54th Puerto Rican Festival

on Parcel 5

Thursday, August 1st — Saturday, August 3rd

Parcel 5


The Puerto Rican Festival is excited to announce its relocation to Parcel 5! Join the fun for three exhilarating days of festivities from Thursday, August 1st, to Saturday, August 3rd. This dynamic celebration will feature live music, authentic cuisine, enriching cultural events, and much more.


Parking: Midtown Garage, On-Street



For info, click here.

Sip and Shop

at Need + Co.

Thursday, August 1st

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Need + Co.


Join Need + Co. on Thursday, August 1st at 5 PM for a fun-filled evening of celebration and exploration. Check out the newly renovated space and enjoy refreshments while mingling with fellow attendees. Whether you're a longtime supporter or a curious newcomer, this event is the perfect chance to see what Need + Co. is all about.


Parking: Midtown Garage, On-Street



For info, click here.

Hochstein at High Falls

Noontime Concerts

Thursdays - August 1st, 8th

12:10 PM

Corner of Browns Race and Commercial St.


This noontime, lunch hour summer concert series features the sounds of local musicians in the city’s High Falls District. 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. The concerts are hosted by Ryan Yarmel of The Route/WRUR 88.5. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating and lunch. Each performance will run approximately 40 minutes.


Parking: High Falls Garage


For info, click here.

Party in the Park

at MLK Jr. Park

Thursdays - August 1st, 8th, 15th

6:00 PM

MLK Jr. Park



Every summer in downtown Rochester, Martin Luther King Jr. Park transforms into a music mecca for 6 weeks every Thursday, hosted by the City of Rochester. Now in its 27th year, the 2024 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: Washington Square Garage,


For info, click here.

Greentopia's Reflections on the River

at Rundel Memorial Library

Thursday, August 1st

5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Rundel Memorial Library



Join Greentopia on Thursday, August 1st at 5:30pm for Reflections on the River, previously Dinner on the Bridge! The event will be held inside at the Rundel Memorial Library, while the Pont De Rennes Bridge has ongoing construction. Enjoy an evening of cocktails and grazing stations, music by Jimmie Highsmith Jr., a live auction, and more!


Parking: Rochester Public Library Parking Information


For info, click here.

August Movie Matinees

In the Kate Gleason Auditorium

Beginning August 1st

2:00 PM

Kate Gleason Auditorium, Central Library



Head to the Central Library this August for a series of great classic summer movies, sure to appeal to all movie lovers! Bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverage and enjoy the show! All movies will be screened in the Kate Gleason Auditorium at 2:00pm


Thursday, August 1:  Jaws

Thursday, August 8: The Sandlot (1993)

Tuesday, August 13: Dirty Dancing (1987)

Friday, August 16: Ghostbusters (1986)

Wednesday, August 21: American Graffiti (1973)

Friday, August 23: In the Heights (2021)

Wednesday, August 28: Jurassic Park (1993)


Parking: Rochester Public Library Parking Information


For info, click here.

Live Music Sunset Cruises

On Riverie

Every Friday in August

Boards at 5:50 PM

Corn Hill Landing



Enjoy live music from local artists while you cruise on the Genesee River. Take in stunning views of Rochester’s skyline as the sun sets. Each weekly cruise features a different live musical act. Grab a beverage, sit back, and enjoy the ride!


Parking: Corn Hill Landing, On-Street


For info, click here.

Roc Artists Open Market

at Innovation Square

Every Sunday

10 AM - 4 PM

Innovation Square



Roc Artists Open Market continues at Innovation Square every Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. An open-air market where creatives and entrepreneurs come together with community, this season will be filled with even more offerings! Roc Artists Open Market features food, performances, and boutique shopping in the heart of downtown Rochester! 


Parking: Roc Artists Open Market Parking Information


For info, click here.

The Lucky Flea

at The Grove

Every Sunday

10 AM - 4 PM

The Grove



A staple weekend destination for locals and visitors alike, The Lucky Flea is an open-air vintage market located 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. The Lucky Flea runs every Sunday in The Grove through October 27th, from 10AM to 4PM.


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


For info, click here.

Midday Bash

at Parcel 5

Wednesdays - August 7th, 14th, 21st

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 indulging in relaxing massage chairs, musical entertainment, games, giveaways, local business pop-ups, and different local businesses featured at each Midday Bash event as the Promotional Partner.


Parking: Midtown Garage, On-Street


For info, click here.

