What's Happening in Downtown Rochester this September! | |
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Apply by September 15th
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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Downtown Restaurant Tours
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Every Tuesday & Wednesday in September
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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Every Tuesday in September
7 - 9 PM
Dice Versa
Join Dice Versa every Tuesday for trivia night! The national leader in trivia (Geeks Who Drink) sends their local MC to Dice Versa to lead 2 hours of mind boggling trivia. Bring a group of friends to compete for special prizes and make the most out of your Tuesday nights.
Parking: Midtown Garage, On-treet Parking (Free after 6 PM)
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Local History Walking Tours
with the Central Library
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Washington Square Neighborhood
Wednesday, September 3, 5 - 6:30 PM
Central Library
Washington Square is one of the oldest neighborhoods on Rochester’s east side. Here, one finds echoes of Rochester’s early years as a milling village, its Erie Canal boomtown days, and its rise as a site of technological innovation. Meet on the north side of the Rundel Memorial Building for this .83 mile tour. Registration is recommended, but not required.
Parking: Parking at the Central Library
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Saturday, September 6
12 - 3 PM
Parcel 5
Head to Parcel 5 for a fun-filled family event featuring interactive games, inflatables, food trucks, concessions, vendors, resource booths, and an epic 3-on-3 basketball tournament! A day of community, connection, and fun for all ages — don’t miss it!
Parking: Midtown Garage, On-Street Parking (Free on Weekends)
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with The Landmark Society
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Saturday, September 6 & Sunday, September 7
12 - 5 PM
Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Downtown
This year’s Inside Downtown Tour will take place for a full weekend, opening up urban environments where people live, work, and play. The tour will highlight spaces across downtown, from the Museum of Play to Geva Theatre, and local bars and restaurants for event specials and an introduction to new go-to spots.
Parking: Parking at Hampton Inn & Suites
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Saturday, September 6
7 PM - 8:15 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 Vivaldi's Four Seasons and More at Temple Theater under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Parking: On-Street Parking (Free on WeekendsM)
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Every Sunday in September
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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Every Sunday in September
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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Presented by Geva Theatre
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Opening Night: September 9
September 9 - October 12
Geva Theatre
An uproarious comedy that is sure to have everyone in stitches by the end of the show, including the intrepid thespians of the Cornley Drama Society! This co-production with Indiana Repertory Theatre features exciting and hilarious antics on stage that you won’t soon forget.
Parking: Parking at Geva
| | | | Rochester Fringe Festival will celebrate its 14th festival from September 9 - 20 with the spirit of creativity on full display. Join the Rochester Fringe Festival in and around Rochester for comedy, theatre, dance, music, film, and whatever else you can imagine—and so much more! Find a show here. | |
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Cirque du Fringe: Claws Out
September 9 - 20
Spiegeltent
Step into an unforgettable night of world-class talent, jaw-dropping performances, and dazzling entertainment. Don’t miss the world premiere of this must-see spectacle at the Fringe. Purchase tickets here.
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Submergence
September 9 - 20
Spiegelgarden
Submergence is a large, immersive, walk-through experience of light by the U.K.’s art collective Squidsoup, pioneers in the use of light, sound, and technology. Dynamic, three-dimensional movements create a swirling, sensory experience.
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Pedestrian Drive-In
September 9 - 20
Spiegelgarden
Grab a drink, a snack from a food truck, and experience a one-of-a-kind film event: outdoor movies on the big screen with personalized audio via Silent Disco headphones. Seating is first-come, first-served. This is a free, non-ticketed event.
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SPHERE by eVenti Verticali
Friday, 9/19 & Saturday, 9/20, 7 PM & 9 PM
Parcel 5
SPHERE, a spectacle of and about our miraculous planet, will stun downtown Rochester! This is a free, non-ticketed event.
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September 9 - 14
Innovative Field
Join the Rochester Red Wings for their final games of the season! With special nights including Cocos Locos de Rochester, Deaf Culture Night, and Fan Appreciation Weekend, there’s no better time to cheer on the team one last time.
Parking: Parking at Innovative Field
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Wednesday, September 10
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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Thursday, September 11
5 PM - 7 PM
Austin Steward Plaza
NEW: Paint, Sip, and Unwind at Sunset Sips! The first 40 registrants will take part in a FREE guided painting class, creating their own 8"x10" autumn-inspired canvas by the water. Reserve your spot here!
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. It’s a relaxed way to wind down the day, enjoy a variety of beverages, and spend time with friends or colleagues in a comfortable outdoor setting.
