With Vancouver Island's largest theatre festival just around the corner, hype yourself up by embracing the absurd at the Fringe Festival's Block Party and Zebra Ball.
Tuesday's event kicks off the 26th annual festival in Centennial Square, from 6: 30 to 9: 30 p.m.
Inspired by the zebraman mascot gracing this year's promo materials, the animal-themed costume party will feature live performances, a DJ spinning animal tunes, a costume competition, a giant monkey puppet, a mini flash mob of dancing zebras and roaming Fringe performers. Keep a lookout for that hybrid striped beast, played by performer Julian Cervello.
The kids' zone features an inflatable bouncy castle, face painting and other activities geared toward the younger crowd.
At the same time, Suddenly Dance Theatre returns to the outdoors with Romp! in the Square, which runs Tuesday through Saturday (beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday). This year's featured act is Vancouver-based contemporary dance group Aeriosa. Can't find the stage? Look skyward - they'll be propelling off the CRD building. Aeriosa will be joined by members of the local dance community, including Ballet Victoria, Constance Cooke, Monique Salez and Kim Breiland. Watch the walls for the premi猫re of a dance film produced by Suddenly Dance Theatre, showing each night at 9.
The Victoria Fringe Festival gets underway Aug. 23 and runs through Sept. 2. Performers from as far away as Israel, Australia and Japan will descend on the city to overwhelm you with theatrical offerings, as well as comedy, dance, music and spoken word. Organizers estimate an audience of 28,000 people will check out the 55 productions over 10 days. Tickets are $11 per production, plus $5 for a Fringe membership - or $55 for a five-show pass. In addition to the productions spread across eight venues, there will be a handful of free events, including the Fringe Eve Preview in Centennial Square on Aug. 22, and the FringeKids Fest in Market Square on Aug. 25.
