BeyondTheNest: Weekly e-newsletter for Rochester | |
Note from your publisher As March makes its exit, I'm tempted to tell it not to let the storm door hit it on the backside on its way out. I hope April treats us a little more gently! Fortunately, our area's out-and-about life is flourishing: This weekend brings us music that spans centuries and styles with the Gay Men's Chorus Harmonic Echoes performance, photography and gardens in conversation at the George Eastman Museum, live theater
with heart and honesty, and even a few opportunities to get out into the season’s sweeter side with maple festivals and nature-centered adventures. Read the highlights below, then click here for the full weekend calendar. For FREE fun, start with Through the Student Lens 2026 at Image City Photography Gallery in Rochester, where more than 200 student photographers showcase their creativity. On Saturday, explore community opportunities at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex
Volunteer Open House in Savannah, where families can learn about wildlife, habitat restoration, and hands-on ways to help. Film lovers can also head to the George Eastman Museum for Rochester Home Movie Day, a fascinating celebration of family films and local history. On Sunday evening, enjoy the peaceful beauty of Compline with Schola Cantorum & Candlelight Concerts at the Eastman School of Music. The Rochester Folk Art Guild exhibit at Central Library is also worth checking out. Click here
for this weekend's free events. It's the last New York State Maple Weekend of 2026, and many of those experiences are free as well. See below for the link to our area's list. Enjoy! —Debra Ross, publisher
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Maple weekends 2026 are March 20-22 and March 27-29! Here is kidsoutandabout.com's list of maple events! Find maple sugaring and syrup demos, learn all about the science of tapping maple trees are great family activities in late winter in the northeast.
Here is KidsOutAndAbout.com's list of local maple syrup events.
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This dynamic concert by the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus—one of New York’s longest-standing LGBTQ+ organizations—bridges centuries and styles, from timeless ballads to bold reinventions. Weaving together the power of pop anthems and the playful elegance of English madrigals, they’ll explore words and melodies that have echoed through generations. Featuring the synth-pop energy of “Take On Me,” fun twists on the ’90s pop hits “Wannabe” and “All Star,” the haunting beauty of “Dust in the Wind” and “The Sound of Silence,” the iconic Rocky Horror “Time Warp,” and more, join the RGMC on a journey through memory, meaning, and the music that shapes us.
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We had a phenomenal first weekend of our Maple Sugar Festival and can't wait to do it again! Bring your family and friends to a sweet outdoor adventure across our Nature Center and Historic Village. The Festival takes place from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Friday - Sunday, March 27 – 29. Start your day at the Breakfast Buffet (separate ticket required, weekend only)! Seatings are from 9 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Then head over to the Nature Center, where you'll discover how maple sugaring has evolved with hands-on activities and demonstrations that bring the sights, sounds, and tastes of the season to life. Don’t miss a stroll through the 19th-century Historic Village, where you can slice a tree “cookie” and listen to seasonal storytelling with Hodinöhsö:ni’ partners. ASL interpreters are available Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Buy your tickets online before…
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Over a professional life spanning seven decades, Edward Steichen (1879–1973) established himself as one of the most important figures in the history of photography. Less known is that for much of that time Steichen also devoted himself to the nurturing of plants and gardens, an activity that sustained him and through which he developed strong beliefs regarding the relationship among art, nature, and creativity.The exhibition Edward Steichen and the Garden opens at George Eastman Museum March 27, providing a portrait of the artist through the lens of the garden and celebrating Steichen’s belief in the curative power of gardens, the creativity fostered through cultivating plants, and the interconnectedness of humans, the earth, and all that grows here.
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Baseball season is back, and Opening Week at ESL Ballpark is starting with a bang as the Rochester Red Wings take on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the New York Yankees’ top affiliate, from Tuesday, March 31 through Sunday, April 5! Opening Day on Tuesday promises plenty of excitement, with pre-game entertainment, special ceremonies, giveaways for early fans, and Dan Mason’s famous 50-degree guarantee: if the temperature doesn’t hit 50 degrees during the March 31 game, fans can redeem their ticket for any other home game in April or May. Then keep the family fun going all week long, capped off on Easter Sunday with a pre-game Easter egg hunt on the field, where kids can join Spikes, Mittsy, and the Easter Bunny.
