Side Street Studio Arts Presents the 6th Annual Winter Mini FringeA Cozy and Creative Evening with the Elgin Fringe Festival
Elgin, IL—Join us Saturday, January 25 for the 6th annual Winter Mini Fringe, an intimate celebration of artistry and community presented by Side Street Studio Arts (SSSA) and the Elgin Fringe Festival (EFF). This one-day festival features a diverse lineup of performances and events designed to capture the bold and experimental spirit of the Fringe Festival in a cozy, winter setting. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the Fringe experience, this event promises an unforgettable evening filled with creativity, connection, and delicious food.
“Winter Mini Fringe is a perfect snapshot of what makes the Elgin Fringe Festival so special,” says Nick Mataragas, EFF Artistic Director. “It’s a chance to bring the community together in a warm, welcoming space to celebrate the creativity and boldness that define the Fringe spirit. This year’s lineup is packed with talent, and we’re thrilled to share it with new and returning audiences.”
Winter Mini Fringe is produced by Side Street Studio Arts with support from the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission. The mission of the EFF is to encourage bold artistic experimentation and innovation by providing an accessible, affordable experience for both artists and audiences alike.
EVENT SCHEDULE • SAT. JAN 25, 2025
2:00pm – 8:00pm • Anna Lenz Art Show: Opening Reception FREE and open to the public. Winter Mini Fringe kicks off with the opening reception of an art show by Anna Lenz, the 2025 EFF button and poster artist. Anna’s captivating painting “Going Places” was voted 2024 Fringe Audience Favorite in Visual Art. Her work combines vibrant, saturated colors to create pieces that unsettle and resettle the viewer into a new sense of balance. Join us in celebrating this special exhibition in the Gallery at SSSA.
3:00pm – 8:00pm • MINI-FRINGE POTLUCK! Bring a dish to share and enjoy a communal meal with fellow art lovers and performers. Share food and conversation before, during, between, and after the performances. Guests are welcome to bring food into each performance.
3:30pm • Fringe U: Parallel Timeline Series: DILII FUTURI by Augie Marado A thought-provoking and comedic journey into the future! Fringe University (FU) returns in 2052 (not a typo) with insights from three panelists about what the world might look like in three decades. Coffee, donuts, and cold bagels included.
5:00pm • A Very Dangerous Woman vs. the Holy Fathers of the American Inquisition by Ramona Rotten This immersive performance confronts censorship, societal control, and the boundaries of agency. Inspired by the historical legacy of Anthony Comstock, this provocative experience invites participants to grapple with their own role within oppressive systems and explore new possibilities for liberation.
6:30pm • "Pants" Labyrinth by Haus of Ruckus – Calvin Vo & T. Green Embark on an irreverent and hilarious adventure into the mythical Pants Labyrinth. With disco music, puppets, and dancing, this comedy is a delightful romp through a world of quirky characters and outrageous challenges.
TICKET INFORMATION Online Pre-Sale: $13 per performance / $35 festival pass
At the Door: $15 per performance / $40 festival pass
