Rochester Fringe Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup With 250+ Shows, Chelsea Handler Headliner

The 2025 Rochester Fringe Festival, New York State's largest multidisciplinary arts event, will run from September 9 to 20, featuring over 250 unique shows and 650 performances across more than 30 venues in downtown Rochester. Headlining the festival is comedian and TV host Chelsea Handler, with a diverse lineup that includes aerial acrobatics by Italy's eVenti Verticali in the signature SPHERE performance, the poetic outdoor piece TRACES exploring collective memory, and immersive experiences like Cirque du Fringe: Claws Out and Submergence. The festival emphasizes accessibility and inclusion through partnerships with local disability organizations. Many events are free, and tickets for ticketed performances start at $15, available both online and at the festival box office near the Eastman Theatre. This year’s festival also offers family-friendly activities, street competitions, and a variety of genres including comedy, music, dance, and children’s entertainment. The festival aims to create a vibrant, inclusive cultural experience that enriches the Rochester community.