HOST AN ARTIST

Got a Spare Bed and a Love for the Arts? Read On.

Fringe is happening. Artists are coming. And we’re inviting community members to help support them.

We’re looking for kind, open-hearted folks to host out-of-town and out-of-territory performers during the festival. Local hosts who “adopt an artist” during the festival, allowing them to stay in their home for free in a spare room or bed, help make our festival affordable and attractive to touring artists who cover their own travel expenses to get here. 

Here’s what we’re asking:

  • A clean, welcoming place for an artist to stay (spare room, futon, air mattress, or cabin)

  • Access to bathroom facilities and possibly kitchen access

  • Providing the artist with freedom to come and go as they need

Hosts are not expected to act as a hotel or provide meals, entertainment, computer access, or transportation.

Occasional rides to or from downtown can make a big difference for artists, though, since most out-of-town artists won’t have vehicles while they’re here. It is not at all expected or required. It is a welcome option to public transit, though. The Fringe will also help to coordinate transportation for artists where possible.

Here’s what you get as a host:

  • Perks! Your choice of one all-access pass to the festival or two 4-show passes

  • A peek behind the curtain: insight into how fringe shows are created and produced

  • A direct and meaningful way to support independent artists

  • A deeper connection to the festival and the artist community

Many people who host find it becomes their favourite way to be involved in Fringe, returning year after year to welcome visiting performers.

What to expect:

Artist stays typically run 7-9 days. 

We work carefully to match artists and hosts, and we’re always available if questions or concerns come up before or during the festival.

The matching process is based on factors such as arrival and departure dates, pet allergies, smoking preferences, location, and access to transit or parking. 

Host Volunteers are asked to provide some basic information about their home and household and to complete a short online training course to help ensure a positive experience for everyone.

Sound like you?

Or email cherie@yukonfringe.ca.

We promise to make it easy.

FAQs AT BOTTOM

APPLY TO HOST

Why Hosting Matters

Fringe festivals are built on community. While audiences see the shows, there’s a whole layer of care and support that happens behind the scenes—and hosting artists is a big part of that.

By opening your home to an artist, you help reduce one of the biggest barriers to participation: the cost of travel and accommodation. Hosting isn’t about luxury. It’s about generosity, trust, and integration into the community. Sort of like our main values in the Yukon! For many artists, staying with a local host becomes one of the most meaningful parts of their time at the festival.

hosting faqs

  • Hosting means offering a clean, safe place to sleep at no cost for the duration of the festival. Some artists also request kitchen access.

    Hosts are not expected to provide meals, entertainment, or transportation, and artists are generally out during the day for rehearsals and performances.

  • Most stays are 7–9 days, depending on arrival and departure schedules.

    Artists need to arrive a few days before the festival and usually depart on the day after the festival.

    2026 festival dates are Oct. 1st-4th, 2026.

  • No. Artists are independent and busy during the festival. Hosts are asked to provide space, not supervision or companionship.

  • No. Artists are responsible for their own food unless you want to share.

    Artists may request access to your kitchen if they are preparing their own food, but expectations are that they will be respectful and clean in all of your spaces.

  • No. Artists typically use public transit and the Fringe also helps coordinate transportation where needed.

    Occasional rides from hosts, when convenient, are appreciated but never required.

  • We match carefully based on availability, location, household preferences, allergies, pets, smoking preferences, and access to transit or parking.

  • Our team remains available to hosts and artists throughout the festival. If issues arise, we’ll help resolve them or make alternate arrangements if needed.

  • No. Artists are typically out most of the day and evening for rehearsals, shows, and festival events.

  • Yes. Clear, respectful boundaries are encouraged and discussed as part of the matching process.

  • That’s okay. We take household dynamics into account when matching and won’t place an artist in a home that isn’t a good fit.

  • Hosts complete a short online training course and provide basic information about their household to help ensure a positive experience for everyone.

    All participating artists are registered with the festival and agree to a Code of Conduct.

  • As a thank-you, hosts receive their choice of one all-access festival pass or two 4-show passes.

    Don’t forget that good feeling that comes from a meaningful contribution to the festival and an artist’s bottom line! Plus, it’s an interesting way to get to know someone!

  • Absolutely! Many hosts are also volunteers or avid audience members.

  • Yes! All hosts were once first-timers. ;)

    We provide guidance and support, and we’re always happy to answer questions. We won’t leave you hanging!

  • Life happens. Let us know as soon as possible and we’ll adjust accordingly.

APPLY TO HOST