The Rochester Fringe Festival is a vibrant celebration of creativity and the arts in Rochester, New York. Since its inception in 2012, this festival has blossomed into one of the region’s most eagerly awaited cultural events, featuring a diverse array of performances—from comedy and theater to dance, music, art, and everything else imaginable. At this festival, you’ll encounter quirky and unexpected acts that you’ll be talking about for weeks to come.
I truly appreciate how the festival gives independent artists the chance to bring their boldest ideas to life alongside more conventional performances. We experienced some remarkable moments during our visit. Read on to discover more about the Rochester Fringe Festival, which this year features over 600 performances across more than 30 venues.
Rochester serves as an ideal host for the Fringe Festival, given its rich artistic and creative history. I went to explore a few shows and mind-bending experiences and was thoroughly captivated.
Where is Rochester?
Rochester, New York, is a thoughtfully designed city located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. The blend of old and new architecture creates a harmonious aesthetic, devoid of mismatched styles, colors, or patterns. The streets exude a sense of calm and elegance without pretension, making it a truly pleasant environment.
With a population of just over 200,000, Rochester combines small-town charm with big-city amenities. Renowned for its rich history in photography, due in large part to Eastman Kodak, and its vibrant cultural scene, Rochester is a hidden gem for travelers seeking unique experiences. A creative spirit flows through the city, making it a perfect backdrop for the Rochester Fringe Festival, where art is omnipresent.
Rochester is approximately a three-hour drive from Toronto, depending on border traffic and the often congested roads of the Greater Toronto Area. It’s close enough for a weekend getaway while still feeling like you’re stepping into a different world. The scenic drive hugs the shoreline of Lake Ontario, taking you through picturesque wine country. Once in Rochester, you’ll find plenty to explore beyond just the festival—museums, delectable food, and beautiful parks, especially in autumn when the foliage transforms.
What Is The Rochester Fringe Festival?
The Rochester Fringe Festival is a place where you can venture into a show not knowing what to expect and leave completely amazed! Over the years, it has hosted a wide range of performances, from experimental dance to grand outdoor events and intimate, thought-provoking plays. Held every fall, the festival transforms Rochester into a lively hub for art enthusiasts and creatives. The excitement isn’t limited to the stages; it spills onto the streets with spontaneous performances and installations throughout the city.
During our visit, we encountered just that: an experimental dance, a headlining comedian who contributes to Saturday Night Live, an inflatable wind tunnel installation that immerses you in art, and a local intellectual who dazzled the crowd with a show that intertwined the periodic table, a love story, and code-breaking.
One of the festival’s wonderful aspects is its inclusivity. You don’t need to be an art expert to enjoy it. The programming caters to everyone, from families to solo adventurers, with over 500 performances in various venues. It’s an opportunity to explore new genres, support both local and international talent, and immerse yourself in the arts within a welcoming environment. The Rochester Fringe Festival has continued to thrive for over a decade, and after my first experience, I know I’ll be returning to this art-loving city year after year.
Why Should I Go To The Rochester Fringe Festival?
So why is it worth making the drive from Toronto to attend the Rochester Fringe Festival? The answer is simple: the festival offers a unique experience filled with performances you won’t encounter anywhere else. Whether your interests lie in theater, dance, or unconventional street performances, this festival exceeds expectations. Plus, it provides a fantastic opportunity to experience Rochester’s creative vibe while supporting both local and international artists. You’ll leave feeling inspired and refreshed, as if you’ve been part of something truly special.
Here’s a glimpse of what we experienced at the festival, and given the caliber of the performances we watched, I’m confident what remains until September 21 will be equally spectacular:
Petals in the Concrete – September 12
Set in the parking lot of Strange Bird Brewery within a residential area, this modern ballet by the Rochester Adult Ballet Company explores the duality of human experience—the light and the dark, freedom and restraint, fragility and resilience. The show conveys that true appreciation of love stems from having experienced pain; to truly live, one must break down like concrete to rediscover the weightlessness of a petal. When life cracks you open, the softness and lightness of the petals guide you back to balance.
Daedalum – Architects of Air – September 12
When we entered the Luminarium, we felt as if we were transported to another realm! This inflatable artwork offers an experience like no other, featuring winding tunnels and towering, radiant domes enveloped in color, light, and sound. Some have described it as akin to walking through a stained-glass window, while others see it as exploring a living, breathing creature. The experience is surreal and mesmerizing—one of those moments that makes you exclaim, “Wow, this is truly unique!” The vibrant light streaming through the colored segments of the Luminarium is surprisingly luminous and deeply impacts the senses. I found it to be both trippy and illuminating, offering a calm and peaceful ambiance.
