How to Fringe: Your guide to proper Fringe-ing like a pro.

Want to give the Orlando Fringe Festival a try? Head to Loch Haven Park, off Princeton Street between Mills and Orange avenues, from May 17-28 for an explosion of theater, music, art and more. Here are the five things you need to know to navigate the fun like a pro.

1. Strapped for cash? Some stuff is free.

Kids Fringe, with arts-related activities for children, takes place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. This year, it’s at Orlando Garden Club, 710 E. Rollins St. Visual Fringe offers art throughout the park’s Lowndes Shakespeare Center and an exhibit of children’s works at Orlando Repertory Theatre. The Outdoor Stage at the park has a full lineup of free entertainment. The popular Swamp Sistas La-La, featuring Beth McKee and Kaleigh Baker, returns for a second year from 3-11 p.m. Saturday, May 19. And there is always the people-watching in the park, with food, liquor and soft drinks available throughout the fest.

2. If you want to see theater, get a button.

If you are older than 12 and want to see a ticketed show, you need to buy a $10 Fringe button online or at one of the festival box offices. Hang on to it: If you lose it, you’ll need to buy another one.

3. Plan a little, so you’re not overwhelmed — but leave room for flexibility.

Use the program guide at OrlandoFringe.org to read about the more than 120 shows at this year’s festival. If you are bringing children, check show ratings. Artists provide age guidelines for their own shows. “All” means suitable for everyone. The others are equally self-explanatory: 7+, 13+, 18+. It’s helpful to map out a viewing plan ahead of time, but leave room in your visit to try an unexpected show that strikes your fancy or has good buzz around the festival.

4. Get your tickets.

Button purchases pay for the festival’s overhead; each individual show sells tickets with that money going to the performers. Tickets are $12 or less and are available at the Fringe's main venues, the Lowndes Shakespeare Center and Orlando Repertory Theatre. Pro tip: Avoid lines by purchasing tickets ahead at OrlandoFringe.org.

5. Arrive early. Very early.

This is critical. There is no late admittance to shows — and there are no refunds. Although there is free parking at Loch Haven Park and on nearby city streets, be prepared to pay for a garage spot. Fringe officials say to allow at least 45 minutes. Also: Make sure you are headed to the right spot. All colorcoded venues, except Black, are at Loch Haven Park, either in the Rep, Shakespeare Center or Orlando Museum of Art. Volunteers or Fringe vets can direct you. The Black venue is at 511 Virginia Drive. Two other offsite venues participate: Breakthrough Theatre, 421 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, and the Starlight Room at Savoy, 1913 N. Orange Ave., Orlando.