What's Happening in Downtown Rochester this August! | |
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Apply by September 1st
Rochesterdowntown.com/outdoordecor
Now accepting applications! The Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC) invites downtown businesses and property owners to apply for one-time grants of up to $5,000 to assist with public-facing outdoor décor visible from the exterior of their property. Funding can support planters, lighting, outdoor seating, seasonal decorations, and more! Must meet eligibility criteria. Please note: applicants are responsible for obtaining any required permitting. View the City of Rochester's permitting site here.
Find details and apply at rochesterdowntown.com/outdoordecor.
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Through August 2nd
5 PM - 11 PM
Parcel 5
The Puerto Rican Festival is a vibrant fusion of live music, cultural performances, dance, and authentic cuisine. It’s a celebration of heritage and community, where tradition and modern influences come together to create an unforgettable experience—honoring Puerto Rican culture, unity, and pride.
Parking: Midtown Garage, Metered On-Street Parking (Free on Weekends)
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Presented by Geva Theatre
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Last Chance!
August 1st - 3rd
Geva Theatre
Don't miss out on this toe-tapping, heartwarming celebration of one of country music’s most legendary voices! Always…Patsy Cline brings the iconic singer’s hits to life in a heartfelt musical packed with humor, friendship, nostalgia, and unforgettable music.
Showtimes:
Friday, 8/1, 8 PM
Saturday, 8/2, 3 PM & 8 PM
Sunday, 8/3, 2 PM
Parking: Parking at Geva
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August 1st - 3rd
The Little Theatre
CatVideoFest is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. CatVideoFest raises money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters to best serve cats in the area.
Showtimes:
Friday, 8/1, 4 PM & 7 PM
Saturday, 8/2, 12 PM & 3 PM
Sunday, 8/3, 4 PM & 7 PM
Parking: Parking at The Little Theatre
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at Washington Square Park
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Every Friday through August 22nd
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Washington Square Park
Ease into the weekend with Food Truck Fridays in Washington Square—a new lunchtime series in the heart of downtown! Enjoy a rotating selection of local food trucks, lawn games, and live music curated by Local Sound Collaborative, all set in the leafy, green oasis of Washington Square Park.
Parking: Parking at Washington Square Park
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Saturday, August 2nd
7 PM - 9 PM
The Daily Refresher
Enjoy an evening of muisClaudia will be performing in The Daily Refresher's backyard patio, weather permitting. Her custom whiskey will be available for purchase.
Parking: On-Street Parking Along Alexander St. and Surrounding Streets (Free on Weekends)
| | | | Traverse the scenic waterways of Rochester, New York with our Genesee River & Erie Canal boat tours that are guaranteed to make unforgettable memories with family and friends. You will learn about the natural and manmade waterways that placed Rochester on the world map for industry, technology, and agriculture. | |
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Live Music Sunset Cruise
Every Friday in August, 6 PM - 8 PM
Riverie
Enjoy live music from local artists while you cruise around the Genesee River, and take in stunning views of Rochester’s skyline as the sun sets. Schedule as follows:
8/1 Kara Fink
8/8 Nick LeDuc
8/15 Absolute Maybe
8/22 Third Degree Unplugged
8/29 Indigo Bunting
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Additional Riverie Cruises in July:
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Every Sunday in August
10 AM - 4 PM
The Grove
The Lucky Flea is a weekly vintage market hosted within The Grove (266 E Broad Street) located right in the heart of downtown Rochester. The Flea is a space for local creatives, collectors and vintage curators to gather and sell while connecting with their local customers every week.
Parking: The Lucky Flea Parking
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Every Sunday in August
10 AM - 4 PM
Innovation Square
Set against the backdrop of Rochester's vibrant culture, this market offers an eclectic mix of local music, captivating performances, dynamic dance showcases, and so much more. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out, there's something here for everyone to enjoy.
