If you are looking for experimental plays, one-person shows and performance art without a filter, the second annual Pittsburgh Fringe Festival comes to the North Side this weekend, May 8-10. If you are anything like me, I hadn’t heard about the Fringe last year when it took place in Shadyside. And, like so many of the more subversive events I find so fascinating in this city, I found out through old school word-of-mouth. So, after doing my own research, becoming involved and now preparing to participate in Pittsburgh Fringe, here is a quick and easy guide to what you need to know and what you can learn about this hidden Pittsburgh treasure:

A 5 Point Guide to the 2015 Pittsburgh Fringe Festival

1. Festival Details: For show descriptions, tickets and volunteer opportunities on the Fringe, please go to the official website: pittsburghfringe.org

2. Location, location, location: the North Side is hosting this year’s artists. Fringe Central is at Arnold’s Tea Room. Here you can see the entire layout: http://pittsburghfringe.org/images/map@2x.jpg

3. Explore the Neighborhood: In between shows, please take advantage of all of our hosting establishments as seen in the map. From food and beverage to art, tattoos and recreation, find more of what they offer here:

• Arnold’s Tea Room: http://www.arnoldsteapittsburgh.com/
• Bistro To Go & Company: http://bistroandcompany.com/
• Max’s Allegheny Tavern: http://www.maxsalleghenytavern.com/
• Neu Kirche: http://neukirche.org/
• RandyLand: http://randy.land/
• City of Asylum:  http://cityofasylum.org/
• The New Bohemian:  https://www.facebook.com/thenewbohemian
• Allegheny Commons Park North: http://www.alleghenycommons.org/

4. Podcast: For a more personal touch , listen to an AP collection podcast with Pittsburgh Fringe Artistic/Executive Director, Dan Stiker, and  two Fringe artists (yes, one of them  is me!) here.

5. Social Media Stuff: Follow the Fringe on social media for updates, news, shares and retweets at the following: (and don’t forget to use the official hashtag #makeityourfringe)

• Facebook: facebook.com/Pghfringe
• Twitter: @pghfringe
• Instagram: @pghfringe

And who knows? Once you experience life on the Fringe, you may be inspired to join us next year as the international Fringe phenomenon becomes a local staple for alternative creative practice. Hope to see you there!

Read more about the 2015 Pittsburgh Fringe Festival:

• Getting ready for the Fringe (shannonreed.org)
• Hedwig and the Angry Inch Produced by Hawk, Hrutkay & Randal (pghfringe.ticketleap.com)
• Play written by Pine-Richland, North Allegheny girls to be staged at festival (triblive.com)