What's Happening in Downtown Rochester this April!

Rochester Red Wings

at Innovative Field

Home Opener Tuesday, April 1st

4:05 PM

Innovative Field


Baseball is back in Rochester! The Red Wings celebrate their home opener this week at Innovative Field, kicking off a month packed with games, giveaways, and family fun. Fans can catch all the action this month and all season long by visiting them on the web.


Parking: Innovative Field Parking Info

Rochester Americans

at Blue Cross Arena

Games All Month Long

Blue Cross Arena


The Amerks are still in full swing with 5 home games this April! Catch thrilling matchups, cheer on your favorite players, and enjoy the electric atmosphere right in downtown Rochester.


Parking: Blue Cross Arena Parking Info

Climate Solutions Summit

at the Riverside Convention Center

Friday, April 4th - Saturday, April 5th

Rochester Riverside Convention Center


This two-day event is your chance to engage with inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops, and bold climate solutions that will help shape a healthier, more equitable future for the Rochester region.


Parking: Riverside Convention Center Parking Info

Flower City Thaw

at East and Alexander

Saturday, April 5th

5:00 PM

Multiple Venues


​The Flower City Thaw is a multi-venue music festival taking over Rochester's East and Alexander entertainment district on Saturday, April 5. With shows starting every 30 minutes across six venues, attendees can enjoy performances by over 13 bands throughout the evening.


Parking: Paid Surface Parking, On-Street (Free on Weekends)

Rochester Guitar Festival

Presented by Rochester Classical Guitar

April 5th - 7th

Multiple Venues


​The Rochester Guitar Festival 2025, presented by Rochester Classical Guitar, will showcase both international and local guitarists. The three-night event features performances by acclaimed artists Gohar Vardanyan and ArcoStrum, along with local talent. Concerts are scheduled at the First Universalist Church and The Little Theatre's Café and Theatre L1.

Great Expectations

Presented by the Company Theatre

Through April 6th

5:00 PM

Temple Theater


An exciting re-imagining of the beloved Dickens classic, “Great Expectations,” fully devised and adapted by the cast and creative team of The Company Theatre for a Rochester audience, hits the Temple Theater stage through April 6th.


Parking: St. Joe's Garage, On-Street (Free on Weekends)

Epic Anime Night

at The Strong Museum

Thursday, April 10th

6 PM - 9 PM

The Strong Museum


Anime fans are invited to an unforgettable 18+ after-hours experience at The Strong National Museum of Play, where cosplay, creativity, and community come together for one epic night. Guests can explore immersive exhibits like the Hello Kitty showcase, enjoy live music from local violinist Jennifer Chelsea, and take part in interactive fun—from anime brackets and Jackbox games to bracelet-making and Artist Alley shopping. With surprises around every corner, this celebration of anime culture offers a playful, vibrant night out for fans of all kinds.


Parking: Strong Museum Parking Info

Taste of Europe: France

at Unwine'd

Friday, April 11th

6 PM - 8 PM

Unwine'd


Experience the culinary traditions of France at this edition of Taste Europe, featuring Giordano Imports and Cuvee Imports at Unwine'd. Guests will enjoy a four-course wine and cheese pairing, a decadent alpine fondue with gourmet toppings, and an abundant grazing table overflowing with French-inspired delights. With expert guidance from Vince and Eric and a surprise bonus tasting, this night is perfect for food and wine lovers alike.


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

The Theater at Innovation Square

Upcoming Concerts

Sticky Sweet: A Tribute to Def Leopard

April 5th, Doors 7 PM


Before a blazing backdrop of fiery reds and electric logos, the Def Leppard tribute band “Sticky Sweet” stands as a testament to rock ‘n’ roll legend.

Jethro Tull's Martin Barre: Unplugged - Tull Tales

April 17th, Doors 6:30 PM


Join Martin Barre for an intimate evening of acoustic music and anecdotes, as he is joined on stage with Dan Crisp and Alan Thomson. 

An Evening of Bacharach: Supporting Music In The Schools

April 19th, Doors 6 PM



An Evening of Bacharach – Supporting Music in the Schools, is an annual concert, conceived and produced by Billy Goodness, Rochester native and national recording and touring drummer, to raise funds to support music in our schools. 

