"Oh, the Places You'll Rogue!"-A Preview of the 2026 Rogue Festival
- marcalexander88
- 4 days ago
- 16 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
For the 25th time, we can say that the Rogue Festival is upon us! This year’s Festival is bringing locals and out-of-towners, clowns, magicians, singers, actors, dancers, and artists of all kinds to the Tower District for you, yes you, to enjoy! As we gear up for two weekends packed with shows, I wanted to give focus to the spaces these performers get to flex their artistry at: the Venues.
Many of the Festival venues are local businesses, available to the public throughout the year, and are gracious enough to lend their space over to artists for ten days of performance art. How cool is that! As you navigate your way through the Rogue Map–and there are plenty of ways to go about selecting which shows you see–allow yourself time to not just enjoy the performances, but to appreciate what each venue has to offer. These venues give the Tower District its personality, its vibe, and, most importantly, a safe place for artists and audiences to simply enjoy being in space with one another creating and entertaining.
You’ll want to begin your Rogue-ing not on Friday when shows officially begin, but on Thursday night at Summer Fox Brewery (1426 N. Van Ness Avenue) for the Rogue Teaser Show! Doors for the event open at 6pm, with the Teaser show running from 7pm to 9pm. This is your opportunity to see a snippet of Rogue Festival acts to solidify your show-seeing schedule. It’s also a chance to mingle with other Rogue-ies, get some merch, buy your wristband (required for attendance to all Rogue shows), and tickets if a show inspires you to spend money immediately!
In addition to the entertainment, Summer Fox Brewery will also being serving tacos, so this event is a perfect chance to grab a pint, a bite, and get your Rogue on early!
Anzula Luxury Fibers (1001 N. Blackstone Avenue, #101)
Venue Managers: Jesse James, Breaking the Heavy
A new-to-Rogue venue, Anzula Luxury Fibers is a cozy, cute yarn shop, and is hosting a game show! Venue manager Jesse James gives the following insight, "expect a similar feel to other Rogue venues, while also being unique! Our Breaking the Heavy team has put time into making the space work for their game show, and we're excited to host."
Though this venue is new for Rogue, the involved team has a spectrum of Rogue Festival experience as Jesse explains that, “some have been around Rogue for a long time, and one member of Breaking the Heavy has attended for years. We have a lot of experience hosting events at community spaces across the country, with years of hosting at Santa Cruz's SubRosa Community Space!”
When asked what they’re most excited about and love about Rogue Festival, Jesse concludes with, “we love the variety! The community! The invitation to step out of the normal day to day!”
Link to tickets for all performances at Anzula Luxury Fibers!
Arts Annex (814 E. Olive Avenue)
Venue Managers: Erika Leonard and Laura Splotch
The Arts Annex has personality that is completely fitting of the Rogue Festival. Laura Splotch says, “The Fresno Art Annex is a new Rogue venue this year...taking the place of my usual venue, the Spectrum Gallery. The annex is much like Spectrum: a collective art gallery with many members. As a Cafe venue, the audience will have an up close and personal experience in this venue. We'll have music, comedy, and spoken word. I am looking forward to seeing all of our performers. Being in the center of the Tower District, across from the Tower Theatre, will lend to the ambiance of our shows." Laura is not just the venue manager but also a member of the Annex Collective, so her involvement is multi-faceted.
When asked about Laura’s experience with the Rogue Festival, Laura explains, “I don't remember how long I have been a volunteer...at least 15 years is my guess. I was jumped into the Rogue gang by my friend, Jayne Day, to be a venue manager, and I've done it ever since. I did do a Mini-rogue show once called Scratchers, based on a character I created while working at Hobb's Grove...and they happen to be a Rogue sponsor! We are all one big happy fringe family!"
Indeed, we all are. One of the things I find personally wonderful about the Rogue Festival is that, whether local or out-of-towner, frequent performer, attendee, or you’re hitting up your first Rogue, the family vibe is always present.
Laura wraps with an encouraging, “I’m involved in Rogue because it's fun. I love the different types of performances and seeing friends take the stage. I've made many friends doing rogue as well. It's about community for me and my love of the tower district.”
Link to tickets for all performances at Arts Annex!
