![The second annual Fringe-For-All, with sneak peaks at 30 shows that will be in the upcoming Minnesota Fringe Festival, was held at Rarig Center on the U of M Minneapolis campus Monday night, July 22, 2013. A scene from "Dick and Fart Jokes in the Key of F" by Denson and Young at the Fringe-For-All preview Monday night. ] JEFF WHEELER • jeff.wheeler@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/XR5RL27JMCNIUNMSJSFJXAC5PA.jpg?&w=1080)
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Fringe Festival kicks off its 20th anniversary season Thursday in Minneapolis.
The performing arts festival runs 11 days at 16 venues. This year's Fringe features 176 different shows presenting nearly 900 performances, ranging from comedy to drama to musicals.
The Minnesota Fringe began in 1994 at just six venues on the West Bank of Minneapolis. That year's total profit was $37.
Last year, the Fringe distributed more than 46,000 tickets and paid out more than $230,000 to its artists.
Venues this year are in downtown Minneapolis, the Uptown area, Loring Park and the West Bank.
The Fringe runs through Sunday, Aug. 11.
