The Rochester Fringe Festival is an epic celebration of creativity and the arts in Rochester, New York. Since 2012, this festival has grown into one of the most anticipated cultural events in the region, showcasing an eclectic mix of performances—from comedy and theatre to dance, music, art and everything in between. It’s the type of festival where you’ll see something quirky and unexpected and then find yourself talking about it for weeks afterward.
I love that it allows independent artists to bring their wildest ideas to life alongside more traditional performances. We witnessed some pretty incredible experiences there. You must read on to learn about the Rochester Fringe Festival, which features over 600 performances across more than 30 venues this year.
Rochester plays the perfect host in a city known for its art and creative history for the Rochester Fringe Festival. I went down to check it out and take in a few shows and mind-bending experiences.
Where is Rochester?
Rochester, New York, is a very mindful city on Lake Ontario’s southern shore. Old buildings mix with new architecture almost flawlessly. There isn’t a mismatch of style or colours or patterns on the streets. There’s a flow that’s not rude or distasteful. There isn’t ego in appearances, it’s very nice.
With a population of just over 200,000, it’s the kind of place that blends small-town charm with the big-city amenities. Known for its rich history in photography—thanks to Eastman Kodak—and its solid cultural scene, Rochester is a bit of a hidden gem for travellers looking for something off the beaten path. A creative spirit runs through the city, making it the perfect host for events like the Rochester Fringe Festival. There is art everywhere.
Rochester is about a three-hour drive from Toronto, depending on border traffic and the pitiful traffic of the greater Toronto area. It’s close enough for a weekend getaway, but it feels like you’re entering a new world. The drive is scenic, following along Lake Ontario’s edge and winding through a bit of wine country on the way down. Once you’re in Rochester, there’s a lot to explore beyond just the festival—museums, great food, and some beautiful parks, especially in the fall when the leaves are turning.
What Is The Rochester Fringe Festival?
The Rochester Fringe Festival is where you could wander into a show without knowing what to expect and come out with your mind blown! Over the years, this Fringe Festival has hosted everything from experimental dance pieces to massive outdoor spectacles and intimate, thought-provoking plays. The festival happens every fall, turning Rochester into a buzzing hub for art lovers and creatives. And it’s not just about what’s happening on stage—the energy spills out onto the streets, with pop-up performances and installations throughout the city.
While we were there, we saw exactly that—an experimental dance, a headlining comedian who writes for Saturday Night Live, an inflatable wind tunnel of artwork that absorbs you into the atmosphere, and a local genius who runs intellectual circles around a crowd incorporating periodic table elements, a love story, and code-breaking.
What’s great about the Rochester Fringe is its inclusivity. You don’t have to be a die-hard art connoisseur to appreciate it. The programming is accessible to everyone, from families to solo adventurers, with over 500 performances across dozens of venues. It’s a chance to explore new genres, support local and international talent, and soak in the arts in a welcoming and happening environment. The Rochester Fringe Festival has been going strong for over a decade! After having my first experience there, I hope to return to this art-loving spot year after year.
Why Should I Go To The Rochester Fringe Festival?
So why is the Rochester Fringe Festival worth the drive from Toronto? Or is the drive to Rochester worth it from anywhere else in Ontario? Well, yes, and it’s simple. The Rochester Fringe Festival is a unique experience that lets you see unique performances you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re into theatre, dance, or offbeat street performances, this festival delivers in a big way. Plus, it’s an easy and exciting way to experience Rochester’s creative energy while supporting local and international artists. You’ll leave feeling inspired and refreshed—like you’ve just been a part of something special.
Here’s what we took in at the Festival, and judging by the calibre of what we saw, the shows that the festival will have in store for you up to September 21 will be amazing:
Petals in the Concrete – September 12
In the parking lot of Strange Bird Brewery, in a residential neighbourhood – The Rochester Adult Ballet Company’s modern ballet explores how humans are made up of two sides—the light and the dark, the free and the stuck, the delicate and the unbreakable. The message here is that you can’t fully appreciate love without having felt pain; you need to break down, like concrete, to experience the weightlessness of a petal. When the concrete cracks under life’s pressure, the softness and brightness of the petals are always there to help you find your way back to balance.
Daedalum – Architects of Air – September 12
We stepped inside the Luminarium and were transported to another world! This inflatable artwork is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. With winding tunnels and massive, glowing domes, the space is bathed in colour, light, and sound. Some say it’s like walking through a stained glass window, while others describe it as wandering through a living, breathing creature. It’s surreal, mesmerizing, and unlike anything else—definitely one of those moments where you’ll stop and say, “Wow, this is something else!” The radiance of the daylight transmitted by the coloured parts of the Luminarium is surprising in its luminosity and directly impacts the senses. I found it trippy and illuminating! The ambiance was chill and peaceful.
