Rochester Fringe Festival
The Fringe, a multi-disciplinary visual and performing arts festival, takes Rochester by storm every September.
What is the Rochester Fringe Festival
Now in its 14th year, the Rochester Fringe takes inspiration from the legendary Edinburgh Fringe, which was founded in Scotland in 1947 as an unofficial offshoot of the Edinburgh International Festival. The Edinburgh Fringe has since grown to become the world’s largest performing arts festival. Bringing this same spirit of creativity to Upstate New York, the Rochester Fringe has become one of the largest and most successful fringe festivals in the nation and one of Rochester’s most anticipated events.
The Rochester Fringe is a not-for-profit corporation led by several of the city’s cultural institutions, including the George Eastman Museum, Geva Theatre Center and Garth Fagan Dance. This 12-day festival showcases everything from theater, comedy and dance to spoken word, circus arts and much, much more. This event truly has everything!
What to expect at the Rochester Fringe
Experience a variety of unique performances in venues all around Rochester. For family friendly fun, check out Oz, a Wizard of Oz parody magic show with Jordan Rooks at the School of the Arts: Allen Main Stage Theatre. Enjoy a fabulous and hilarious drag queen comedy show at CenterStage Theatre at the JCC with Aggy Dune: unplugged, uncensored and unhinged. For clown lovers, check out All the Boys I Blocked, an interactive clown musical by Chanel & the Circus at The Spirit Room. Visit the Spiegeltent for a Silent Disco! As per the name, this giant dance party is silent, that is, until you slip on a pair of headphones. This year, comedian, TV host, and seven-time New York Times best-selling author, Chelsea Handler headlines the festival for one night only!
After a fun-filled day, grab a bite from one of the many festival food trucks. You can find a variety of food options at various venues and locations around Rochester, including the Spiegelarden, Parcel 5, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, and The Spiegeltent. Visit the festival website for a comprehensive list of local food and drink recommendations.
Special Events and Additional Info
Saturday, September 20th is Kids Day at the Fringe! The entire day is dedicated to family-friendly performances. Events and activities include a matinee showing of the popular Cirque Du Fringe: Claws Out, a thrilling cat-themed comedy, as well Pumpkin Painting, Kids Chalk Art, acrobatics shows and kid-centered dance parties.
Most venues at the Fringe are within walking distance from each other in downtown Rochester, allowing for one-time parking. It is recommended that attendees park at one of the many parking garages located near One Fringe Center. There is a $7 Special Events Rate for several downtown garages.
For more information about performance times and the events schedule pick up an Official Festival Guide from one of numerous local Rochester locations.
Plan Your Visit to the Rochester Fringe Festival. When is it?
The Fringe takes place across several different venues around Rochester from September 9th to 20th 2025.
Tickets for the Festival
One of the best things about the Rochester Fringe Festival is its accessibility. Each year, the festival offers a mix of free and ticketed performances, making it easy for everyone to take part. Many outdoor shows, family-friendly programs, and community events are completely free, while ticketed performances are affordably priced—typically ranging from $10–$30 depending on the venue and act. Guests can purchase tickets in advance online through the official Rochester Fringe Festival website, or on-site at festival box offices located throughout downtown. For popular shows like Cirque du Fringe or the always-packed Silent Disco, early ticket purchase is highly recommended, as these events often sell out quickly. With flexible pricing, diverse options, and plenty of no-cost entertainment, the festival ensures that audiences of all ages and budgets can experience the magic of Fringe.
Take Amtrak to the Rochester Fringe Festival
The festival is easily accessible via Amtrak to the Rochester station.
For Directions to Rochester Station, click below.
Experience this great Fest via Amtrak to Rochester Station in Rochester, New York—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!
Pick up your reserved rental #NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car at the Rochester Station (ROC). Click here to reserve your car, or call Enterprise’s Rochester office at 585-423-2220.
