Rochester Fringe Festival

A 12-day multi-disciplinary visual and performing arts festival showcasing theater, comedy, visual arts, family entertainment, music, dance, spoken word, opera, poetry, and literature.

Celebrate the uniqueness of art at the KeyBank Rochester Fringe Festival on September 10 – 21, 2024. Breaking records every year, the Rochester Fringe Festival generates over 78,000 attendees with over 300 performances and events. The Rochester Fringe Festival has become one of the largest and most successful fringe festivals in the nation and one of Rochester’s biggest, most anticipated festivals. The festival showvases artists both locally and nationally in areas such as music, opera, dance, poetry, comedy. and even more. 

Watch shows at the Spiegeltent, Spiegelgarden, outdoor music and even Kids Day. Kids day is filled with tons of fun including chalk art, pumpkin painting and Cirque du Fringe: Afterglow! Grab a bite at the festival’s food trucks and local bars to ensure that you have a full day of entertainment, food and an all-around unforgettable experience!

At One Fringe Place, on the corner of Main & Gibbs Street, you can find an array of Fringe Festival amenities. The aforementioned Spiegeltent is an outdoor beer and wine lounge located at One Fringe Place where you can enjoy various beverages. Also at One Fringe Place are the box office, food trucks, merchandise tent and much more.

Origins of the Rochester Fringe Festival

In 1947, the newly establish Edinburgh International Festival took place in Scotland. Eight theatre groups were denied entry but decided to perform on “the fringe” of the festival. From here, the Fringe was born. The Rochester Fringe is a not-for-profit corporation led by several of Rochester’s cultural institutions, including the George Eastman Museum, Geva Theatre Center and Garth Fagan Dance.

Site-Specific Shows

This year, the Rochester Fringe Festival will be hosting shows that transcend the confines of a traditional performance space. Some of these shows will take place in parking lots and other outdoor venues, while others will be held in the Spiegelgarden.

Take Amtrak to the Rochester Fringe Festival

Experience the Rochester Fringe Festival via Amtrak to Rochester Station in Rochester, NY—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!

Rent a car with Enterprise! Pick up your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car right at the Rochester Station. Click here to reserve your car or call the Rochester office today at 585-423-2220.