Running through Aug. 30, the festival will present shows by 184 of the world's top emerging theatre troupes and dance companies from eight countries and 21 U.S. states. Shows are being presented in 16 venues across downtown Manhattan.

An estimated 75,000 people are expected to attend the shows. An unprecedented 47 performances were already sold out as of Aug. 13, according to event organizers. Two shows, Maybe Tomorrow and Feelings…, had sold out their entire runs.

Here are a few samples:

To Dance Set in Soviet Russia, this musical tells the story of one man who just wants to dance.

The Broken Record A timely drama about the epidemic of violence between black youth and police officers across the U.S. EverScape A play set in the online world of epic fantasy battle games.

Popesical A musical comedy set during a conclave at the Vatican at which the world's cardinals are trying to pick a new pope.

The Curious Case of Phineas Gage A musical about a 19th century railroad worker who was injured when a explosion drove a three-foot iron spike through his brain.

The Report A mystery play set against the backdrop of the deadliest civilian tragedy in World War II London.

Divine/Intervention A play about the last night in the life of Glenn Milstead, better known to the world as drag diva Divine.

Single Room Occupancy A musical about a man trying to escape his tiny apartment into the world of social media.

Broken Moment  A musical about the drunken shenanigans perpetrated by the regulars at the Broken Moment bar on the night the owner dies.

Here are just a few of the other highlights:

5 Fringe Shows That Will Get You Talking 

Cold War Russia, A Psychiatric Hospital and An Irish Pub: Five Musical Shows Not to Miss at Fringe 

Six Solo Shows Not to Miss at Fringe NYC

Tickets cost $18 each and are available at FringeNYC.org. You can also use that link to check out the range of shows being offered this year. Discount passes for multiple shows (including the Fiver and the all-you-can-see Lunatic Pass) are also available. Tickets can also be purchased in person at FringeCentral, 56 E 1st Street between First and Second Avenues.

To capitalize on the "hot shows" that seem to pop out of the pack each summer, the Fringe is offereing something new this year: FringeFAVES. On Aug. 30, the final performance slot in each of the 16 theaters hosting the festival will be given over to the best-selling show in that venue. The actual shows will not be announced until the final week of the festival, but the slots are currently on sale (at Fringenyc.org/special-events/fringefaves). Patrons are advised that they can buy tickets now and be surprised or wait and find out if their favorite show grabs one of the coveted slots. 

With attendance topping 75,000 people last summer, FringeNYC has grown into the city's fifth largest event (just behind New York International Auto Show, Tribeca Film Festival, New York City Marathon, and New York Comic Con).

FringeNYC has served as launching pad for numerous Off-Broadway and Broadway transfers, long-running downtown hits, and regional theater productions including Urinetown, Matt & Ben, Debbie Does Dallas, Dog Sees God, Brandon Teena, Dixie’s Tupperware Party, 21 Dog Years, The Fartiste, Silence! The Musical and 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche.

FringeNYC shows run 2 PM–midnight weekdays and noon–midnight on weekends. Tickets cost $18 each ($13 for kids under 12 for FringeJR shows only), available at FringeNYC.org. Discount passes for multiple shows (including the Fiver and the all-you-can-see Lunatic Pass) are also available. Tickets can also be purchased in person at FringeCentral (56 E 1st Street between 1st & 2nd Aves).