What's Happening in Downtown Rochester this January!

Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto

at Blue Cross Arena

January 1-4

Hours vary

Blue Cross Arena


Disney On Ice invites families to step inside the magical adventures of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, the #1 Animated feature of all time, and Disney Animation’s Encanto, the 2022 Academy Award®, BAFTA®, and Golden Globe® Award winner for Best Animated Feature, as they come to life like never before.


Parking at Blue Cross Arena

CITY Magazine's Best Of Rochester Party & Awards Show

at Anthology

January 3

6 - 10 PM

Anthology


CITY's annual event takes to the stage for the first time since 1971. Throw on your Saturday night look and catwalk the red carpet at Anthology, 336 East Ave., for a big ol’ variety-style awards show on Saturday, January 3. From 6-10 p.m., enjoy snacks, drinks, HypeBooth photo ops, vendor tables, merch and more from CITY/WXXI, DJ tunes and, of course: the January issue with ALL the winners, hot off the press!


Parking: On-Street Parking (free on weekends), Nearby Surface Parking

RPO Romance & Revelation

at Eastman Theatre

January 8 & 10

7:30 PM

Eastman Theatre


Welcome back GRAMMY winner Yefim Bronfman to the RPO as they usher in the new year! Experience an evening of stirring beauty and heartfelt expression as Andreas Delfs leads the RPO in Romance & Revelation. 


Parking at Eastman Theatre

January Giallo

at The Little Theatre

January 9, 15, 23, 29

7:30 PM

The Little Theatre


Sharpen your razor and slip on your black gloves as The Little celebrates this classic crime and mystery horror sub-genre with the January Giallo series all month long! “Giallo” refers to a style of Italian-produced mystery-thriller films which rose to popularity in the 60s and 70s. Filled with atmosphere, suspense, crime, as well as eroticism, psychological horror, and slasher violence, classic and contemporary Giallo films — from Italy and beyond — continue to surprise and terrify.


Parking at The Little

Rochester Americans

at Blue Cross Arena

Throughout January

Times Vary

Blue Cross Arena


Cheer on the Rochester Americans at Blue Cross Arena in January:


January 9: vs Laval Rocket

January 14: vs Syracuse Crunch

January 23: vs Utica Comets

January 24: vs Cleveland Monsters

January 28: vs Hershey Bears

January 30: vs Hershey Bears


Parking at Blue Cross Arena

Rochester Knighthawks

at Blue Cross Arena

Throughout January

Times Vary

Blue Cross Arena


Cheer on the Rochester Knighthawks at Blue Cross Arena this January:


January 10: vs Buffalo Bandits

January 17: vs Toronto Rock

January 31: vs Vancouver Warriors


Parking at Blue Cross Arena

Tuesday Topics: "The History of the Rundel Library"
at the Central Library

January 13

12 - 1 PM

Central Library


Brie Harrison and Katy Hasselwander will give a talk on the History of the Rundel Library. Brie Harrison is the Capital Projects Manager for the RPL and is celebrating 20 years working for the Library and City of Rochester. Katy Hasselwander is the Manager of Library Finance for RPL and MCLS, a librarian-in-training, and a dedicated public servant.


Parking at Central Library

The Woman in Black
at Geva Theatre

January 14-18, 20-25, 27-31

Times Vary

Geva Theatre


The second longest-running play in the history of the West End, The Woman in Black is a chilling drama, adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the 1983 novel by Susan Hill. Mallatratt conjured a complete world into which generations of young people have entered, surrendering to the ultimate magic of theatre: their own imaginations.


Parking at Geva Theatre

RPO: The Sounds of Laurel Canyon: Rock Legends of the 60s and 70s

at Eastman Theatre

January 16-17

7:30 PM

Eastman Theatre


Journey back to the ’60s and ’70s California rock scene with a tribute to the legendary artists who defined a generation and continue to inspire countless artists today. This unforgettable concert will transport audiences from Kodak Hall to Laurel Canyon, the creative birthplace of timeless music of groundbreaking artists such as The Mamas & The Papas, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Crosby, Stills and Nash.


Parking at Eastman Theatre

The Great NYS Flea Presents: In The Cut

at Anthology

January 18

11 AM - 4 PM

Anthology


Anthology is kicking off 2026 with its first indoor pop-up of the new year, built to be the most intimate, intentional, and empowering market yet. Introducing Sunday Funday: “In The Cut” — a tight-knit, B2Consumer-style experience designed to bring Rochester’s creative heartbeat together under one roof. This is where community bonds, small businesses shine, and everyone leaves feeling energized and seen.


Parking: On-Street Parking (free on weekends), Nearby Surface Parking

Sensory Friendly Sunday

at The Strong Museum

January 18

8 - 10 AM

The Strong Museum


Enjoy The Strong before it opens to the public at an exclusive event designed for guests with special sensory, developmental, or physical needs. Explore the museum in a comfortable and accepting environment that features fewer guests, light and sound reduction, and designated quiet areas that include sensory friendly toys. Also enjoy carousel rides, train rides, and a free visit to the relaxing Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden


Parking at The Strong Museum

OrKIDStra: I Have a Dream

at The Hochstein School

January 18

2 - 3 PM

The Hochstein School


Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a concert your whole family will remember. Join conductor Herb Smith and the RPO at Hochstein Performance Hall for a powerful afternoon of music, narration, and storytelling that brings Dr. King’s legacy of hope, courage, and unity to life.


Parking at The Hochstein School

RPO Dance Festival: American Masters with Garth Fagan Dance

at Eastman Theatre

January 24-25

Times Vary

Eastman Theatre


Music that truly moves – join your RPO for a 2-week Dance Festival highlighting two prestigious local dance companies. The first week highlights American Masters and features Garth Fagan Dance who performed Rite of Spring with your RPO in their Centennial Season to sold out houses! GFD will perform Philip Glass’ Days and Nights in Rocinha.


Parking at Eastman Theatre

Rochester Boat Show & Sale

at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center

January 29-31

Times Vary

Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center


Browse over 300 premier boats on display including sports boats, cruisers, kayaks, and more featuring the area's top dealers and take advantage of special incentives and financing options, available only at the Rochester Boat Show.


Parking at the Convention Center

RPO Dance Festival: Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Rochester City Ballet

at Eastman Theatre

January 31

7:30 PM

Eastman Theatre


The Dance Festival continues with a remarkable fusion of music and movement, led by Andreas Delfs. The evening begins with Brahms’ Tragic Overture before piano virtuoso Jean-Yves Thibaudet takes on a thrilling world premiere by Aaron Jay Kernis (Voices of Today commission). Rochester City Ballet then brings Shakespeare’s greatest love story to life in Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet Suite No 2. Passion, finesse, and drama take center stage!


Parking at Eastman Theatre

More Events This January


1/3 - V.ciannii & Friends

Water Street Music Hall


1/10 - HustleBowl: Pablo's Black & Gold Birthday Bash

Water Street Music Hall


1/14 - Fleet Feet x RunNation Film Festival

The Little Theatre


1/16 - 94.1 The Zone's Holiday Hangover

Anthology


1/17 - Let Me Cater 2 U

Water Street Music Hall


1/17 - The Baby Show(er)

The Focus Theater


1/31 - Engaging Rochester: Discussion Sessions and Workshop

Central Library


1/31 - Day26

Water Street Music Hall


1/31 - It's A 2000s Party: Rochester

Anthology

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