BorderLight Festival 2026
The Unexpected Takes Center Stage
July 8 - 11, 2026 - Tickets on sale NOW
Get ready for four exhilarating days of bold, original, and unforgettable performance. At its core, BorderLight is Fringe—unfiltered, unconventional, and full of discovery—alongside a select international program. With 40+ productions across 15 stages in the Playhouse Square neighborhood, you’ll binge on theatre, explore new ideas, and connect with artists from Cleveland, the U.S., and around the world.
From comedy and drama to storytelling, immersive works, and experimental gems, Fringe is the heart of BorderLight.
Special Events & International Plaza
More than a festival- it's a celebration!
Fringe Unleashed
Wednesday, July 8
7-9:30 PM
Opening night previews, pop ups, and live performances.
Linedance is My Therapy
Friday, July 10
7:30-11 PM
Free community celebration with music & movement at Playhouse Square Plaza.
Free
No Registration Required
The International Plaza
Wednesday July 8-
Saturday July 11th
Free performances and cultural celebrations at Playhouse Square Plaza.
Free
No Registration Required
Fringe Finale
Saturday, July 11
9-11:30 PM
Close out the festival with artists, awards, and a final celebration.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration required.
2026 SHOWS
Learn more about all the great shows you can see at BorderLight 2026 and buy your tickets online!
EXPLORE SHOWS WITH THESE FILTERS
Search
Performance Date(s)
Show Type
Spotlights
Genre
Age Suggestion
Price
Venue
Venue Features
Accessibility
Behind the Scene: Building a Live AI Performance
Bell, Book, and Discount Cocktails
Improvsburg
Journey West: The Epic Devised
Klaus Barbie Versus the US Government
Physically Integrated Dance Workshop
Postcards from Another World
Sawdust
Tales From the Bard
The Protest Cafe
Plan your week with ease. Starting in June, pick up a free 2026 Festival Guide at select locations across Cleveland or during festival days in the Playhouse Square District.
Inside, you’ll find schedules, maps, show details, and everything you need to navigate the festival.
2026 PRICING
Whether you join us for every show or just one, there's something for everyone...
and every budget!
Prices shown include all required fees. No additional charges will be added at checkout.
All performances list age recommendations, and some include content warnings.
Fringe Shows
Fringe tickets are priced to keep the festival accessible while supporting artists. The majority of ticket revenue goes directly to the artists, with the remainder helping cover festival production, venues, and staffing.
Standard
$16.50
Special Pricing
Students, Veterans, Seniors (65+)
$15.00
Youth
Ages 6 - 14
$11.50
*Children ages 5 and under may attend for free if they are able to sit on a parent or guardian’s lap. If a separate seat is needed, a Youth ticket should be purchased.
International Ticket Pricing
These are invited international productions presented as part of BorderLight’s International Program.
Standard
$38.00
Special Pricing
Students, Veterans, Seniors (65+)
$34.00
Binge on Fringe Packages
Binge-on-fringe packs are flexible! Use packs however you like—see multiple shows, share with friends, or spread them across days. Ticket packs offer up to 20% savings per ticket and are valid for Fringe performances only.
4-Pack
$60.00
8-Pack
$112.00
12-Pack
$156.00
BOX OFFICE
Online
Explore this season’s shows above and purchase tickets or ticket packs online in advance. After ordering, you’ll receive an email confirmation with your electronic tickets, which can be shown at the door on your phone or as a printed copy.
By Phone
Box office support will be available May 6 – July 11 by leaving a message at
216-356-6485.
In-Person
From July 8-11, tickets can be purchased
at our main box office at the City Club of Cleveland (1317 Euclid Ave, 44115)
Hours:
Wed. 7/8 | 2:00 - 9:00 PM
Thu. 7/9 | 3:00 - 9:45 PM
Fri. 7/10 | 3:00 - 9:45 PM
Sat. 7/11 | 12:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Additional Box office notes:
The following venues will also be available for ticket sales one hour before show times:
The Hermit Club at 1629 Dodge Court and the Theatre & Arts Building at CSU at 1901 E. 13th Street.
Free Shows: Most free performances that are inside a venue require advance registration due to limited seating. Check the show page to see if registration is required. Walk-up seating may be available, but registered guests are admitted first.
KEEP THE LIGHTS ON.
KEEP THE STORIES GOING.
Ticket sales cover only a portion of the cost. Your support makes the rest possible.
BorderLight is committed to making ground-breaking theatre available to everyone—with many performances offered for free and ticket prices kept intentionally low. But this access is only possible because of generous donors like you.
Your gift helps cover the true cost of the festival and supports free public performances, affordable tickets, and life-changing artistic experiences for artists and audiences.
As a thank-you, you'll enjoy perks like free tickets, digital and print recognition, private event invitations, and VIP concierge support.