Rochester Fringe

ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL

Since its debut in 2012, the Rochester Fringe Festival has become one of the most successful fringe festivals in the U.S., attracting more than 89,000 attendees in 2024. This multi-arts festival now boasts over 650 performances – more than a third of which are free – in 30+ venues in and around downtown Rochester, NY. Celebrating and inspiring creativity, the Fringe – which is partially curated by the festival and partially by festival venues – includes everything from theatre, music, comedy and dance, to children’s entertainment, spoken word, visual arts and so. much. more.

ROCHESTER FRINGE WEBSITE

Festival Overview

Type of Festival

The Rochester Fringe Festival takes place in and around Rochester’s East End in a variety of venues with a growing extension to some of our favourite hubs. From parked cars to proscenium theaters, truly all of Rochester is a stage! Virtually any environment can be a venue, whether pre-existing or created as a Site Specific work.

About our Audience

Everyone, from the young to the young at heart!

Festival Stats

The Rochester Fringe Festival attracted more than 89,000 attendees in 2024. This multi-arts festival now boasts over 650 performances – more than a third of which are free – in 30+ venues in and around downtown Rochester, NY.

Artist Information

How Artists are Accepted

Application Period. Programed by venues, artists submit shows through a free application portal online at rochesterfringe.com. Applications are generally open in late winter until the start of spring.

Benefits of Applying

We offer a participant pass which enables performers a $5.00 admission to shows before curtain based on seating availability.

Costs and Deals

There is NO application fee for the Rochester Fringe Festival.
There is a one-time Fringe registration/marketing fee that is required. (Please note that the fee is per production and *not* per performance or exhibition.) The maximum that one show can pay for registration is $150.

Tech Information

Tech specifics are provided by each of our venues. While applying you can compare each venue's technical capabilities, fees, and regulations.

Performance Schedule

Two week long festival programmed by the venues. 60 minutes recommended but not enforced. Generally booked on the :00, :15, :30, and :45 minute mark.

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

Rochester Fringe Festival
77 Gibbs St
Rochester, NY 14605

On the southern shore of Lake Ontario, Rochester, New York – once known as the “Flour City” but now called the “Flower City" – is the third largest city in New York State.