Colin Jost Show, the Headliner at Rochester Fringe Festival – September 13
Headlining the Festival is none other than Colin Jost, known as Scarlett Johansson’s husband (I must admit, Ms. Johansson was not seen that night). Colin is a writer, performer, and comedian, best known for his tenure at Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update. With nearly two decades of experience, he has secured five Writers Guild Awards, two Peabody Awards, and received 14 Emmy nominations. He graced the Kodak Hall stage at Eastman Theatre, sharing humorous anecdotes about the challenges of parenting, travel experiences, and some of his lesser-known SNL sketches.
Unfortunately, photography during the performance was prohibited, so here’s a picture of the ticket with the Kodak Hall stage behind it.
Silent Disco, Spiegeltent Garden – September 13
Looking to dance the night away at an extraordinary party? Join the Silent Disco—a giant dance party with a twist: the music only comes through headphones! Slide on a pair and choose from three music channels, selecting your preferred vibe.
Whether it’s Chappell Roan on one channel, Calvin Harris on another, or Journey on the third, you choose your soundtrack! While everyone dons headphones, the colored lights on them indicate what each person is listening to since the music isn’t blasting through speakers.
And don’t worry, the Theatre Bar keeps you hydrated while you celebrate the night away.
More Silent Disco events are upcoming this weekend:
Friday, Sept. 20 at 11:00 pm
Saturday, Sept. 21 at 11:00 pm
The Enigmatist: Magic and Puzzles with David Kwong – September 14
Rochester’s own David Kwong made his Fringe debut, and we were eager not to miss it! After successful shows at the Kennedy Center and Chicago Shakes, this master magician and New York Times crossword constructor introduced his mind-bending puzzles and cryptology to the iconic Spiegeltent (with his proud parents cheering from the front row)!
The Los Angeles Times describes Kwong as someone who “creates a magical sense of togetherness,” while the New York Times refers to it as “a spin class for the frontal lobe”—and we were thoroughly impressed and challenged. Surprises were guaranteed in this immersive experience! Even as someone who loves trivia, my mental skills were no match for David Kwong’s brilliance.
We couldn’t capture any photos during the performance, so here’s a shot of the empty stage, which was brimming with potential!
While The Enigmatist show has concluded for this year’s festival, if this experience is any indication of what else delights await in the Spiegeltent, audiences are in for an exhilarating treat! I wish I could return for more performances.
Tickets for Rochester Fringe Festival shows are available on their website, which you can find here.
Where to Stay In Rochester
I stayed at the Strathallan – A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. The Strathallan is an excellent choice if you’re seeking comfort, style, and convenience all at a reasonable price. As a member of the Hilton family, this hotel boasts luxurious accommodations and top-tier amenities, including a rooftop bar, a modern fitness center, and spacious rooms to unwind after a day of exploration. Located in the heart of the historic East End, you’ll be just steps away from exceptional restaurants, museums, and entertainment options. The service is exceptional, ensuring you feel special throughout your stay.
The one-bedroom suite at The Strathallan Hotel perfectly balances luxury and comfort. The large suite features a separate living area, providing ample space for relaxation or entertaining. Our room included cozy seating, a work desk, and large windows that filled the space with natural light. The balcony was a lovely spot for morning coffee or evening cocktails.
The bedroom was a sanctuary, featuring a plush king-size bed with premium linens ensuring a restful sleep. The suite also provided a spacious bathroom with toiletries, a kitchenette with a wet bar, microwave, and fridge for convenience, and complimentary Wi-Fi. This is an ideal space for both business travelers and weekend getaways!
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The Strathallan’s central location makes it easy to navigate Rochester. Whether you prefer to walk, drive, or rent an electric scooter (as we did), everything is within minutes. We could easily stroll to nearby attractions like the Memorial Art Gallery or down to One Fringe Place.
If you prefer to drive, the hotel provides valet parking and is just a quick trip to popular spots like the Strong Museum of Play or Strangebird Brewery. The hotel also has a large parking lot behind it to accommodate guests. When we ordered an Uber, we never waited more than 8 minutes. Alternatively, the electric scooters and bikes offer an enjoyable, eco-friendly way to explore the city at speeds up to 15 miles per hour!
If you’re interested in discovering the best places to play, eat, and drink, including distillery tours (hello, Black Button Distillery!), be sure to check out my recommendations!
So, if you decide to experience Rochester and attend the Rochester Fringe Festival, you’re in for an incredible time! Have no plans this weekend? Consider giving the Fringe Festival a try!
Ultimately, the Rochester Fringe Festival is more than just a celebration of the arts—it’s an immersive experience filled with creativity and inspiration. Set against the backdrop of Rochester, the festival truly offers something for everyone. Whether you enjoy avant-garde performances or family-oriented fun, the charm of Rochester combined with the festival’s diverse lineup ensures an unforgettable visit. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore, be entertained, and recharge your creative spirit.
We were hosted by Visit Rochester and asked to produce this blog post during our stay. It was my first visit to Rochester, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the Fringe Festival. We will definitely return!