Downtown Rochester Farmers Market

at Parcel 5

Every Wednesday

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Parcel 5


The Downtown Rochester Farmers Market offers fresh produce and other locally made food and beverage options. Markets feature a variety of farmers, vendors, and food trucks, including members of The Commissary. Weekly programming includes games, music and other engaging activities. On August 14th, Cornell Cooperative Extension and MVP Health Care will a cooking demonstration during the Farmers Market between 4 - 6PM. Attendees will learn about ways to prepare local and seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables and take home a recipe card.


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



For info, click here.

Taylor Swift "Party in the Park" Pre-Party

at Unwine'd

Thursday, August 8th

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Unwine'd



Come party before the party…in the park. Party to include Taylor Swift trivia, concert clips, music, dancing, and much more! Are you a “Swifty”!? Well come show off your skills and win some fun prizes during the pre-party at Unwine'd! Plus don't miss the awesome lineup of wine, beer, bubbly, and cider for you to choose from as always! Need a snack before the concert – check out the selection of delicious cheese + charcuterie boards, hot dips, or savory bites – you won’t be disappointed! 


Parking: Midtown Garage, On-Street


For info, click here.

Swan Women's Dinner

at The Alexander

Thursday, August 8th

6:30 PM

The Alexander



The women behind Swan Family of Restaurants are getting together for a 4-course, wine pairing dinner at The Alexander. Sisters, Paulina and Ashley Swan, alongside their mother Robin Banister, are hosting a seasonal wine paired dinner starting at 6:30 on August 8th at The Alexander.


Parking: The Alexander Surface Parking, On-Street (Free after 6 PM)


For info, click here.

Carifest Parade and Festival

at MLK Jr. Park

Saturday, August 10th

Parade 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Festival 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM

MLK Jr. Park



Welcome to Carifest 2024 Rochester, NY! Get ready for a day filled with vibrant Caribbean culture, music, and food. Immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats of reggae, soca, and calypso music while indulging in delicious Caribbean cuisine. Don't miss out on the colorful costumes, dance performances, and lively atmosphere. Come celebrate and experience a taste of the Caribbean right here in Rochester!


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


For info, click here.

Movies with a Downtown View

The Little Mermaid Double Feature

Friday, August 16th

Activities begin at 6:00 PM

Little Mermaid (1989) 6:30 PM

Little Mermaid (2023) 8:00 PM

Parcel 5



Head to Movies with a Downtown View on Parcel 5 on Friday, August 16th for a Little Mermaid Double Feature, presented by Downtown Definitely Events. Both screenings are free and family-friendly. Bring a blanket and chair for a comfortable viewing experience. Food and drinks are available to purchase from local food trucks and vendors. No pets or alcohol are allowed on Parcel 5 during the screenings.


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



For info, click here.

Who Let the Dogs Out?

An Adoption Event at The Grove

Saturday, August 17th

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

The Grove



The event that gets animals out of the shelter and into loving homes! Join the Verona Street Animal Shelter outdoors in The Grove for fun with local restaurants and vendors, while meeting adoptable pups


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



For info, click here.

Rochester VegFest 2024

On Parcel 5

Saturday, August 24th

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Parcel 5



Rochester's all-vegan festival returns this summer for a day of fun with local vendors, guest speakers, cooking demos, raffle prizes, and more.


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



For info, click here.

Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival

at Innovative Field

Saturday, August 24th

Gates open at 2:00 PM

Innovative Field



Since 1995, the City of Rochester has produced its legendary “Rochester Music Festival” as a family-friendly experience designed to offer authentic, grassroots community engagement. Building on that legacy, 2024 will be even more momentous, with a focus on community and creating a boost for local businesses. Re-branded as the “Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival in 2018,” Xperience Live Events has continued to garner regional excitement. This year’s 29th Annual signature concert includes a dynamic line-up of iconic national acts. Saturday, August 24th is dedicated to celebrating 50 years of 103.9 WDKX and the Soul of Rochester.


Parking: Innovative Field Parking Information



For info, click here.

More Events This August

Around Downtown

Pierogie Party Pop-up at Fattey Beer Co.

August 1st


First Friday: Various Downtown Locations

August 2nd


Sips 'n Dips: Unwine'd

August 9th


Happiest Hour: Strong Museum

August 15th


Tom's Elton Tribute: Theater at Innovation Square

August 15th


The Rascals: Theater at Innovation Square

August 16th


Historical Walking Tour - Industry in Rochester: Rundel Memorial Library

August 21st


Tuesday Pipes: Christ Church

Every Tuesday


Free Walking Tour: Begins at Liberty Pole

Every Friday

@DowntownRochesterNY

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