7th annual Fringe Fest returns to the fringes of the Milwaukee River

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The 2023 Milwaukee Fringe Festival kicks off Friday, Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. For two days, artists and performers of all types will have a platform to showcase their work. 

"We love the city of Milwaukee, so we wanted to bring more opportunities for artists here -- to bring art here," said Katie Rhyme, the co-founder and co-producer of MKE Fringe Festival.

Rhyme, along with co-founder Karen Raymond, started Milwaukee's Fringe Fest seven years ago. Since then, it's grown to feature more than 100 artists from across the Midwest. 

From puppeteers to actors, dancers and painters, there's a space for all artists to show off their art. Fringe Festivals are a concept that has been around for more than 50 years and stems from Scotland. 

"Back in the 50s, it was in Scotland, the original idea, there was a big 'main' arts festival and some of the artists weren't able to get in, so they performed on the fringes of the festival. Then it became so big it became its own thing." 

Outside stages and performances are free to attend, but there's a daily $15 charge for the Todd Wehr Theater Stage.