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What's Happening in Downtown Rochester this February!

Honoring Black History Month

Events Downtown

City of Rochester Black Heritage Events

Various Dates

City Hall


Join the City of Rochester in celebration of Black Heritage throughout the month of February at City Hall. Celebrations include noontime gospel concerts, an Evening of Art and Jazz on February 6th, and a keynote address on February 21st. The Evening of Art and Jazz will feature the opening of an exhibit featuring local artists in the City Hall Link Gallery, a live jazz performance, and a food tasting. For a complete schedule, click here.

Poetry Reading and Discussion

Saturday, Feb. 1, 1 PM

Central Library



A Black History Month poetry reading and discussion will take place on Saturday, February 1st, at 1 PM in the Kusler-Cox Auditorium at the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County. This event will feature two distinguished poets, offering powerful readings and insights into their work. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a meaningful discussion about poetry, culture, and history.

Nina Simone: Four Women

Sunday, Feb. 9, 2 PM

Geva Theatre


A special Black Out performance of NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN will take place on Sunday, February 9th at 2 PM, followed by a Sunday Salon discussion led by Javannah Davis, a four-time self-published author and columnist for Blaque/Out Magazine. This closing performance offers a space of affinity for Black audience members and performers to experience the production together in a welcoming environment. Non-Black-identifying patrons are welcome to attend.

Sounds of the Pythodd: Clarissa Uprooted Open House

Saturday, Feb. 15, 12 - 4 PM

Central Library


Experience the vibrant history of Rochester’s Clarissa Street at the Sounds of the Pythodd: Clarissa Uprooted Open House. This special event features live music from the Nate Rawls Quartet, performing on a replica of the legendary Pythodd stage. Attendees can explore Clarissa Uprooted: Unearthing Stories of Our Village, an interactive exhibit co-curated by Teen Empowerment and Clarissa Street Legacy.

Black History Month Showcase

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7:30 PM

Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of Music


The George Walker Center Recital Series presents the Black Students Union at Eastman (BSUE) in a concert that highlights music written and performed by Black artists. Wednesday, February 19 at 7:30 PM in Kilbourn Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. Recommended for ages 6 and above.

Love Downtown This Month

Valentine's Themed Events

LGBTQIA+ Speed Dating

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 7 PM

Pawsitive Cat Cafe



Enjoy yourself at this speed dating event for LGBTQIA+ singles ages 20 – 35. The Pawsitive Cafe is an inviting space in the heart of the East End where you can relax with a cafe beverage and snuggle up to their friendly kitties! Many resident cats are available to adopt, in case you make more than one match during the speed dating event!

Sirens & Stilettos Cabaret: P.S. - We Love You Too

Saturday, Feb. 8, 9 PM

Skylark Lounge



Head to Skylark Lounge on February 8th at 9 PM and enjoy Rochester’s most compelling burlesque troupe, Sirens & Stilettos, as they perform a Valentine's themed cabaret, P.S. We Love You Too.

Arbor Midtown: The Vault Collection

Thursday, Feb. 13, 4 PM & 7 PM

Arbor Midtown


Arbor Midtown presents The Vault Collection. Indulge in expertly paired wines with each course, guided by sommelier insights and a luxurious ambiance. More than just a dinner – it’s a celebration of the senses. Two seatings, 4 PM and 7 PM.

Valentine's Day 3-Course Dinner

Friday, Feb. 14

Branca Midtown


Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with an elegant three-course dining experience at Branca Midtown. Enjoy an exclusive Prix-Fixe dinner menu and toast to love with a specialty cocktail crafted just for the occasion.

Urban League of Rochester's 60th Anniversary Love and Legacy Gala

Friday, Feb. 14, 6 PM - 11 PM

Rochester Riverside Convention Center


Celebrate a monumental milestone with the Urban League of Rochester as they mark 60 years of transforming lives and empowering communities. Featuring an electrifying performance by KeKe Wyatt, the evening promises to be a celebration of love, legacy, and empowerment.

More To Love...

Galentine's Celebration: UnWine'd

February 7th


Galentine's Day: Rococo Coffee Co.

February 8th


Valentine's Jazz lounge: The Alexander Social

February 14th


For the Love of Poetry - Red Light Special: The Lab Creative Resource Center

February 15th


Speed Dating, Ages 26-39: Capri Wine Bar

February 18th


Crush On You R&B Party: Studio Lounge

February 23rd

Pizza and Wine Party

at UnWine'd

Saturday, Feb. 1

6 PM

UnWine'd


Join UNWINE’D for a night filled with delicious pizza, unique wines, good vibes, and great company. Get ready to indulge in a variety of mouthwatering pizzas, paired with their perfect wine partner, to create a fun-filled evening with friends and fellow wine and pizza lovers.


