Rochester Queer Arts Festival returns Oct. 10

The Rochester Queer Arts Festival returns this weekend for its third year. Presented by Rochester-based production company Drag Me to the Stage, the festival is led by co-owners Tim Evanicki, Ed Popil and Steven Levins. Popil performs as Mrs. Kasha Davis and appeared on "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 7

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What is the story about?

The Rochester Queer Arts Festival returns this weekend for its third year.

Presented by Rochester-based production company Drag Me to the Stage, the festival is led by co-owners Tim Evanicki, Ed Popil and Steven Levins. Popil performs as Mrs. Kasha Davis and appeared on "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 7 and "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" Season 8.

The free festival features art, music, theater, comedy, food and other programming from LGBTQIA+ artists and performers.

“Rochester’s arts legacy is rich, vibrant, and inseparable from its LGBTQIA+ community,” Mrs. Kasha Davis said in a statement. “By lifting up queer creators—who have long lifted the city’s cultural scene—we’re honoring that history while inviting the next generation to shine.”

The festival

will kick off at 10:30a.m. Oct. 10 with opening ceremonies, featuring remarks from elected officials and the presentation of the Timothy O. Mains Award presented to this year’s recipient, Thomas Warfield.

Thomas Warfield accepts an award for his uncle, William Warfield, at the Rochester Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Kodak Hall in Eastman Theatre on Sunday, April 26, 2015.

What to know about Rochester Queer Arts Festival 2026

This year, the festival will expand throughout the Village Gate property, including the Atrium, entrance hall, outdoor courtyard and festival tents in the parking lot.

Festivalgoers will can use the official festival app to explore the performances, vendors, stage locations, and more. Food vendors will be located in the outdoor courtyard. Participating food and beverage offerings will include:

Festival food vendors will be concentrated in the outdoor courtyard sponsored by City News Paper, WXXI and The Little Theatre, creating a dedicated area where guests can grab a bite, enjoy drinks, and take in the festival atmosphere. Some participating food and beverage offerings will include:

Kinfolk Smokehouse & Brisket
The Gate House
Salena’s Mexican Restaurant
The Grill Cheese Factory
Roc City Snack Shack

There will be three stages for performances, offering a variety of comedy, music, and theater. Local musicians including, Rochester Philharmonic’s Jazz Trio, Flower City Pride Band, Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus will be performing.

One of the festival stages will be for attendees 18+ and feature a fashion show, burlesque performances and more vendors.

The festival will be located at 247 N. Goodman St. and is free to the public.

—Genae Shields is the Business and Development Impact Reporter, working on mobility stories that focus on how people get around Rochester. As a member of the local community, Genae enjoys learning about emerging businesses and changes that impact Rochester's BIPOC and LGBTQ neighborhoods. She also enjoys supporting local artists and nonprofit organizations. Reach out at gshields@usatodayco.com or on Instagram:@genaebriphoto for questions, comments, or concerns. Thank you for your continued support!

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester Queer Arts Festival returns Oct. 10