FESTIVAL Guide
Scroll through the festival guide below to find the most complete information about BorderLight 2026!!
FESTIVAL FAQs
FIND ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HERE.
BorderLight 2026 will run July 8-11, 2026.
In the Playhouse Square District, Downtown Cleveland, Ohio.
Find the full map on page 6 in the Festival Guide.
Most shows are $16.50. Kids’ tickets start at $11.50. Bundled ticket packs offer discounts.
From July 8-11th tickets can be purchased at our Main Box Office at City Club, 1317 Euclid Ave.
Box Office Hours are:
Wednesday, 7/8 | 2 PM-9 PM
Thursday 7/9 | 3 PM-9:45 PM
Friday 7/10 | 3 PM-9:45 PM
Saturday 7/11 | 12 PM-8:45 PM
You can purchase tickets online here.
Yes! Look for the “Free” stamp in the guide for free outdoor performances and events.
You can also filter shows by "Free" on the 2026 festival page. www.borderlightcle.org/2026-festival
Visit the Main Box Office & Info Hub at the City Club (1317 Euclid Ave, Suite 100). Staff can assist with tickets, directions, and general questions.
Box Office Hours:
- Wednesday, July 8: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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Thursday, July 9: 3:00 PM – 9:45 PM
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Friday, July 10: 3:00 PM – 9:45 PM
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Saturday, July 11: 12:00 AM – 8:45 PM
Outdoor shows may be delayed or rescheduled due to weather. Be on the look out for email communications and/or social media for updates.
BorderLight is committed to creating a safe experience for artists, vendors, and guests. Individual shows may have masking requirements - please check the specific show page for more information.
What are Binge-on-Fringe Passes?
These are discounted ticket packs that let you see multiple Fringe shows at a lower price. They’re flexible and can be used across days or shared with others.
What pass options are available?
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4-Pack – $60
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8-Pack – $112
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12-Pack – $156
How do I use my pass?
After purchase, you’ll receive digital tickets. You can choose your shows in advance or use the pass credits as you go.
Can I share a pass?
Yes! Passes are fully sharable—bring friends or family and use your credits however you like.
Do passes work for all shows?
Passes work for all ticketed Fringe and Fringe Jr. shows—except for Black is the Color of My Voice. Fringe Jr. packs only work for Fringe Jr. shows.
Are passes good for more than one day?
Yes! You can spread your pass credits across multiple days of the festival.
How do I get a pass?
Purchase passes online at borderlightcle.org, or in person at the Main Box Office during the festival.
For further ADA-related questions, please email us at, accessibility@borderlightcle.org or by phone at 216-356-6485.
For additional information and considerations, our full Accessibility Page can be found by following the link here: www.borderlightcle.org/accessibility26
Absolutely! We share age recommendations for each show to make it easy to find kid-friendly options.
You can fill out our volunteer form here and BorderLight's Volunteer Manager will be in touch soon. You can also email us at volunteer@borderlightcle.org
Fringe performances are self-produced theatrical productions by emerging artists. Fringe Festivals bring these performances together to offer a wide spectrum of genres and shows for all interests. There are now hundreds of Fringe Festivals worldwide.
The “fringe” concept first developed in 1948 in Edinburgh, Scotland, when groups of local actors, performers, and musicians—in reaction to the more conventional lineup of the Edinburgh Theatre Festival—launched an alternative program to run concurrent to the main event. Now almost 77 years later, the term ‘fringe’ widely refers to work that resides on the edges of the mainstream—and fringe festivals have served as a critical launch pad for independent artists to self-produce, showcase original work, engage new audiences, and network with fellow indie artists and producers inside of a vibrant festival environment.
There are now 100s of fringe festivals in North America and across the world... and each has its own structure and personality.
The BorderLight Festival is a proud member of the United States Association of Fringe Festivals (USAFF) and World Fringe Network (WFN).
Don't see an answer to a question you have?
Email us at info@borderlightcle.org!
Parking Information
To enhance your experience and make your visit as seamless as possible, we've developed a comprehensive parking guide to assist you in finding convenient parking options near festival venues. Below you'll find detailed information including addresses, hours, and costs for nearby parking locations.
Accessibility Information
The 2026 Accessibility Page is now live! It includes everything you need to plan your visit with confidence.
You’ll find:
- Our "Know Before You Go" guides
- Information about ASL-interpreted performances provided by The Heard
- Information about sensory/relaxed performances
- Locations of wheelchair-accessible restrooms
- How to contact our Accessibility Coordinator
- A Parking Guide
Nearby Restaurants
In addition to the exciting lineup of performances, we invite you to enjoy the incredible dining options in and around the Playhouse Square District.
- Hofbräuhaus Cleveland is generously offering BorderLight attendees a discount during the festival!
Enjoy 10% off your meal with proof of a same-day show ticket.
- Something Good-Social Kitchen is is generously offering BorderLight attendees, artists, and staff a discount during the festival! Enjoy 15% off your meal with proof of a same-day show ticket or associated credentials.
Looking for more options? Check out the dining guide provided by the Playhouse Square District to explore a variety of nearby restaurants before or after your show.
2026 VENUES
Explore our venues and their stages! From intimate basement cabarets to outdoor bandstands, you'll be watching our shows in style.
Nearby Hotels
IF YOU'RE TRAVELING TO BE WITH US, OR JUST WANT TO STAY CLOSE TO THE FOOTPRINT, THESE HOTELS HAVE YOU COVERED.
Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square
629 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114
216.443.1000
Hilton Garden Inn
1100 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 658-6400
Holiday Inn Express Cleveland Downtown
629 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114
216.443.1000
Metropolitan at The 9
2017 East 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 44115
216.239.1200
Comfort Inn
1800 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
216.861.0001
Fidelity Hotel
The Victor
2090 West 25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113