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What's Happening in Downtown Rochester this January!

January Giallo

at The Little

Select Dates

The Little Theatre


Sharpen your razor and slip on your black gloves as The Little celebrates this classic crime and mystery horror sub-genre. “Giallo” refers to a style of Italian-produced mystery-thriller films which rose to popularity in the 60s and 70s. January Giallo is co-presented by Cinematic Void and Anomaly – The Rochester Genre Film Festival.


Parking: The Little Theatre Parking Information

Ice Skating

at MLK Jr. Park

Daily Skating

The Rink at MLK Jr. Park


Glide into winter fun at the MLK Jr. Park Ice Rink, open for public skating throughout January. Located in the heart of downtown Rochester, this outdoor rink offers a magical skating experience for all ages. Bundle up, lace up your skates, and enjoy a classic winter activity under the open sky!


Parking: On-Street (Free after 6 PM and Weekends), Washington Square Garage

Rochester Americans

at Blue Cross Arena

Games All Month Long

Blue Cross Arena


Get ready for exciting Amerks Hockey action at the Blue Cross Arena! Catch thrilling matchups, cheer on your favorite players, and enjoy the electric atmosphere right in downtown Rochester. Don't miss the chance to be part of the fun—grab your tickets today!


Parking: Blue Cross Arena Parking Info

6x6 Art Making

at Rochester Contemporary Art Center

Friday, Jan. 3

6 - 9 PM

RoCo


Join Rochester Contemporary Art Center for their first 6x6 art-making event of 2025! On First Friday, local artists Luda Begley and Joan Margaret will each lead activities to help you make an artwork for 6x6. Each artist will lead two sessions, which will begin at 6:00pm and 7:30pm. Learn more: rochestercontemporary.org


Parking: On-Street (Free after 6 PM), East End Garage

Alumni Orchestra Concert

at The Hochstein School

Friday, Jan. 3

8 PM - 9 PM

The Hochstein School


More than 40 former Hochstein students return to present a free orchestral concert directed by Evan Meccarello and featuring music by Borodin and Skoryk.


Parking: Hochstein Parking Information

Disney On Ice

at The Blue Cross Arena

Through Jan. 5

Blue Cross Arena


Join Mickey Mouse and his friends at Disney On Ice presents Mickeys Search Party, an adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts! Disney On Ice runs through January 5th at the Blue Cross Arena, don't miss this family friendly spectacular!


Parking: Blue Cross Arena Parking Info

Tuesday Topics: Art of the Book and Paper

at The Central Library

Tuesday, Jan. 7

12 PM - 1 PM

Kate Gleason Auditorium, Central Library


Join the Library on Tuesday, January 7 for a talk about Central Library’s signature juried Art of the Book & Paper exhibit. Initially held in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Rochester Public Library in 2011, the show now includes work from all over the world.


Parking: Central Library Parking Info

Jurassic Quest

at The Rochester Riverside Convention Center

Friday, Jan. 10 - Sunday, Jan. 12

Riverside Convention Center


Experience the age of dinosaurs at Jurassic Quest, coming to the Rochester Riverside Convention Center from January 10–12, 2025. This family-friendly event features life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities like fossil digs. Perfect for dino enthusiasts of all ages, Jurassic Quest offers a prehistoric adventure you won’t want to miss!


Parking: Convention Center Parking Information

Nina Simone: Four Women

at Geva Theatre

Various Showtimes, Jan. 14 — Feb. 9

Geva Theatre Center



Celebrate the legacy of an icon at Nina Simone: Four Women, playing at Geva Theatre Center from January 14–February 9, 2025. This powerful drama weaves Simone's music and activism into a compelling story of identity, resilience, and the fight for justice. Don’t miss this unforgettable production that brings the spirit and soul of Nina Simone to life.


Parking: Geva Theatre Parking Info

SCOOBY-DOO! Mansion Mayhem Exhibit Opening

at The Strong Museum

Saturday, Jan. 18

11 AM - 3 PM

The Strong Museum


Uncover mysteries and join the fun at the SCOOBY-DOO! Mansion Mayhem exhibit opening at The Strong. Step into the world of Scooby-Doo with interactive adventures, puzzling challenges, and spooky surprises for the whole family. Plus, enjoy a special puppy meet-and-greet that will delight all ages. Don’t miss the chance to solve the mystery and make unforgettable memories with the gang!


Parking: Strong Museum Garage

The Official Onesie Bar Crawl

in The East End

Saturday, Jan. 18

4 PM - Midnight

Temple Bar & Grille


Get cozy and join the fun at the Official Onesie Bar Crawl in downtown's East End! Explore some of the city’s best bars in your favorite onesie while enjoying exclusive drink specials, festive vibes, and a lively crowd. Grab your friends and your comfiest outfit for a unique night out filled with drinks, laughter, and great memories!

Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay

at The Temple Theater

Friday, Jan. 24

7 PM

Temple Theater


Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Rochester. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay at Temple Theater under the gentle glow of candlelight.


Parking: On-Street (Free after 6 PM), St. Joe's Garage

Donna the Buffalo

at The Theater at Innovation Square

Friday, Jan. 31

Doors at 7 PM

Theater at Innovation Square


Donna The Buffalo is not just a band, rather one might say that Donna The Buffalo has become a lifestyle for its members and audiences. Since 1989, the roots rockers have played thousands of shows and countless festivals including Bonnaroo, Newport Folk Festival, Telluride, Austin City Limits Festival, Merle Fest, and Philadelphia Folk Festival.


Parking: Theater at Innovation Square Parking Info

More Events This January

Around Downtown

Live Music: Little Theatre Cafe

Various Dates


First Friday Rochester: Various Locations

January 3rd


Metal Night Rochester: Montage Music Hall

January 3rd


Gayme Night: Dice Versa

January 8th


Free Tasting Night: Red White & Brew

January 10th


Twilight Movie and Craft Night: The Little Theatre

January 10th


Upstate Indie Weddings' Engagement Party: Farmhouse Table Midtown

January 18th

@DowntownRochesterNY

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