2026 BORDERLIGHT FESTIVAL

Visitor's Guide

Welcoming new audiences, showcasing innovative performances, and spotlighting artists from Cleveland, across the country, and around the globe.

2026 BORDERLIGHT FESTIVAL

Visitor's Guide

Welcoming new audiences, showcasing innovative performances, and spotlighting artists from Cleveland, across the country, and around the globe.

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.

What are the dates of the 2026 festival?

BorderLight 2026 will run July 8-11, 2026.

Where is the festival located?

In the Playhouse Square District, Downtown Cleveland, Ohio.

Find the full map on page 6 in the Festival Guide. 

How much are tickets?

Most shows are $16.50. Kids’ tickets start at $11.50. Bundled ticket packs offer discounts.

How do I purchase tickets?

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.

Are there any free events or shows?

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

Where can I get help or info during the 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
  • Thursday, July 9: 3:00 PM – 9:45 PM

  • Friday, July 10: 3:00 PM – 9:45 PM

  • Saturday, July 11: 12:00 AM – 8:45 PM

What if it rains?

Outdoor shows may be delayed or rescheduled due to weather. Be on the look out for email communications and/or social media for updates.

What are your COVID policies?

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 festival passes are available and how do they work?

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?

  • 4-Pack – $60

  • 8-Pack – $112

  • 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.

Is BorderLight ADA Accessible?

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

Can I bring Kids?

Absolutely! We share age recommendations for each show to make it easy to find kid-friendly options.

Can I volunteer at BorderLight?

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

What is "Fringe?"

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?

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.

  • AJ Rocco's
  • Ben and Jerry's
  • Bin 216
  • Brel's at Playhouse Square
  • Cibreo Italian Kitchen
  • Corbo's Bakery
  • District
  • Encore
  • Gojuchang
  • Hofbräuhaus
  • Rascal House
  • Republic Food & Drink
  • Sittoo's Pita & Salads
  • Something Good- Social Kitchen
  • Sushi En
  • The Friars' Table
  • The Fruit Stand
  • Yours Truly
  • Zaytoon Lebanese Kitchen
  • 1942 Tacos and Tequila
  • 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.

CSU Street Entrance

CSU Theatre & Arts Building

ADA Accessible
Festival Box Office & Information
Restrooms

venue_hermitclub2

Hermit Club

ADA Accessible (Bar & Great Hall ONLY)
Bar/Alcohol
Festival Box Office & Information
Food/Concessions
Restrooms

venue_idea

Idea Center at Playhouse Square

ADA Accessible
Festival Box Office & Information
Restrooms

venue_parnells_1

Parnell’s Irish Pub

ADA Accessible (Snug ONLY)
Bar/Alcohol
Festival Social Hub
Restrooms

Chandelier_PSQ

Playhouse Square

Outdoors

branding_USBankPlaza-655

Playhouse Square Plaza

ADA Accessible
Outdoors

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 phs

Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square

629 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114
216.443.1000

Screenshot 2025-05-13 125546

Hilton Garden Inn

1100 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115

(216) 658-6400

holiday-inn-express-cleveland-3643306968-2x1

Holiday Inn Express Cleveland Downtown

629 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114
216.443.1000

metropolitan 9

Metropolitan at The 9

2017 East 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 44115
216.239.1200

OH167Exterior2RT_1

Comfort Inn

1800 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
216.861.0001

Screenshot 2025-05-13 131458

Fidelity Hotel

1940 E 6th St
(440) 568-3200
cle hostel

The Victor 

2090 West 25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113