Dianna’s Studio of Dance (826 N. Fulton Street)
(the venue manager was unable to reply before date of publishing)
Dianna’s has been a longstanding venue for the Rogue Festival, offering a wide stage with plenty of seating, and some of the top-tier Rogue shows I’ve ever seen. This year, their stage is blessed with several Cabaret shows (Cabaret of Classics; Champagne Cabaret), a pairing of two-man titles by Rogue favorite, Martin Dockery (The Review; The Stakeout), Paul Strickland’s Bloody Fairytales, and a dance show by Haley Gilpin (Something of Self-Infliction, Self-Awareness, Self-Control, and Self Acceptance.)
Link to tickets for all performances at Dianna’s Studio of Dance!
The Grove at Veni’s (1118 N. Fulton Street)
Venue Managers: Jayne Day and Renee Newlove
The Grove at Veni’s, an off-Rogue venue, is neighbor to restaurant, Veni Vidi Vici’s. While Veni’s has the patio, the Grove–sponsored by Central Valley favorite haunt, Hobb’s Grove–is an indoor venue ready for your attendance. Day has this to say about what audiences can expect when walking into The Grove and its unique set-up,
“We are using the old "Raging Records" venue, which has an amazing mural by Josh Wigger on the back wall. Another oddity is the layout -- which is sort of "L" shaped. We are embracing the "L" and setting our stage on an angle playing to both legs of the "L". It is an inside venue - which is much appreciated during the rain that often attacks during the Rogue Festival.”
When asked about the shows on their bill, Day says, “Tim Mooney is bringing back ManCave I (end of the world stuff) as well as his new ManCave II (more end of the world stuff). We have one film, two ensemble theater pieces, a one-woman and a one-man show. You definitely can find something to like at our venue."
As two of the Rogue Festival’s vets, Day and Newlove are credited as, “having been involved in Rogue for more than 20 years, wearing all the different Rogue hats (accounting, venue managing, co-producing, Board members, performers)...we have the shirts to prove it, and have missed being cogs in the Rogue machine.”
With both Day and Newlove teaming up as co-venue managers, they are very much looking forward to be wearing this hat this year. In addition, both Newlove and Day are involved as artists, with Newlove helming UR Here’s production of Spilled Dictators and Day taking the stage, in performance, of her comedy show, Once More, Before I Go.
Final shoutout from Day and Newlove on why the Rogue Festival is something to love: "We love that even new performers and audience members feel the love and power of Rogue."
Link to tickets for all performances at The Grove at Veni’s!
Hart’s Haven and Hart’s Hangout (950 N. Van Ness Avenue)
Venue Managers: Barbara Rogers and Grant Evan Knutson
Hart’s Haven Bookstore is back as a double-dipping off-Rogue venue. Hart’s Haven shows will be in the indoor stage, where you can walk through the bookstore (perhaps purchase a book, or eight?), and make your way to the stage. Hart’s Hangout is the outdoor venue, where you can still buy books inside, and then walk back outside to check out the outdoor shows.
Venue manager Grant Evan Knutson is a veteran Rogue Festival artist, donning several hats throughout the years. When asked why Rogue is such a staple in his fringe fest career, Grant couldn’t help but gush,“One of my favorite phrases to describe the fabulous fringe-y artists i work with is 'Professional Whimsy,’ and that's how I'd describe the vibe of the venue as well. We want it to feel like a party. We want everyone to feel welcome. We want it to feel big & fun & festive. But we also want it to feel like a professional experience. You're watching world-class performers in a space run smoothly enough that you barely notice the work we're doing."
For audience transparency, Hart’s Haven holds a special place in my personal performance heart; it’s where my second play, Marty’s Turn, enjoyed a terrific run and sold out closing show.
To get to know Grant a bit more, the man behind the managing and producing hat, I inquired about his own experience specific to Rogue and he replied, “I've been involved with Rogue Festival for 15 years now! Originally helping other artists plan their trips & help produce their shows. But I quickly jumped in to do my own game show, for 10 years. Followed by 8 years of producing the Mini-Rogue in September with former Rogue producer, Jayne Day. Now, it's been 8 years of working with Barbara at Hart's Haven. We added our outdoor tent venue 'Hart's Hangout' last year & its returning this year."