Parking: Innovation Square Parking
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Downtown Restaurant Tours
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Every Tuesday & Wednesday in August
By Reservation Only - 5:30 PM
Meeting Location: Max of Eastman Place
The After Hours food tour is a relaxing evening featuring three inviting and enjoyable establishments. At your first two stops, you will be served a selection of appetizers and specially crafted cocktails by some of Rochester's best chefs and bartenders. Your third stop will feature an entree and dessert with a paired wine or cocktail as the grand finale for your evening. Reserve your spot here.
Tasting Stops Include:
Tuesdays: Lila's in the Lobby, Native & Max of Eastman Place
Wednesdays: Max of Eastman Place, Native & Capri
Parking: East End Garage
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Wednesday, August 6th
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Parcel 5
Midday Bash is the perfect option for those looking for a quick and delicious meal during the week in downtown Rochester. Foodies can enjoy a variety of local food trucks, while also relaxing in massage chairs, enjoying musical entertainment, games, giveaways, and more.
Parking: Parking at Parcel 5
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at Washington Square Park
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Every Wednesday through August 20th
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Washington Square Park
Get moving downtown with this FREE outdoor fitness series featuring weekly workouts led by instructors from Vault Rochester, in a beautiful downtown park setting. Each week features a different workout, from yoga flows to high-energy bodyweight bootcamps to total-body sculpting sessions.
Registration is recommended, but not required.
Parking: Parking at Washington Square Park
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Wednesday, August 6th
6 PM - 7:30 PM
Central Library
Both Rochester's logo and the nicknames it features—Flour City and Flower City—evoke the two major industries that fueled the city’s early development. However, this tour explores the lesser known local industries and inventions that helped put Rochester on the map. Registration is recommended, but not required.
Parking: Parking at the Central Library
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Thursday, August 7th
12:10 PM
High Falls
This free lunch hour summer concert series in the city’s High Falls District features the sounds of local band, A Girl Named Genny. Hochstein at High Falls concerts begin at 12:10 PM on Thursday afternoons in the outer parking lot at 4 Commercial Street, corner of Browns Race.
Parking: Parking at High Falls Garage
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at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park
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Hosted by the City of Rochester, the 2025 Party in the Park concert series presents a wide range of music including blues, funk, rock, reggae, and classic rock attracting devoted music fans and families to come out and enjoy the beautiful summer season.
Parking: Parking at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park
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Thursday, August 7th
5:30 PM
The Little Theatre
This event honors the work of urban, suburban, and rural teen filmmakers and provides young people an authentic opportunity to participate in a real film festival. This event is FREE to the public.
Parking: Parking at The Little Theatre
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at East Ave & Alexander Street
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Friday, August 8th
5 PM - 8 PM
East Avenue & Alexander Street
The East & Alex Association is bringing back the East & Alex Summer Busking Series, a celebration of local music, street performance, and neighborhood culture. Live performances will take place from 5 PM - 8 PM along East Avenue, Alexander Street, and Lawrence Street.
Parking: Metered On-Street Parking (Free after 6 PM)
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at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park
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Saturday, August 9th
Parade: 11 AM, Festival: 1 PM - 9 PM
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park
The Rochester West Indian Festival Organization presents the 39th annual Carifest. The parade will make its way through downtown Rochester, NY, starting at W Main St and Plymouth Ave, followed by the festival at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park.
Parking: Washington Square Garage
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Saturday, August 9th
1 PM - 9 PM
Innovative Field
For three decades, the Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival
has been a soundtrack to our summers and a celebration of community, culture, and connection. This year’s festival is headlined by the legendary Jeffrey Osborne, with featured performances by Dave Hollister, Sunshine Anderson, Sky Whatley, Negus iRap, Erin and Ross, Garth Fagan Dance, and DJ Dana. Purchase tickets here.
Parking: Innovative Field Parking Info
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at The Strong National Museum of Play
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Thursday, August 14th
5:30 - 9:30 PM
The Strong National Museum of Play
Join The Strong on Thursday, August 14, for the adults-only Happiest Hour! Must be 21+. The night includes a cash bar (cash and credit accepted), music by DJ Naps from BreakThrough Entertainment, cotton candy from Sugary Delights, access to the entire museum & the National Toy Hall of Fame Lookalike Contest! Purchase tickets here.
