It is one of the oldest fringe festivals in the United States.
[2] The festival was founded in 1992 by several members of BAIT (Bay Area Independent Theatre), a consortium of small theatres in San Francisco and vicinity.
Performances featured at SF Fringe are chosen by lottery.
[4] Non Traditional Fringe Venues (NTFV) have included "bars and restaurants, on buses, park benches and trees".
[6] The conclusion of the festival features additional performances by shows chosen as the "Best of the Fringe".