This venue, however, is not just a Rogue venue but, as Grant explains, “Hart's Haven is open all year as a used bookstore, a crystal shop, and an exercise studio. Owner Barbara Rogers brings that same mix of casual & professional to all of those aspects. This is our 8th year of using the space as an Off-Rogue venue. And it's exactly that vibe that keeps bringing the artists, the crowds, and myself back to work with them. Barbara will encourage or wildest ideas, then jump right in to do the work to help make those ideas happen.”
When asked what audiences will face (in a good way) when checking out a Hart’s show and why it’s perfectly suited for Rogue, Grant tells us, “The crowds can expect a variety of genres, all presented with quality. And they'll feel at home while they're at the space. We always have a few new faces on the mix, and both the inside & outside venue have at least one brand new artist this year. But we love our returning artists, and that list gets bigger every year. This year, we're leaning heavily into dance & variety shows.
Led largely by Aleño Dance Project, who call Hart's Haven home through the year. They've brought in several of their Dance colleagues this year. My shows tend to lean towards the variety side (like my recently-retired game show 'Fringe Factor', and my brand new show this year, 'Triple Threat.') And my good friend & frequent collaborator Strangely is returning this year with two more variety shows.”
I’ve seen many of the acts Grant mentions, and have been previously involved with several, and can attest to the Professional Whimsy Grant claims this venue holds with these performers; y’all won’t be disappointed!
In conclusion, Grant says it better than I ever could,
“What I love most about Rogue Festival are the people. I love the art as well. The wonderfully weird, all-original art that you can only find at fringe festivals. But I've been to dozens of fabulous fringe festivals all over North America, and what makes Rogue stand out is the people. The staff, of course, and especially the crowds. I have made more close friends at this fest than any other I've attended.”
Link to tickets for all performances at both Hart’s venues!
Stargazer Cottage (1292. N. Ferger Avenue)
Venue Manager: Kristin Lyn Crase
Sometimes a cozy cottage is just what the Rogue Festival audience is needing, especially if the weather gods turn cold or rainy on us (this happens more often than not during Rogue Festival times.) So, during the first weekend, you can head over to the Stargazer Cottage. Venue manager Kristin Lyn Crase has this to say about her venue,
“This is the third year in a row that the Elastic Ink ladies will be using my house as a venue for sharing stories, poems, and essays. The uniqueness of the venue is that it is the home that I live in and when you attend, I hope that you will feel welcomed into the warmth and comfort that I try to create. When you arrive, you will be greeted with a warm beverage and maybe a cookie.”
As someone who has attended several shows at the Stargazer Cottage, that warm beverage is usually tea and the seating is incredibly comfortable. With the confines of the schedule, there are a limited amount of opportunities to catch a show at the Stargazer Cottage,
“There are only two readings, so be sure to get there early and assume that you are going to get up close and personal with the other guests. My house is cozy (read: small) and the seating is intimate. It is also street parking in a residential part of Tower, so parking may be a bit of a challenge. It will be worth it!,” says Crase.
In explaining why her long-term involvement in the Rogue Festival has been worthwhile and fulfilling, Crase contextualizes with, “Before I moved to Fresno, maybe 2006 or 2007, I was roped into participating in a Rogue show with Woodward Shakespeare Festival. It was such a fun time, and I remembered it so fondly, that when I finally moved to Fresno (and Tower) I knew that Rogue was an important part of my Fresno life. I have participated in shows, written a show, been a venue manager, helped find housing for out of town performers, and even turned my backyard into a venue complete with a still existing stage (currently surrounded by weeds)."
Crase finishes our correspondence with, “In the words of one of my theater professors, 'I gotta have my stories man!' I love that here, in our own little community, we can hear, and/or see, the stories of people from a wide range of backgrounds and provenance. I love that the entire staff is volunteers and they are just helping the festival for the love of art and artists.”
The two-night showing of As it Happens and Other Fairy Tales, a storytelling show, is the sole billing at the Stargazer Cottage, so if residential coziness seems to be your cup of tea, heed Crase’s advice and plan accordingly to enjoy an intimate evening of poems and essays!
Link to tickets for all performances at Stargazer Cottage!
The Lotus Room (626 E. Olive Avenue)
Venue Manager: Amanda Britton
The Lotus Room has had many iterations in its legacy of being a Rogue Festival venue, and to give us clarity and context of what audiences can expect for this year, venue manager Amanda Britton has this to say,
“Because Lotus Room is a yoga studio outside of Rogue Festival that we transform into a black box theatre, the venue really takes on the personality of whichever artist and show are currently in the space. [Audiences can expect] magic, music, and spoken word! Plus, our facility is the only one with a bidet…” I mean, who doesn’t love a bidet?!