Parking: Parking at The Strong Museum
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Thursday, August 14th
6 PM - 7:30 PM
Central Library
The Erie Canal, which celebrates its bicentennial this year, was instrumental in establishing Rochester as one of America’s first boomtowns. Join The Central Library for an approximately 1-mile-long tour along the Erie Canal’s former route downtown. The tour details the canal’s rise and decline and showcases the many ways in which the waterway transformed the Rochester community.
Parking: Parking at the Central Library
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at The Penthouse at One East Avenue
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Sunday, August 17th
3 PM - 5 PM
The Penthouse at One East Avenue
Get ready for a fabulous afternoon of fun and philanthropy at the Drag Bingo Fundraiser hosted by the fabulous Mrs. Kasha Davis and Carmen Adore! This family-friendly event will feature exciting rounds of bingo with a drag twist, and all proceeds will benefit the Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester. Purchase tickets here.
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Tuesday, August 19th
7 PM
Abilene Bar & Lounge
Started by Chris English & Herb Heins in the early 2000’s, the RCPJ became the premiere ‘go to’ musicians mixer. This special edition show at Abilene will celebrate the local music scene and all who have dedicated themselves to making Rochester a first class music town.
Parking: Abilene Parking Lot (Right Side of Building)
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at Center City Terrace & Lounge
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Wednesday, August 20th
5 PM - 8 PM
Center City Terrace
Join Center City Terrace & Lounge for a night of live music by Dave Turner and delicious food off the grill. Bring your friends for corn hole, darts, and good vibes with a great view of downtown Rochester. No cover charge.
Parking: Hyatt Regency Parking Information
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Thursday, August 21st
5 PM - 7 PM
Austin Steward Plaza
Trade the desk for a drink at Sunset Sips, an after-work gathering with live music, drink tastings, and casual socializing along the banks of the Genesee River. With a simple mix of good music, good drinks, and good company, Sunset Sips offers a midweek break worth making time for.
Parking: Parking at Austin Steward Plaza
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Friday, August 22nd
5:30 PM
Parcel 5
Riders will gather at Genesee Valley Park Sports Complex and depart promptly at 5 PM sharp for a group bike ride through Rochester, advocating for safe cycling infrastructure throughout Monroe County. At 5:30 PM, participants will convene at Parcel 5, for a rally calling on New York State to build clean, protected bike lanes on state‑maintained roads, promote “complete streets” policies, and ensure safe connectivity across municipalities.
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Saturday, August 23rd
7 PM - 8:30 PM
The Focus Theater
Join in the fun with a night of high-energy improv games and audience participation! Tune in for a night of improvisers set to “inspire, engage, educate, and inform” you in the most absurdly hysterical ways. Purchase tickets here.
Parking: Parking at The Focus Theater
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Sunday, August 24th
10 AM - 4 PM
Parcel 5
Rochester VegFest returns for a full day of plant-powered celebration, showcasing the best in vegan food, ethical living, and sustainable practices. This free outdoor festival features a lively mix of food and retail vendors, engaging speakers, cooking demos, live music, family-friendly activities, and community resources.
Parking: Midtown Garage, On-Street Parking (Free on Weekends)
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Friday, August 29th
7 PM
Parcel 5
Step right up... and into the spellbinding imagination of a man who set out to reveal that life itself can be the most thrilling show of all. This free event showing of "The Greatest Showman" kicks off at 7 PM with pre-movie fun and games, followed by this fan-voted film shown on a giant outdoor screen.
Parking: Parking at Parcel 5
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Saturday, August 30th
8 PM
Montage Music Hall
Ready for an unforgettable night of music, lights, and vibrant energy? Dance to your favorite tunes with wireless headphones, allowing you to choose from multiple channels at any time while enjoying the electrifying atmosphere.
Parking: Parking at Montage Music Hall
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