Cannonball
Party & Nightlife, Readings & Works-In-Progress, Workshops & Classes
Connect
Workshops, talkbacks, readings, pop-up performances and juicy late night happenings that are playful, maximalist, spacious, lingering, intimate, and alive - a chance to connect more deeply with the artmaking engine that drives the festival. Cannonball is inviting artists to host a series of early-bird workshops and late-night pop-up performances. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, we're rising right with inspiring hands-on, artist-led workshops. On Friday and Saturday evenings, when the last show of the night is over, we're going Overboard! We're partnering with local producers like the Naughty Jawn to curate our nightlife vibe. Check cannonballfestival.org/extras for a full listing of this year's offerings.
Note: the 9/18 and 9/27 events have been canceled.
Cannonball is the largest hub of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, championing a revolutionary artist-led model that prioritizes equity, experimentation, and community connection. Now in its sixth year, Cannonball presents more than 100 artists across five stages, representing nearly 30 percent of the overall Philadelphia Fringe Festival. From rebellious circus and delicious dance to fearless theater and activist art, Cannonball pushes the boundaries of live performance while creating a vibrant, artist-centered ecosystem for independent performance makers and adventurous audiences alike.
PWYC Options $0+
PWYC Options $5+
Venue: Asian Arts Initiative Black Box TheaterAsian Arts Initiative Project SpaceAsian Arts Initiative Third FloorIcebox Project Space Gallery 
September 11, 2026 9.00pm
Cannonball Opening Night Party
Kick off the festival with us! Live performances, cash bar, snacks to munch on, a very special DJ TBA, and more surprises to come. Mingle with Cannonball artists and meet the producers for a behind-the-scenes experience.
1219 Vine Street
General Admission: FREE
PWYC Options
September 19, 2026 11.00am
Clown Fundamentals Workshop with Michael Amendola
This joyful workshop trains live performers to cultivate complicité with that beloved, ethereal creature: the audience. Rather than focusing on "funny ideas" this pre-clown workshop explores how to clarify this vital, immediate relationship, inviting their connection to shape our playful improvisation in the moment. Whether you work in clown, bouffon, drag, cabaret, stand-up, burlesque, hosting, teaching, or cult-leading, this playtime is for you. Take risks. Follow pleasure. Tune in.
1219 Vine Street
General Admission: $25
PWYC Options
September 19, 2026 9.30pm
Variety Pack's TAROAST
Variety Pack co-producers Chaz T. Martin and R. Eric Thomas bravely have their tarot read live by Cannonball producer Nick Jonczak and roast each other over what the cards say about their past, present, futures. A late nite show for late nite antics, dress as witchy or as pajama-party-themed as you desire!
1219 Vine Street
General Admission: $20
September 20, 2026 10.00am
Jeu Gymnasium Workshop with Faysal Can Dakni
This workshop is an hour-long playground where performers meet as an ensemble to explore the jeu (play), sweat, and celebrate the dramatic impulse. In this gymnasium, through the practice of ensemble-play, performers awaken their physical instruments, becoming curious, open, and present.
1219 Vine Street
General Admission: $25
PWYC Options
September 22, 2026 9.30pm
¡Ay! Papi
Fresh off his Edinburgh Fringe run, Jilberto brings his award-winning show: ¡Ay! Papi, about spending years trying to build a relationship with his dad, only for him to not show up on his wedding day, the biggest day of his life. That’s when Jilberto realized how many people it actually takes to fill the space one father leaves empty, making him rethink fatherhood entirely, both the one he had and the one he might become. It’s a hard subject told with warmth and a little Spanish-language telenovela running underneath the stand-up, the kind of show where your heart’s full and a little broken.
Jilberto Soto has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, New York Comedy Festival, Netflix Is a Joke Festival, SF Sketchfest, and Limestone Comedy Festival, and has opened for Ralph Barbosa, Rhys Nicholson, Beth Stelling, and Ashley Gavin. A paid regular at NYC comedy clubs, his comedy has also earned 20M+ views online.
1219 Vine St
General Admission: $25
PWYC Options
September 23, 2026 8.30pm
¡Ay! Papi
Fresh off his Edinburgh Fringe run, Jilberto brings his award-winning show: ¡Ay! Papi, about spending years trying to build a relationship with his dad, only for him to not show up on his wedding day, the biggest day of his life. That’s when Jilberto realized how many people it actually takes to fill the space one father leaves empty, making him rethink fatherhood entirely, both the one he had and the one he might become. It’s a hard subject told with warmth and a little Spanish-language telenovela running underneath the stand-up, the kind of show where your heart’s full and a little broken.
Jilberto Soto has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, New York Comedy Festival, Netflix Is a Joke Festival, SF Sketchfest, and Limestone Comedy Festival, and has opened for Ralph Barbosa, Rhys Nicholson, Beth Stelling, and Ashley Gavin. A paid regular at NYC comedy clubs, his comedy has also earned 20M+ views online.
1219 Vine St
General Admission: $25
PWYC Options
September 25, 2026 10.00pm
Henlo Bullfrog's Paint Party
A one-night only invitation: come as you are and Henlo Bullfrog will paint your body (if you want). Special guests will be revealed and make appearances. A live photographer will document the experience. Anything could happen!
1219 Vine Street
General Admission: FREE
September 26, 2026 10.00am
Tiny Stages with Brooke Shilling and Little Ghost Party
In the little ghost party's signature performance style, this workshop focuses on how to tell a big story in a tiny space. We will focus on using physical movement, comic mime techniques and ensemble-based collaboration to explore Jacque Lecoq’s Platform Exercise. We will discover how to create vast worlds and epic narratives within the confines of a small performance space. Theatrical magic will emerge not from elaborate sets or costumes, but from the individual and collective imagination that comic mime invites performers to cook up for themselves.
1219 Vine Street
General Admission: $25
PWYC Options
September 26, 2026 10.00pm
Cannonball Closing Dance Party
Join us as we celebrate the closing of Cannonball. We’re hosting a Nautical-themed dance party from 10-12:30am, 18+! Throw on an eyepatch, dress like Spongebob, get creative (costume optional). Best dressed patron will receive a gift basket! The dance party is also joined by The Naughty Jawn: entertainment that spotlights local performers in Philadelphia. Refreshments will be available. Support the arts, grab a ticket!
Fringe and Cannonball artists and staff get in for FREE! Show your artist badge at Box Office to get in.
1400 N American St
General Admission: $20
PWYC Options
About the Artist
Cannonball presents the hottest, edgiest experimental performance art back-to-back with your neighbor's wildest dream on stage. Cannonball is your favorite artist's favorite festival. Cannonball is wild, loose, and delicious. This year, we're back at Icebox Project Space and Asian Arts Initiative to present over 100 artists with mouthwatering shows.
- Cannonball Festival
Accessibility & Content Considerations
Contact the Fringe Festival Box Office for up to date accessibility information.
This event is appropriate for ages 21+ Only
Nudity
Adult Language
Strobe/Flashing Lights
Audience Interaction
Fog/Smoke Effects
Covid-19 Safety policy
This event does not require masks to be worn
Copyright © 2026 Philadelphia Fringe Festival
140 N. Columbus Blvd.
(at Race St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Directions
Tickets: 215.413.1318
Admin Office: 215.413.9006
