7. Edmonton International Fringe Festival

The Buzz -- With more than 1000 performances of some 130 shows and over 77,0000 tickets sold, this is the largest fringe theater festival in North America, and is second in the world only to Edinburgh's (the original festival, in Scotland). For the duration of the eleven-day event, the entire city seems to be consumed by theater – it's all anyone talks about. And that's a big part of the fun of fringing, hearing what other people think is good (or awful) and developing a somewhat spontaneous approach to your own experience. Venues range from theatres to tents; most are in Old Strathcona. The EIFF headquarters also has several outdoor stages, plus vendors offering food, beverages, and arts and crafts. Advance tickets are sold at the Fringe Box Office (lobby of the TransAlta Arts Barns, 10330 84 Ave) for a couple of weeks prior to the festival start date, but tickets at the door are payable with cash only.