For twelve days in September, Rochester is captivated by an explosion of performance in the city center. The ESL Rochester Fringe Festival brings an electric thrum for patrons of the arts. Despite Fringe-style theater being a worldwide institution, there’s something about Rochester’s Fringe that feels special. It’s not just our hometown pride—Rochester holds one of the most attended Fringe festivals in the country.
“We’re the only Fringe in the world bringing in large-scale spectacle entertainment,” shares Erica Fee, producer, “Most people don’t even realize how rare that is.”
This year the spectacle is bigger and better than ever, including outdoor aerial acrobatics, internationally acclaimed performance art, and everyone’s favorite silent disco. You’ve scanned the directory, found your favorite performances, and are ready to plan your week—dare I ask if you’ve prepared for the most important part?
What will you wear?
The great thing is there’s no wrong answer. No strict dress codes exist, but people tend to dress to match the vibe of the event they’re attending. Whether it’s Fringe hoodies or sequins, everyone finds their way of showing up. Rochester Fringe features a unique bifurcated model: Some shows are booked by the Fringe team, others by individual venues. This allows for accessible outdoor shows and big headliners that draw out folks from the fringes (pun intended) of the suburbs. People serve looks as they run from show to show or even just linger around One Fringe Place to enjoy the ambiance and dramatic atmosphere.
By the way, Fringe isn’t just about nightlife! During the day there are street performances, food trucks, and fun for the whole family. Kids day is Saturday, September 20 for themed activities. Daytime Fringe fashion can range based on your comfort level or, perhaps, stubborn tenacity. If you plan on running from show to show all day, comfortable shoes and utilitarian clothing might be your best option. Cool sneakers and sporty shorts can be punched up with a unique shirt and accessories—perhaps Fringe merch or an inside joke from your favorite performer. Les Kif-Kif, identical twin sisters and circus performers from Canada, provide an excellent excuse to curate a clown-casual look for daytime exploring. Fringe Street Beat returns to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park at Manhattan Square on Saturday, September 20 and will welcome street style and skate culture looks while you watch the best dancers battle it out with live DJ ha-MEEN.
Fringe is a great time to experiment with your hair and makeup, too. Worst case scenario, you might look like a performer playing to the cheap seats. Remember that September weather in Rochester will be unpredictable, so setting spray and hair gel will be your best friends. Pack layers in a statement tote bag to keep yourself comfortable if the weather turns.
Fit checks
Be you an influencer or someone who posts an occasional Instagram carousel, Fringe offers cool photo ops for everyone.
“People walk into the Spiegeltent and say, ‘I don’t feel like I’m in Rochester anymore,’” says Fee. The crown jewel of Rochester Fringe, Rochester was the first North American Fringe to rent a Spiegeltent, and now owns it. Descendant of the historic traveling mirror tent, our Spiegeltent is home to some of the most dramatic performances of Fringe. The mirrors inside the tent offer a unique opportunity for mirror selfies or atmospheric outfit pics. Dress to match your performance or pull out your favorite outfit for a chance to take aesthetic shots for your socials in a one-of-a-kind historic venue. Fee tells me that Spiegeltents became popular because you could flirt with fellow audience members in the mirrors without making direct eye contact. That sounds like a good reason to dress up to me!
Still looking for photo ops? Submergence, an experiential artistic exhibition by UK’s Squidsoup, is a magical walk through suspended lights. It’s giving Yayoi Kusama, which you might recognize as an extremely coveted selfie opportunity.
Other venues and about town
“I wore activewear on the first day, and then I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’ve got to step it up!’” says Searnie Knight, Fringe social media manager.
Much like New York Fashion Week, some of the best looks are served on the street, running from venue to venue. Check the details for the venue of your performance before packing your bag for the night. If you’re seeing headliner Chelsea Handler at Kodak Hall, you might want to check on the bag policy for that event. Outside food and drink is not allowed in the Spiegeltent and most venues, so leave your big water bottle at home. Food and drink is available throughout the festival. Most food trucks and the Theatre Bar take credit cards. Feel free to put your important cards in your pockets and keep your hands free for audience participation or thunderous applause.
Silent Disco
One of the most anticipated elements of Rochester Fringe is the annual Silent Disco. You can customize your outfit, just like you customize your music in the tent. This is the time to go all out: neon, sparkles, perhaps some body glitter if you’re feeling fancy. One warning—the Spiegeltent flooring can cause some problems for stilettos. Consider chunky heels or platforms instead.
When it comes down to it, there are no rules for fashion at the Fringe. For some that seems simple, and for others that might be a challenge. Stepping out of your comfort zone looks different on all of us, and sometimes the setting dictates the statement. Being the best dressed at Sunday Gospel looks a little different than being best dressed at the Silent Disco. Neither are more valid, as long as you’re going to Fringe. Fee describes Rochester Fringe not as a change of mindset as much as an amplifier. It’s not infusing performance and creativity into a dry and serious city; it’s about turning up the volume on one of our best qualities. Rochester values the bold, so take the time to step out of your shell and enjoy it.
This article originally appeared in the September/October 2025 issue of (585).
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