Britton continues the chat with her own service for the Rogue Festival, explaining, “This is my 7th year volunteering and actually my 7th Rogue Festival as a Venue Manager - they really threw me into the deep end my first festival with lots of trust (and love)! And clearly I was hooked because I keep coming back for more. For the past couple of years I have also served as an auxiliary board member as well as on the production team as the assistant venue coordinator.” For more audience transparency (read: total brag), Amanda was my venue manager for my first solo show, Merely a Player, at this very venue, back in 2020. She was kind, hilarious, and the consummate professional in keeping everything organized, accommodating, and ensuring her artists and audiences were wholly taken care of.
Lastly, Amanda completes the chat with praise for the Rogue she’s spent 7-for-7 years managing with, “I relish the opportunity to assist in facilitating an open, inclusive, and uninhibited artistic experience. We are so incredibly lucky to have such a celebration of the independent spirit of the performing arts delivered, quite literally, to our doorstep. All made possible by the collaboration of our artists, volunteers, and patrons!”
Link to tickets for all performances at Stargazer Cottage!
Veni Vidi Vici’s (1116 N. Fulton Street )
Venue Managers: Wendy Berry, Blake Jones, and Mike Ryan
Like Hart’s Haven, Veni Vidi Vici’s is a treasured venue in my personal history with the Rogue Festival. Last year, I played my storytelling show, The Trimmings, at this venue, and it was a fantastic experience. Of course, having a patio venue that connects to a fabulous bar and menu of delicious eats is always a bonus, but it’s also because the Veni’s crowds are always ready for a Rogue show. To give some depth and breadth to what audiences can expect, venue managers Wendy Berry and Blake Jones graced me with their thoughts.
Wendy="Veni Vidi Vici has the coolest vibe in Tower! Getting to see art outdoors, even with interesting weather... under the blue cloud-filled daytime sky or star-lit night sky is a level up experience! Add a glass of wine and their famous Goat Cheese appetizer and you are set for the best night! They've been a venue and HUGE supporter of Rogue for, well...ever! The staff are amazing and it draws all types to come for a good drink (Stockholm Royale) or an elegant dinner with good friends.”
Blake="Veni Vidi Vici is an anchor of the Tower District. It's a year-round restaurant and bar with a distinct artsy vibe that matches the neighborhood. It displays work from local artists that rotates throughout the year. It's a place that my wife and I have enjoyed for dinner and/or drinks whether it's Rogue Time or not. The back patio is another great feature of the place. Whether you're sitting and enjoying a Rogue Fest show, or relaxing with a glass of wine and friends in the Summer shade, it's a great place to hang out.”
In Wendy and Blake's continuing in their bragging about why this such a fabulous venue, they explain,
W="Well, first off, you get the amazing trio of Venue managers, Blake, Mike and Myself! Blake is an OG Rogue performer and venue manager, and I, his cousin, have learned well from him! And good buddy Mike is the best at the introductions and keeps the two of us in line! In my honest opinion...we tend to get some of the coolest acts, because they are drawn to the vibes of this Venue!"
B=“The sheer variety of the performances makes it a great place to plant yourself and just watch one show after another---but I'd say that for ALL of the venues. (You can tell I'm a fan.)"
A bonus about these managers being involved is we're getting a plethora of Rogue Festival dedication and experience with Wendy's involvement beginning circa 2013, and Blake since the Rogue's inception!
W="I started as an audience member, became a box office volunteer the next year, then moved on to Venue Manager, then on the Rogue Board, Festival Production team the last 3 years or so and am now the Rogue Board President. I also wrote and performed my own show along with Blake Jones and Scott Hatfield! Now I am excited to be a part of the Brian's Beard Improv Troupe, playing at Veni's, for the 3rd year in a row!"
B="At the beginning it was just our fearless leader, Marcel Nunis, and a handful of his friends trying to bring to life the vision that Marcel had: How to take the "Fringe Festival Idea" and build it for our uniquely Fresnan situation? Initially, I was sort of the 'Voice of the Musician', since most of the other folks belonged to a Theater Person culture. So I would throw in my opinions based on how I thought local music makers would feel about things. In recent years, I've been very content to leave much of the Rogue planning/building to other capable and awesome folk. I just help out during the festival itself as one of the Venue Managers at Veni's.
