Flashback: The fringe concept dates to 1947, when eight theater groups showed up uninvited to the Edinburgh International Festival in Scotland and performed on its edges, or fringe, anyway.

• KC joined the movement in July 2005.

How it works: Fringe's 37 shows will be performed nearly 200 times at seven venues through July 26, so you have options.

• Everyone needs a $5 Fringe Button, the festival's required pass that funds the whole operation. Show tickets are separate, at $15 each, or $8 for kids ages 3 to 12.
• Binge-watchers can grab a five-show pass for $65 or a 10-show pass for $120.
• Fringe 411, inside The Bird Comedy Theater, is the hub for tickets, buttons, programs and swag, and it's the only spot that takes cash.

What they're saying: "Last year, KC Fringe returned more than $59,000 in box office revenue to performing arts producers," Mitch Weber with KC Fringe tells Axios, plus $16,000 paid directly to visual artists.

• Of every ticket sold, 60% goes to the artists, 30% to the venues and 10% to festival operations.

The fine print: Every show runs under an hour, and each carries a rating from "All ages" to "Mature audiences," so check before bringing the kids.

• There is no late seating, ever. Doors open 10 minutes before showtime, and online sales close an hour before.

The intrigue: The festival ends with a competition. The show with the best average attendance at each venue earns a bonus Best of Fringe performance on July 26, following the midnight winner announcements at the July 25 after-party.

• Your ticket is literally a vote.

Pro tip: Volunteering as an usher, house manager or photographer earns Fringe Bucks you can spend on show tickets.

💭 My thought bubble: For $15, you can see a show called "Jerry Christ." Your cocktail last weekend cost more and gave you nothing to bring up at dinner parties.

The bottom line: What started as theater's rebellious little sibling in Scotland now fills seven KC stages every July. Grab a button and go see something nobody approved.