Since its inaugural year in 2012, the Rochester Fringe Festival has become one of the fastest-growing and most-attended fringe festivals in the U.S. and the largest multi-arts festival in New York State. The Rochester Fringe Festival is a 12-day, all-out, no-holds-barred, multi-disciplinary visual and performing arts festival, featuring more than 500 shows in downtown Rochester. It showcases a vast variety of theater, comedy, visual arts, family entertainment, music, dance, opera, spoken word, film, and everything in between!
With 12 days filled with a range of events, we've pulled together a guide with what you need to know about the Rochester Fringe Festival this September 13-24, 2022.
Headliners & Major Shows
The Spiegeltent
Originally created as traveling dance halls in the early 1900’s, only a handful of these magical “Mirror Tents” exist in the world today. This beloved piece of history boasts stained glass windows, magical faceted mirrors, a velvet-draped ceiling, VIP booths fit for royalty, and a truly spectacular vintage bar.
Cirque du Fringe: Afterglow - Performances every night!
Silent Disco - September 16-17 & September 23-24
The Flying Españas in Flippin Metal Circus—September 16-17
Experience the fifth and sixth generations of The Flying Españas in an adrenaline-pumping WORLD PREMIERE that fuses feats of daring with death-defying acrobatics and heavy metal. Be awed by the flying trapeze, hear the roar of the massive motorcycle highwire overhead, and witness the epic Wheel of Destiny – all set to a live soundtrack from NYC-based band Mountain Girl. Not your parents’ circus… But they’re keeping it in the family.
Late & Live—September 16-17
From the hive mind of Rochester Fringe comes a brand-new show, hosted by Fringe favorite and physical comedian Mark Gindick. This one-of-a-kind artists’ cabaret show will feature different Rochester Fringe performers both nights – all performing (potentially! raucous!) snippets from their individual shows to offer festival goers a sneak peek of the shows occurring at various venues. Settle in with a libation and get ready for late night gasps, LOLs, and OMGs to remember!
BANDALOOP—September 23-24
A pioneer in vertical dance movement, California's BANDALOOP returns to the Fringe and the 21-story Five Star Plaza after enthralling tens of thousands of spectators in 2012 and 2013. The internationally-renowned company turns the dance floor on its side by seamlessly weaving together dynamic physicality, intricate choreography and the art of climbing.
Guinness World Record Attempt: Largest Juggling Lesson—September 24
Take part in a World Record-Breaking experience! Join us on the top level of the Strong Museum of Play’s brand-new parking garage as we attempt to break the record for Largest-Ever Juggling Lesson, led by juggling instructors Ted Baumhauer and Jeff Peden! This once-in-a lifetime event is intended for everyone from the young to the young-at-heart! Free event, but spots are limited, so register for your free ticket today!
Kids Day—September 24
An entire day of family-friendly events, shows and activities that the entire family can enjoy including Disco Kids, Kids Chalk Art, Pumpkin Painting, and Fringe Street Beat.
Pedestrian Drive-In
Enjoy movies outdoors in the Spiegelgarden! Grab a drink, a snack from a food truck, and experience a one-of-a-kind movie event: classic cult movies on the big screen with personalized audio via our Silent Disco headphones. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Singin’ in the The Rain - September 13
High Society - September 14
Show Boat (1951) - September 15
Cabaret - September 16
Dreamgirls - September 17
An American in Paris - September 18
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie - September 19
Hairspray (2007) - September 20
On the Town - September 21
In the Heights - September 22
Funny Face - September 23
Flashdance - September 23
The Wizard of Oz - September 24
Easter Parade - September 24
The Spiegelgarden
Adjacent to the Spiegeltent, the Spiegelgarden is the #1 place to find rest, relaxation, food and drinks, and friends during the Fringe. A gorgeous, green haven in the middle of downtown Rochester, this pop-up garden features urban landscaping, eclectic lounge furniture, giant games, outdoor art, and supreme comfort.
It is the location of the Theatre Bar and site-specific shows and events, a trivia challenge, outdoor movies under the stars, and more.
Tickets & Box Office
You can purchase tickets online, by phone, or in person at Fringe venues or the Fringe Box Office.
Visitor Information
Accessibility
The Fringe has partnered with the Mary Cariola Center to provide current accessibility assessments for all venues. Details, including ASL interpreted shows and progress updates, are available here.
Accommodations
Stay at the center of Fringe at the Hyatt Regency Rochester. View exclusive Fringe hotel partners here.
Box Office & Info Booth
The Fringe Box Office & Info Booth is located at One Fringe Place (across from Eastman Theatre, corner of Main Street and Gibbs Street). It will be open daily starting September 9.
Cash or Credit?
All Fringe venues, bars, and food trucks, as well as the Fringe Box Office and Fringe Store, accept cash, credit, and debit cards.
Fringe Store
Limited edition merchandise and collectibles are available at the Fringe Store.
Lost & Found
Anything turned into the Fringe will be held at the Fringe office until the end of the festival. Contact the Fringe team at info@rochesterfringe.com or stop by the Box Office & Info Booth.
Parking
Rochester Fringe takes place within the heart of downtown Rochester's art and culture district—the East End. Most venues are within walking distance of one another, which allows for one-time parking in one of the many parking lots and garages within the area.
Bike Parking
The Fringe Festival is an ideal venue for those traveling by bike. Rochester's East Avenue is filled with bike racks and loops near the heart of the festival.
Venues
Click here to view a full list of event venues.
Food & Drinks
The Fringe Fest will have a rotating lineup of local food trucks and bars will be located at Parcel 5, Gibbs Street, Spiegelgarden, and Spiegeltent. A full list of neighborhood venues that will be offering food and drink, as well as top local restaurants opening during Fringe can be found here.
For more information on the Rochester Fringe Festival, visit RochesterFringe.com. And, don't forget to share your photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #VisitROC and #rocfringe22.
