Kirkland’s Umbrella Fringe Festival Returns This Fall
Published on August 13, 2026
Media Contact:
David Wolbrecht
Communications Program Manager
dwolbrecht@kirklandwa.gov
The Umbrella Fringe Festival, Kirkland’s “Art Everywhere” celebration, will return from Sept. 25 to 27, 2026. This event is funded in part by a grant from the City of Kirkland’s Tourism Development Committee, and the festival will again bring an eclectic variety of music, theater, visual art, comedy, and the entertainingly undefinable to venues across downtown Kirkland and Totem Lake Village. The event is hosted by Kirkland Arts Center.
“Fringe is a unique experience that showcases local talent, creates spaces for our community to connect with art and each other, and attracts visitors to our city,” said Deputy Mayor Neal Black. “We’re thrilled to support Kirkland Arts Center’s efforts and to celebrate art in its many forms.”
Since its launch in 2025, the Umbrella Fringe has received funding from the City’s Explore Kirkland Tourism Program. The program is funded by the lodging tax collected by Kirkland hotels, motels, and short-term rentals, which enables them all to share in both the costs and the benefits of tourism promotion. The program has previously awarded funding to numerous beloved Kirkland events, including the Junior League Softball World Series, Kirkland Uncorked, Pride Across the Bridge, Kirkland Summer Concerts, and more.
The Umbrella Fringe Festival in Kirkland draws on the legacy of the original Edinburgh Fringe by encouraging and embracing independent, original, and experimental work. The event also provides an opportunity for Kirkland residents and visitors to enjoy the talents of local artists.
“During Fringe, arts experiences are everywhere,” said Kirkland Arts Center Executive Director David Lynx. “After last year’s success, we are continuing to grow the festival and have put together an exciting lineup of musicians, performers, and other artists that will creatively engage the community.”
For festival schedules, the full lineup, maps, and ticket purchases, please visit the Umbrella Fringe page on Kirkland Arts Center’s website.
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