One of the largest Fringe Festivals in the country, the sheer gravity of the massive Minnesota Fringe pulls in new and wild performance pieces of all stripes. Participating in the overall shows and parties is itself a right of passage for many writers, directors, actors, comedians, and more. While many of the non-juried selections could lead to the nickname the Cringe Festival, it’s the only place you can see the likes of a murder-musical based off “The Office,” or a stage adaptation of the classic NES game Zelda, or a contemporary ballet paying tribute to everyday heroes, or musical “Chicago” turned into MN-centric Chisago. August 1-11. Various locations. —Hitara