Parking: Parking at Austin Steward Plaza
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at East Ave & Alexander Street
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Friday, September 12
5 PM - 8 PM
East Avenue & Alexander Street
Join the East & Alex Association for their final celebration of local music, street performance, and neighborhood culture this season. 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 Center City Terrace & Lounge
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Wednesday, September 17
5 PM - 8 PM
Center City Terrace
Join Center City Terrace & Lounge for a night of live music 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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Wednesday, September 24th
11 AM - 2 PM
Parcel 5
ROC the Block is a community-based hiring initiative that brings businesses and recruiters to the city's four quadrants throughout the summer and early fall. With this fun, local, block-party-styled event, Rochester employers and residents can meet to discover employment opportunities.
Parking: Midtown Garage, Metered On-Street Parking
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Presented by The Company Theatre
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Opening Night: September 26
September 26 - October 12
The Company Theatre
Join The Company Theatre at their newest location, 28 Lawn Street, for their production of Venus in Fur. Experience a dangerous power struggle as a director and an actress spar over an adaptation of a classic novel.
Parking: Midtown Garage, Metered On-Street Parking (Free on Weekends)
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Saturday, September 27
9 AM - 3 PM
Innovative Field
This family-friendly event will feature canine-theme contests, live music, dozens of animal-related vendors, and the community's largest dog walk.
Parking: Innovative Field Parking Info
| | | | This year’s ROC the Riverway Weekend, from September 26 - 28, will feature activities up and down the Genesee River from Lake Ontario to Genesee Valley Park. Hikes, bike rides, paddles, tours and more all focused on introducing folks to the beauty and history of our City and its waterways. The weekend will also highlight progress on the myriad of ROC the Riverway capital improvements and the efforts towards establishing a new State Park at High Falls. | |
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Fall Fest
Saturday, September 27, 11 AM - 2 PM
Parcel 5
The MVP Health Care Fall Fest is a seasonal celebration with pumpkin decorating, giant inflatables, a petting zoo, games, crafts, giveaways, and the City’s “Little Kids and Big Rigs” program, where children can explore police cars, fire trucks, SWAT vehicles, construction equipment, and more.
Parking: Parking at Parcel 5
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Saturday, September 27, 1 PM - 3 PM
Andrews Street Bridge
Experience all the progress on ROC the Riverway projects up close and on two wheels! Meet on the Andrews Street Bridge and travel along the Genesee Riverway Trail and by street to explore the recent and future enhancements to the riverfront. The tour will feature projects in High Falls, Downtown, and in the South River Corridor. Helmets required, family-friendly pace.
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Eco Walk
Saturday, September 27, 2 PM
Parcel 5
Join Rochester Ecology Partners on this eco walk in celebration of ROC the Riverway Weekend! This walk departs from Fall Fest at Parcel 5 and ends at Corn Hill Navigation, just in time to greet the Erie Canal boat Seneca Chief to Rochester.
Parking: Parking at Parcel 5
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Saturday, September 27, 8 PM
Enjoy an incredible fireworks show sponsored by Corn Hill Navigation! Fireworks will be launched from the east bank of the Genesee River just south of the Frederick Douglass Susan B Anthony Bridge!
Erie Canal Bicentennial Fireworks Cruise
Saturday, September 27, 6:30-8:30 PM
Riverie
Celebrate the Erie Canal Bicentennial by watching the fireworks from the best seats in the house – on the Genesee River and Erie Canal! A selection of desserts and a glass of champagne will be provided as complimentary to this cruise and drinks, wine and beer available for purchase.
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at the Hyatt Regency Rochester
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Monday, September 29
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Hyatt Regency Rochester
This can't-miss annual luncheon brings together business leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders for an engaging keynote presentation and a thought-provoking panel discussion. Part of RDDC’s 2025 Economic Growth Series, this event is your chance to connect with peers, hear directly from experts, and leave with a clearer understanding of how the future of the economy is being shaped, right here in Rochester. Register here.
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Wednesday, October 22
4:30 PM - 6 PM
Arbor Midtown
Twelve startups from cohort 8 will push the limits of what’s possible — from point-of-care solutions and environmental sensing to streamlined optical systems and quantum tech.
Join the free event in person or online to see the pitches, vote for your favorite to win the $10K Audience Choice Award, and find out who takes home the $1M Company of the Year Award. In-person guests can also network before and after the show.
Possibilities are infinite, but seats are not. Register now!
Parking: Parking at Arbor Midtown
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