I've been a long-time performer in the Rogue, staging a show every year for it's first 20 years, but now seem to be on an every-other-year frequency."
In concluding the conversation, Wendy and Blake offer their love and praise for the Rogue,
W="What do I love about Rogue? Probably my massive wristband collection! Haha, no really, they are really cool! Also, the friends and amazing people I have met, the creativity and inspiration I have gained from seeing the acts, and the chance to be an important part of this cool Tower community! Those are a few of my favorite things..."
B="I've always said that while living through the festival, one feels that this is how the world, this is how Fresno should be, 365 days a year! The swirl of creative energy, the mixing and co-mingling of all the artists...it's intoxicating. A great example of what can happen when a community works together to do something wonderful.
Also, I get to hang out with my pals Wendy (she's my cousin as well!) and Mike on the Veni's patio for nearly two weeks!"
I don't know about you, but I'm sure looking forward to settling in with a glass of vino and enjoying the variety of acts playing at Veni Vidi Vici’s this Festival!
Link to tickets for all performances at Veni Vidi Vici’s!
The ViSTA Theater (1296 N. Wishon Avenue)
Venue Manager: Mia Hernandez
The ViSTA Theater is another long-standing venue for the Rogue Festival, and for Tower-based performing arts in general. And they are back for another year as a Mainstage venue for our Rogue artists. Mia Hernandez enters a second year being the venue’s manager, and has plenty of fun details audiences can enjoy when settling in for a show this Festival,
“The Vista Theatre is attached to a local music and voice lesson shop. If you see Elvis (the cat) say hi to him, as well as the turtle in the hallway tank (I don’t know his name). Also be sure to stop at the bulletin boards inside and outside because you could find really cool shows and events on those around town. The theater itself is a space that holds music lessons, auditions, and rehearsals.
Mia gives us the following glimpse of personal history with the Rogue by explaining, “I have performed on that stage before in Somebody’s Children by Jose Casas and remember how close you feel to the audience. As an audience member, it's like being inside your TV. It is up close and personal, which makes it such a great space when you have magicians, improvisers, and singers on stage. It is a space that welcomes both performers and audience members."
In addition, Mia has been with ViSTA Theater before,
“This is my second year assisting as a venue manager and I have such a blast doing it. I would have been doing it longer but I barely found out Rogue was a thing about 3 years ago. You get to meet so many talented people with so many different artistic backgrounds and, as a fellow performer, I really admire the courage it takes for people to tell a story (through song, dance, etc…) in front of their neighbors. This year I am also performing! I am very excited to be a part of S’will by Fool’s Collaborative at the Vista Theatre!
Mia gives some billed highlights you can book now to ensure your ticket!
“They [audiences] can look forward to a variety of creative projects! I am super excited to see Fugue, my friend Kate McKnight is performing in that one. I watched Janice Noga sing last year and highly recommend her show, and S’Will by Fools Collaborative sells out every year so be there early. Honestly, go to whatever piques your interest because the shows change every year; there are always new stories you haven’t heard before.
In conclusion, I asked Mia what about Rogue rocks!
“I love that it is truly a space built by community members. Last year was my first year and everyone was so welcoming. I feel like I got to meet so many creative people with such neat interests, I got to learn so much about other spaces I could get involved in around town, and build connections with people in my community. Honestly, I think the Rogue Festival is one of the most unique things about Fresno.”
I don't think you need anymore convincing than that.
Link to tickets for all performances at ViSTA Theater!
I hope to see you around the venues, streets of Tower, and at the other local spots (many of which give discounts with the showing of your Rogue wristband!). In addition, you can follow this site for reviews for every Rogue Festival show I see and, if you're so inspired, leave your own review on the Rogue Festival website (https://fresnoroguefestival.org/audience-reviews/). Anything you can do in support of the artists and venues is valued so more and more people can benefit from one of the best things Fresno has to offer. Let's go Rogue!
Wow, Marc! What a fantastic article. I’m kind of a late comer, having finally discovered Rogue about 8 years ago. I love everything about Rogue, and so appreciate how you capture the unique feel and experience of it all through the eyes of those who make it happen and where they do it. Thank you! Now I’m REALLY ready for Rogue 2026!