Parking: Midtown Garage, On-Street (Free on Weekends)

2025 Winter Plays

Presented by the Off-Monroe Players

Through Feb. 2

United Presbyterian Church


Off-Monroe Players present two hilarious one-act comedies by William S. Gilbert of the famous Gilbert and Sullivan team: ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN and OUR ISLAND HOME. Admission is free but reservations are appreciated.


Parking: United Presbyterian Church Parking Info

Rochester Boat Show

at the Riverside Convention Center

Through Feb. 2

Riverside Convention Center


Set Sail for the 38th Annual Greater Rochester Boat Show! Explore the latest boats, gear, and accessories at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Whether you're a seasoned boater or just testing the waters, this event is your chance to connect with experts and find the perfect vessel for your next adventure!


Parking: South Avenue 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

Winter Wednesdays

at The Little Theatre

Wednesdays, Feb. 5, 19, 26

7:30 PM

The Little Theatre


Get out of the cold and into the theater for Winter Wednesdays! The best type of snow fort is a movie theater — this is just a fact. Grab all the warm, delicious Little Popcorn and hibernate on Wednesdays for a series of throwback films, each with a snow-fueled twist. Wearing cozy clothing is very much encouraged.


Parking: Little Theatre Lot, On-Street (Free after 6 PM)

Harlem Globetrotters

at The Blue Cross Arena

Saturday, Feb. 8

2 PM

Blue Cross Arena


Get ready for high-flying fun as the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters make their return to Blue Cross Arena! This is your chance to witness the world record-breaking, trick-shot stars of basketball LIVE as they bring their signature SPINS, DUNKS, and SLAMS to the court, taking on their determined rivals, the Washington Generals.


Parking: Blue Cross Arena Parking Info

Vision Zero

Rochester Beacon Public Forum

Wednesday, Feb. 12

9 AM - 12 PM

Central Library


Join the Rochester Beacon's free public forum to learn more about Rochester's Vision Zero plan. Last June, Mayor Malik Evans announced that Rochester would embrace a national initiative called Vision Zero. It aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.


Parking: Central Library Parking Info

February Break Camp

at Geva Theatre

Monday, Feb. 17 - Friday, Feb. 21

Geva Theatre


Join Geva for a week-long intensive February break camp for youth in grades 4-6! This camp will run the week of Feb 17 – Feb 21 from 9am – 4pm. Modeled after Geva's Summer Academy, students will spend the day in Musical Theatre training, taking classes in acting, movement, and voice.

Titanic Live

at The Eastman Theatre

Friday, Feb. 21

7:30 PM

Kodak Hall


Nominated for 14 Academy Awards, Titanic is globally one of the most loved films ever made. The event will see the film screened in high definition, as James Horner’s timeless score is played live on stage by a live Orchestra, conducted by Mark Watters, accompanied by Eric Rigler playing Uilleann Pipes and Whistles and vocal soloist Alice Zawadzki.


Parking: East End Garage

ROC Junk Journaling

at Fattey Beer Co.

Sunday, Feb. 23

1 PM - 2:30 PM

Fattey Beer Co.


Join ROC Junk Journaling at Fattey Beer Co. for a fun and creative afternoon of journaling, crafting, and connecting with community. Bring your own journal, loved or new, and some junk from recent events or memories. Tickets include a take-home journaling kit.


Parking: On-Street (Free on Weekends)

Little Women

at Geva Theatre

Various Showtimes, Feb. 25 — Mar. 23

Geva Theatre Center



Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel comes to fresh life in this inventive, theatrical adaptation which follows as the March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – gather in the family attic. From making up fairy stories, writing for their pretend newspaper, and playing make believe, they graduate to scenes of love, loss, and – for Jo – artistic self-discovery, as they come of age against the backdrop of the American Civil War.


Parking: Geva Theatre Parking Info

More Events This February

Around Downtown

Trivia with Geeks Who Drink: Dice Versa

Every Tuesday


Fit Kids Day: The Strong Museum

February 1st


First Friday Rochester: Various Locations

February 7th


Black Joy Weekend: The Lab Creative Resource Center

February 7th - 9th


Thorgy Thor and The Thorchestra: Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre

February 13th


Macbeth: The Company Theatre

Through February 16th


Rochester Career Fair: Hilton Garden Inn

February 18th


Connections & Cocktails Networking Happy Hour: Elevated Sol

February 20th


Black-Owned Business Expo: Central Library

February 20th


Paint and Sip: Serendipity Labs

February 24th


Rochester Knighthawks Lacrosse: Blue Cross Arena

February 28th

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