flair by In the Dark Circus Arts
  • A crankie of a loving tribute to a bird-loving father by Katherine Kahey
  • A dynamic acrobatic performance by four-person troupe Club Sandwich

We’re Announcing 2018 Festival Productions Soon!

We’re close to announcing this year’s lineup for the 2018 Charm City Fringe Festival, which is November 1-11 in the Bromo Arts District! We got fantastic submissions from artists from all over the country, and our adjudication panel, which included theater professionals from the region, had a hard time narrowing down the acts to something we’re very excited to present this fall. Save the date and keep an eye out for more details later this summer.

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Cassandra Miller.