The First Niagara Rochester Fringe Festival will expand for its second run in Rochester. The dates for the 2013 festival are September 19 to September 28, expanding from a five-day festival to a 10-day showcase spanning two weekends. | "We more than doubled our estimated audience in our debut year," says Fringe Fest producer Erica Fee. "We were hoping for 15,000 and at least 33,000 came." | Highlights from last year's festival included the aerial troupe Bandaloop performing on the side of the 21-story HSBC Plaza, and performances by the Harlem Gospel Choir and comedian Patton Oswalt. There were more than 180 performances, a mix of local and national acts, of 120 productions in 22 venues. The performances covered visual art, theater, dance, comedy, magic shows, film, music, and family friendly fare. | This year's festival will, again, make use of approximately 20 venues in downtown Rochester. More details, including headliners and a complete schedule, will be announced at a later date. | For those looking to participate in the festival, performance applications will open up on February 11 and be accepted on a rolling basis until April 12. Information: rochesterfringe.com/performers/how-to-apply