Best Bargains of the 2010 Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival

SCRIMP ON FRINGE ADMISSION PRICES AND LOCAL DINING SO YOU CAN SPLURGE ON MORE LIVE THEATRE

Victoria’s Fringe Festival is our annual opportunity to see diverse, surprising, local and imported plays at prices far below the cost of professional productions at our local Belfry Theatre. With as many as 60 different shows to attend, though, even the $9 to $13 admission per performance can get pricey.

That’s why I’ve gathered up some of the best bargains of the Fringe—ticket deals, entertainment freebies, foodie discounts, shopping specials—to help you scrimp a little here so you can splurge a little there.

TICKET DEALS

• FRINGE VISA BUTTON: The Deal

You must have a Fringe Visa button to attend any show; no exceptions. Buttons are available for $5 throughout Fringe week (August 26 to Sept. 5, 2010). But you can score a 50% discount if you buy your Visa button on August 26, the opening night of Victoria’s Fringe Fest. On that night only, Fringe buttons will be sold at two for $5 at all venues.

• FRINGE MUNCHCARD: The Deal

In addition to your VISA button, adult admission to most shows is $13 in advance or $11 at the door, and $9 for students/seniors. The Fringe five-show munchcard ($55 incl. HST) is a good deal for two reasons. One, you can share your munchcard with a friend if you like. And, two, you can use it to get advance tickets at the regular ticket price. (Note: you must buy in person.)

• FREQUENT FRINGER PASS : The Deal

Pick up a ten-show frequent fringer pass ($70 plus HST) and you get a FREE Fringe Visa button. Definitely the best bargain, but you can’t share this one, and you can’t use it to buy advance tickets—only at the door.

• STORY THEATRE CO. GROUP DISCOUNT: The Deal

I have heard—but have not yet confirmed—that groups of five or larger may receive a pricing discount on tickets to the Story Theatre’s Co.’s “Pinocchio” or “Magic Soup Stone” productions. Essentially, all tickets at the $6 children’s price, including adults.

ENTERTAINMENT FREEBIES

• FRINGEKIDS FEST: The Deal

On Saturday August 28, Market Square at 560 Johnson will be abuzz with children’s shouts and laughter. From 11 am to 4 pm, Little Fringers (children under 12 years) and their accompanying adults are invited to this free afternoon of family entertainment. “Live music, Fringe Faeries, craft activities, facepainting, the life-sized Cardboard Castle for small artists to paint, and an inflatable bouncy bunny!” If you can, please bring new school supplies to donate to the Single Parent Resource Centre.

• FRINGE CLUB: The Deal

Every night after 9:30 pm, there will be lively adult entertainment at the Fringe Club (Venue 5: The Victoria Event Centre at 1415 Broad Street). Admission is free if you have a Fringe Visa Button; otherwise, there is a $5 cover charge. Events vary nightly, from Zombie Karaoke on August 27 to a Comedy Cabaret on Sept. 2. Check the Special Events page of the Fringe Festival website for details.

FOODIE DISCOUNTS

• NOODLE BOX: The Deal

Throughout the festival, Fringe-goers wearing their Visa Button will receive $1 off any food purchase at Noodle Box restaurants at either 818 Douglas Street or 626 Fisgard Street in downtown Victoria.

• PIZZERIA PRIMA STRADA: The Deal

Show off your Fringe Visa Button at the 2960 Bridge Street Pizzeria Prima Strada location (250-590-4380) and you will receive 15% off your gourmet pizza meal! Pssst. They have have wickedly good gelato, too.

• HERNANDE’Z COCINA: The Deal

This small Mexican take-out restaurant is inviting Fringe-goers to post their experiences on a special community page on the Hernande’z website during the Fringe Festival. Leave commentary “on your personal experience or thoughts or philosophy that the theatre experienced triggered” and Hernande’z will reward you with a gift certificate (value not stated).

• CABIN 12: The Deal

This casual eatery at 607 Pandora is actually Venue 7 for the Fringe Festival, hosting a daily 1:30 pm showing of “Breakfast in Vegas.“  Tickets are $10, and audience members can order at meal for 10% off at Cabin 12 (250-590-1500) while they enjoy the performance (or anytime during the Fringe Fest).

• SILK ROAD TEA: The Deal

Once a day, you’re welcome to visit Silk Road Tea (250-704-2688) at 1624 Government and flash your Fringe Visa Button for a FREE 10-ounce cup of tea to go.

• LEGACY ART GALLERY AND CAFE: The Deal

The art is always free to view at Legacy Art Gallery and Cafe (250-381-7670), downtown at 630 Yates Street. For a 10% discount on food and beverages, just show your Fringe Button during Fringe week.

• THE REEF: The Deal

The offer at this Caribbean fun spot at 533 Yates (250-388-5375) is more specific than most. Fringe-goers who order a classic cocktail at The Reef will receive a free plate of plantain chips to snack on.

SHOPPING SPECIALS

• CAMAS BOOKS: The Deal

Drop in at Camas Books (250-388-5375), 2590 Quadra Street, and show your Fringe Button for a 30% discount on your purchase of used books.

• AMOS AND ANDES: The Deal

Amos and Andes (250-480-5183) at 1037 Fort is offering Fringers a 10% discount on all purchases.

• DITCH RECORDS: The Deal

Get your tunes for 10% off at Ditch Records & CDs (250-386-5874), 635 Johnson, during the Fringe Festival.

• REVOLUTION HAIR DESIGN: The Deal

Show your Fringe Visa Button at Revolution Hair Design (250-532-5405)  #8 Dragon Alley, 532 1/2 Fisgard, for  20% off any hair service. Walk-in clients are welcome on Tuesdays.

• THE PATCH: The Deal

Already one of the best sources for low-priced, funky and retro used clothing, The Patch at 719 Yates is offering Fringers 15% off all purchases.

• SITKA: The Deal

Get the Fringe Button bargain at Sitka on 538 Yates—a 15% discount on Sitka Clothing.

• WIN: The Deal

Support the Women in Need Cooperative by shopping at 785 Pandora Avenue, and you’ll receive a Fringer’s discount of 15% off clothing. Note: This discount excludes boutique clothing, jewellery, and furniture.

Do you know of other great Fringe bargains not listed here? Send a message to Anita here to share your inside information with other Scrimp or Splurge readers. Happy Fringing!

• Intrepid Theatre / Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival (Fringe Hotline: 250-590-6291; www.victoriafringe.com).

Related Post: 2010 Victoria Fringe Program Delights and Offends—Yay for Alternative Theatre!

Related Post: How to Choose the Best Shows of the 2010 Victoria Fringe Festival: Sources for Helpful Reviews