Colin Jost Show, the Headliner at Rochester Fringe Festival – September 13
Headlining the Rochester Fringe Festival is none other than Scarlett Johansson’s husband, Colin Jost (I’m afraid to say that Ms. Scarlett was not spotted that evening). Colin is a writer, performer, and comedian best known for his work on Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update. With nearly two decades on the show, he’s won five Writers Guild Awards, two Peabody Awards, and been nominated for 14 Emmys. He brought his comedy to the Kodak Hall stage at Eastman Theatre. Relaying some of the realities of daily life with kids, travels, his rejected skits from SNL.
We weren’t allowed to take photos during the performance of of the performer, so this is a ticket for the show with the stage of Kodak Hall behind.
Silent Disco, Spiegeltent Garden – September 13
The Enigmatist: Magic and Puzzles with David Kwong – September 14
Rochester’s very own David Kwong made his Fringe debut, and we did not want to miss this! After sold-out shows at the Kennedy Center and Chicago Shakes, this master magician and New York Times crossword constructor brought his mind-bending puzzles and cryptology to the iconic Spiegeltent (with his parents present in the front row)!
The Los Angeles Times says Kwong “creates a magical sense of togetherness,” while the New York Times calls it “a spin class for the frontal lobe”—we were wowed and challenged. Surprises were guaranteed in this immersive experience! I think of myself as a bit of a trivia hound, but my mental muscles were no match to the genius of David Kwong.
We weren’t allowed to take photos of the performers during the performance, so this is an empty stage, so full of possibilities!
While The Enigmatist show has wrapped for the rest of Fringe, if this level of experience is anything that reflects what else you can experience in the Spiegeltent, crowds are in for a treat! I wish I were going back to catch more shows.
Tickets to all of the Rochester Fringe Festival shows are on the website, which you can find here.
Where to Stay In Rochester
I stayed at the Strathallen – A Double Tree by Hilton Hotel. The Strathallan Hotel in Rochester is a fantastic place to stay if you’re looking for comfort, style, and convenience all in one spot at a very decent price point. As part of the Hilton family, this hotel offers luxurious accommodations with top-notch amenities, including a rooftop bar, a modern fitness center, and spacious rooms to unwind in after a day of exploring. It’s located in the heart of the historic East End, so you’re just steps away from amazing restaurants, museums, and entertainment. The service is excellent, so you’ll feel special throughout your stay.
A one-bedroom suite at The Strathallan Hotel offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. The large suite features a separate living area, giving you plenty of room to relax or entertain. Our room had cozy seating, a work desk, and large windows that filled the space with natural light. We had a balcony to have coffee in the morning or our cocktails in the evening.
The bedroom provided a restful sleep, with a plush king-size bed and premium linens, and the room is quiet. The suite also included a larger bathroom with toiletries, a kitchenette with a wet bar, microwave and fridge for our convenience, and the hotel has complimentary Wi-Fi. It’s an ideal space whether you’re travelling for business or a weekend getaway!
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The Strathallan is perfectly located to get around Rochester with ease. Whether you prefer to walk, drive, or rent an electric scooter (all of which we did), everything is just minutes away. We could quickly and easily stroll to nearby attractions like the Memorial Art Gallery or down to One Fringe Place ourselves.
If driving’s more your style, the hotel offers valet parking, and you’re a quick drive to hotspots like the Strong Museum of Play or Strangebird Brewery. There is also a large parking lot behind the hotel with enough spots for everyone. When we ordered an Uber, we never waited more than 8 minutes for a ride to pick us up. On the other hand, electric scooters and bikes are a fun, eco-friendly way to zip around and see more of the city up to a speed of 15 miles an hour!
If you want to read all about the 10+ Best Places to Play, Eat and Drink, including distillery tours (hello, Black Button Distillery!), be sure to read on here!
However, if you decide to see Rochester and take in the Rochester Fringe Festival, you’re in for a GREAT time! No plans this weekend? Think about taking in the Fringe Festival!
Ultimately, the Rochester Fringe Festival is more than just a celebration of the arts—it’s an experience that immerses you in creativity and inspiration. Set against the backdrop of Rochester, the festival really does offer something for everyone. Whether you’re into avant-garde performances or family-friendly fun, Rochester’s charm and the festival’s diverse lineup make for an unforgettable trip. It’s the perfect place to explore, be entertained, and feel creatively recharged.
We were hosted by Vist Rochester and asked to produce this blog post for our stay. It was my first visit to Rochester, and I enjoyed myself and the Fringe Festival greatly. We will go back!
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