#United States #Rochester #Rochester Circus #Fringe Festival #ESL Rochester

Downtown Rochester Transforms into a Circus Wonderland

The vibrant streets of Rochester, New York, are set to come alive as the 2026 ESL Rochester Fringe Festival kicks off a spectacular new event titled CIRCUS IN THE CITY. For the first time, the festival will showcase a large-scale outdoor circus event, turning downtown into a mini version of Montreal, the renowned circus capital of the world. This fantastic transformation will take place on September 18 and 19, from 5 PM to 10 PM at Parcel 5 and 5 PM to 9 PM on Gibbs Street, and best of all, it's completely free for the public!

Organizers are ecstatic to launch this innovative event, which promises to enchant audiences with extraordinary performances from eight contemporary circus companies. Noteworthy performers include the acclaimed Flip Fabrique from Quebec and the Chicago-based Aloft Circus Arts, among others. With a range of acts from various backgrounds and styles, this festival will be a remarkable display of talent, skill, and creativity.

Erica Fee, the CEO of the nonprofit festival organization, expressed her excitement: "People will be amazed at what these contemporary circus artists are creating and performing at Fringe. It’s daring, thrilling, and incredibly skilled." This excitement is palpable as organizations like Empire State Development and the I LOVE NY campaign lend their support to maximize the festival's impact.

The Rochester Fringe Festival, praised for its bold public programming, boasts the unique distinction of being the only festival worldwide that offers such extensive free programming. This aspect significantly enriches the cultural fabric of downtown Rochester, drawing in hundreds of people eager to witness stunning performances.

What to Expect at CIRCUS IN THE CITY

During its two-day run, CIRCUS IN THE CITY will showcase an array of extraordinary performances, including:

• - FLOTSAM & JETSAM by the Big Teeth Collective, featuring a duo trapeze act on an outdoor rig
• - SUMMER BREAK by Flip Fabrique, where six skilled artists create intricate structures using ladders
• - THE PIECES by Aloft highlighting acrobatics involving built structures
• - 3AM Theatre, known for its captivating combinations of hand balancing, contortion, and original music
• - Circus EVO will be showcasing a Chinese pole performance complemented by live musical accompaniment
• - Pop-up performances by the renowned dance group Versa Style, showcasing high-energy dance styles

Performances are scheduled for both days, allowing festival-goers ample opportunity to experience the astonishing feats of these circus artists. Local performances from Roc City Circus, the Rochester Juggling Club, and FreezeFrame! will further enhance the exciting atmosphere of the event.

Fringe Festival Overview

Running from September 15 to 26, the Rochester Fringe Festival includes a staggering 715 performances of 297 productions across 45 venues. It's one of the largest and most anticipated festivals in New York State. It has continuously received accolades for its diverse and inclusive programming, making top-notch arts accessible to all.

With its goal to stimulate downtown Rochester economically and culturally, the festival not only showcases local, national, and international talent, but it also attracts tourism. The influx of visitors supports local businesses, including restaurants, theaters, and shops, creating a buzz about the arts in the community.

Attendees can expect to enjoy not only the riveting circus acts but also delicious food from onsite food trucks and popular Fringe bars.

In conclusion, CIRCUS IN THE CITY represents a thrilling addition to the Rochester art scene, inviting everyone to come and enjoy the incredible talents on display in a festive and family-friendly environment. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative weekend, and discover firsthand why Rochester Fringe is celebrated as one of the country’s premier arts festivals!

For further information about the full schedule of events or updates on ticketed shows, passionate art lovers can visit the Rochester Fringe website, or connect via the festival's social media platforms. Make sure to mark your calendars for this exciting event that promises to deliver unforgettable experiences!