"Queen Flash" The Real Tribute to Queen

April 23rd, Doors 7 PM


Look-a-like, sound-a-like, Johnny Zatylny has been captivating audiences by carrying on the musical tradition of Freddie Mercury since 2000. 

The Raging Erie: Life and Labor on the Erie Canal

at The Central Library

Saturday, April 12th

11 AM - 12:30 PM

Kate Gleason Auditorium


The completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 was a monumental achievement. Linking the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, it transformed New York City into a hub of international trade, drove the rise of industrial cities like Rochester, and accelerated the westward expansion of the United States. Yet few of the laborers who toiled along the canal shared in the prosperity it brought. Join historian Mark S. Ferrara as he discusses the stories of the ordinary people who lived, worked, and died along the banks of the canal, emphasizing the forgotten role of the poor, working class, and immigrant laborers in this epochal transformation.


Parking: Parking Information

Indie Comics Expo

at Sibley Square

Saturday, April 12th

11 AM - 4 PM

Sibley Square


Rochester Indie Comics Expo (RICE) is a showcase of local and regional comics creators. The event will feature talks, workshops, and works for sale. This year will have over 70 exhibitors from Rochester, Buffalo, and beyond! There’s something for all ages!


Parking: Parking Information

City of Rochester Black Heritage Gala

at the Riverside Convention Center

Saturday, April 12th

5:30 PM

Riverside Convention Center


The City of Rochester welcomes the community to the Black Heritage Gala—an evening dedicated to honoring the contributions of African Americans. This year’s theme, "African Americans and Labor," highlights the vital role African Americans have played in shaping the workforce, championing labor rights, and advancing economic progress. The gala will celebrate the rich history, achievements, and ongoing impact of African American individuals in Rochester and beyond.


Parking: Riverside Convention Center Parking Info

Pure Native

at Geva Theatre

April 15th - May 11th

Geva Theatre


In Association with Friends of Ganondagan and Native Voices, Geva Theatre presents Pure Native. Brewster’s back after almost a decade and things have changed. Brews is proud of his success working for a large corporation, and wants to share it with the people of his Rez in Upstate New York. After all, it’s been a bad year, and Brews believes partnering with his corporation on a new bottled water factory would be a great opportunity for the Rez to create its own industry and sustain itself. But to his old love Connie, it’s a betrayal of everything the Haudenosaunee stand for. Who will win?


Parking: Washington Square Garage

Candlelight: Tribute to Adele

at the Temple Theater

Friday, April 18th

7 PM

The 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 Adele at Temple Theater under the gentle glow of candlelight.


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

Rochester Regional Health Flower City Challenge

at Parcel 5

Sunday, April 27th

7:30 AM

Parcel 5


The Rochester Regional Health Flower City Challenge returns to Parcel 5 with races, live music, and fun for the whole family—including a Kids 1/2 Mile at 10:30 AM and a Kidz Zone with inflatables. Post-race, athletes can unwind with support from local wellness professionals and refuel at the Food Zone. Whether you're running, cheering, or volunteering, there's something for everyone at this downtown celebration!


Parking: Directions and Parking Information

More Events This April

Around Downtown

Irish Music Night: Temple Bar & Grille

Every Sunday


Tuesday Pipes: Eastman at Christ Church

Every Tuesday


D&D Night: Dice Versa

Every Wednesday


Live from Hochstein: Noontime Concert

April 2nd


Eastman Opera Theatre Presents: Ainadamar

April 3rd - 6th


Toddler Egg Hunt: The Strong Museum

April 4th


First Friday Rochester: Various Locations

April 4th


6×6 Art-Making with Jennifer Jones: Rochester Contemporary Art Center

April 4th


Rochester Knighthawks: Blue Cross Arena

April 5th


Speed Dating: The Pawsitive Cat Cafe

April 8th


Mood Swingz RnB Night: Studio Lounge

April 13th


Karaoke Wednesdays: The Lab Creative Resource Center

April 16th


Rochester Knighthawks: Blue Cross Arena

April 19th


Ruben Moreno's Zydeco Re-Evolution: The Spirit Room

April 21st

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