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Please mark your calendars for Saturday, April 4 and come experience one of Monroe County’s favorite community traditions! The Powder Mills Park Fish Hatchery’s Annual Fish Derby, hosted by The Riedman Foundation, is a fun, safe, and educational event that introduces kids and families to fishing, outdoor recreation, and environmental stewardship. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just casting your first line, this long-standing tradition offers a great opportunity to reel in some fun, test your skills, and compete for prizes. Ages 9+ pay just $5 to participate, and kids 8 and under are free!
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What is CSA? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) offers the opportunity for people, of a specific geographic region to support a local farm, the local community and the rural economy. Through annual enrollment (by purchasing a share) the share holder helps the farmer with much needed funds at the beginning of the growing season while knowing the share holder will receive (on a weekly basis once the picking season starts) the freshest possible produce grown by the farmer. It gives the share holder the chance to really learn about and know who is growing their food. If you are interested in our 2026 CSA please email info@gandsorchards.com for information.
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March 19-29, 2026: The autobiographical story of one man's journey toward sobriety, told with hilarity and heart. Even with an ailing father, a marriage on the rocks, and his professional life careening out of control, Steven has a carefully constructed balancing act that keeps it all together—until it all falls apart. Told with humor, honesty, and compassion, The White Chip is about living with addiction and coming alive through recovery.
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It’s the sweetest season of the year at CNC! Head to RMSC's Cumming Nature Center in Naples for our annual Maple Sugaring Weekends during the last two weekends in March. Enjoy a locally-sourced pancake breakfast before heading outside for tapping and boiling demonstrations on the trail.
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March Maple Open House - A free event to learn how syrup is made, taste maple products and walk the trails through the sugar bush! Enjoy an optional pancake breakfast! A great event for family and friends!
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Maple Weekend 2026 is March 21-22 and March 28-29.We will be open all 4 days of the State Wide Event 10 am to 4 pm. Activities Include: Sugar House Tours, Corn Hole and other games, Trivia Board, Outdoor boiling demonstration, Tasting of all syrup grades & Maple Smores Station. The tour and associated activities are all free. We will have maple syrup, cream and candy for sale if you wish to purchase some.
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Maple Weekend is back at Kettle Ridge Farm! We will be open from 9AM to 2PM each of the four Maple Weekend days for maple syrup demos in our sugarhouse, free samples of our products, and pancake breakfast in our heated barn. Come and join us!
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Discover the ancient craft of chainmail, the art of linking jump rings into intricate patterns. You’ll start with the basics of the traditional European 4-in-1 weave, where each ring connects through four others to form a flexible sheet of metal. Then, apply your new skills to create your own bracelet. With a selection of colorful jump rings & small hand tools, you’ll design a unique, wearable piece of art that reflects your personal style. Add it to your collection or gift it to someone special
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Saturday, March 28: Watch the penguins up-close while they engage with enrichment that encourages them to express their natural instincts and behaviors. You’ll have a chance to see them swimming, exploring, and playing!
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Presented by Flight Wine Bar, Vine & Tap, Unwine’d, Irondequoit Beer Company, Rohrbach Brewing & Roc Tours - Experience three wine bars and 2 breweries in a chauffeured luxury SUV
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Saturday, March 28, 1pm-3pm: Learn about the 16 different opportunities to get involved in our volunteer programs across the Complex. From animal care to public programming to photography to wildlife surveys to habitat restoration to visitor services - we need YOU!
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FREE CONCERT: Eastman School of Music presents Trombone Choir, with directors Mark Kellogg and Larry Zalkind, performing Thursday, March 26 at 7:30 PM in Kilbourn Hall. Admission is free and open to the public.
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Sunday afternoon Amerks game at BCA: Come cheer on the Rochester Americans as they hit the ice for another thrilling hockey matchup! With fast-paced action, fan giveaways, and an electric atmosphere, an Amerks game is the perfect way to make unforgettable memories with your kids. Don your red, white, and blue, grab some popcorn, and get ready to shout “Go Amerks!” Check out the full schedule and grab your tickets at https://amerks.com.
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Lovely local experiences are in your future! |
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