BeyondTheNest: Weekly e-newsletter for Rochester | |
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Save the Date
Sat, Apr 18: 2026 Riedman Foundation Trout Derby at The Riedman Fish Hatchery at Powder Mills Park (rescheduled from Apr 4) Fri/Sat, Apr 24 & 25, 2026: SPACE!: Reprise of RPO April 2024 Eclipse Concert at Eastman Theatre Sat, Apr 25: Imagine RIT annual innovation festival at the Rochester Institute of Technology Sun, Apr 26: JFS Brunch Out at Comedy at the Carlson Fri, May 8-Sun, May 17: 2026 Rochester Lilac Festival in Highland Park Sat, May 9: Breast Cancer Coalition Pink & Teal
Challenge (Run and Walk) at MCC Fri, May 22- Mon, May 25: Forging Japanese Blades at Wendell Castle Workshop in Scottsville Wed, May 27: Geva Theatre Presents Anastasia: The Musical! Fri, Jul 17-Sat, Jul 18: Make a Beautiful Lamp at at Wendell Castle Workshop in Scottsville |
Note from your publisher Hello, weekend, and hello, wild April weather! On Saturday, the rescheduled 2026 Riedman Foundation Trout Derby returns
to the Riedman Fish Hatchery at Powder Mills Park, giving everyone a chance to get outside and reel in some fun, whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned expert. With Saturday's temperatures projected to hit 80, you might not even need a sweatshirt! I haven't been to Highland Park this week, but I'm betting the lilac trees are happily leafing out in anticipation of the Lilac Festival, which starts May 8. If you’re looking for ways to make the most of the weekend, you’ll find plenty of
lively options all around town. This coming week keeps the momentum going. A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical opens at RBTL on Tuesday, and next Friday and Saturday the RPO brings back
its crowd-pleasing SPACE! concert at Eastman Theatre. It’s the kind of lineup that makes it easy to say yes to a night out. Looking ahead to next weekend, Saturday, April 25 is especially packed,
with Imagine RIT bringing its always-fascinating innovation festival to campus, followed by JFS Brunch Out on Sunday, April 26. So whether you’re in the mood for creativity, music, community, or just a good excuse to get out of the house and into some beautiful noise, there’s something to make your heart spring. —Debra Ross, publisher
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Originally scheduled for Saturday, April 4, the Powder Hill Park Annual Fish Derby has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 18 due to flooding from the recent spring rains. The Derby, hosted by The Riedman Foundation, is a fun, safe, and educational event that celebrates our region's fishing opportunities, 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; kids 8 and under are free.
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Embark on an interstellar musical adventure with this cosmic Pops program! Reprising last year’s Eclipse concert, Jeff Tyzik and your RPO soar through the galaxy with iconic tv and film themes and classical masterpieces. Experience the mystery and majesty of outer space with celestial soundscapes and stunning visuals—prepare for liftoff!
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Saturday, April 25, 2026: Welcome to the extraordinary! Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival is a FREE signature event that showcases the imaginative and inventive spirit of RIT students. Visitors of all ages experience the breadth and depth of RIT through interactive presentations, hands-on demonstrations, exhibitions, performing arts, and research projects set up throughout campus. 350+ Student Exhibits, 2200+ Exhibitors, 300+ Volunteers. Join us on the RIT campus 10am-5pm on Saturday, April 25.
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Join us Saturday, May 9th at Monroe Community College to walk or run and have FUN at the Breast Cancer Coalition's annual Pink & Teal Challenge! It's BCCR's largest fundraising event of the year; all proceeds stay local to provide cutting-edge programs and services free-of-charge to anyone touched by a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis. Bring your spouse and family to the walk... it's a great cause! Women's-Only 5k Run starts at 9:30am, All-Inclusive Walk starts 9:45am. To register visit: Pink & Teal Challenge.
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Originally scheduled for Saturday, April 4, the Powder Hill Park Annual Fish Derby has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 18 due to flooding from the recent spring rains. The Derby, hosted by The Riedman Foundation, is a fun, safe, and educational event that celebrates our region's fishing opportunities, 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; kids 8 and under are free.
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Embark on an interstellar musical adventure with this cosmic Pops program! Reprising last year’s Eclipse concert, Jeff Tyzik and your RPO soar through the galaxy with iconic tv and film themes and classical masterpieces. Experience the mystery and majesty of outer space with celestial soundscapes and stunning visuals—prepare for liftoff!
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Saturday, April 25, 2026: Welcome to the extraordinary! Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival is a FREE signature event that showcases the imaginative and inventive spirit of RIT students. Visitors of all ages experience the breadth and depth of RIT through interactive presentations, hands-on demonstrations, exhibitions, performing arts, and research projects set up throughout campus. 350+ Student Exhibits, 2200+ Exhibitors, 300+ Volunteers. Join us on the RIT campus 10am-5pm on Saturday, April 25.
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Join us Saturday, May 9th at Monroe Community College to walk or run and have FUN at the Breast Cancer Coalition's annual Pink & Teal Challenge! It's BCCR's largest fundraising event of the year; all proceeds stay local to provide cutting-edge programs and services free-of-charge to anyone touched by a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis. Bring your spouse and family to the walk... it's a great cause! Women's-Only 5k Run starts at 9:30am, All-Inclusive Walk starts 9:45am. To register visit: Pink & Teal Challenge.
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April 16 & 17 at Kodak Center: Michael Carbonaro is an actor, magician, and comedian who has built a career turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Best known as the star of the hit truTV series The Carbonaro Effect, he’s made millions laugh in astonishment by blending quick-witted comedy with jaw-dropping illusions in everyday settings.
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Thursday, April 16, 6:00 pm–7:00 pm: Join us for an exploration of the colors and sounds of nature, brought to life by harpist Grace Browning, flutist Sean Marron, and violist Caroline Gilbert (musicians of the Rochester Philharmonic and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestras) as we look through MAG’s collection.
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Friday, April 17, 2026: Looking for high-energy family fun? Head to the Blue Cross Arena to 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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The Rochester Red Wings are family-friendly baseball at its finest! Join us at ESL Ballpark as your Red Wings take on the Buffalo Bisons! Game details for dates, times, and promotions are in the description.
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Friday, April 17, Shadow Lake Golf & Restaurant in Penfield, 6:30pm: Join us for a four course dinner and wine tasting experience to support the Penfield Public Library Foundation! Upon arrival, you will receive a commemorative wine glass from our Gold Sponsor Volvo Cars Rochester, to take home to remember the evening. You will be served and enjoy a full, four-course dinner, each paired with a unique wine suited for that course. A certified and knowledgeable wine sommelier will serve as our guide. Non-alcoholic mocktails are available at no additional cost.
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Saturday, April 18, 10am-2pm at the Webster Public Library: Looking for resources for your loved one with a disability? Find resources and make connections at WPL's Diverse Abilities Resource Fair. (Note: This fair was formerly known as the Special Needs Parent Resource Fair; it's still the same amazing fair but just under a more inclusive title.) Caregivers can come any time during the fair. If you are unable to attend, information about the attending organizations will be available by request.
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April 17. 18, 24, & 25: Join Genesee Country Village & Museum for an evening hike to witness one of spring’s most fascinating natural events. Participants will explore the trails with Nature Center staff to look for migrating salamanders on their way to vernal pools, followed by a campfire and a reading of "Big Night for Salamanders" by Sarah Lamstein.
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Saturday, April 18: Join us for an unforgettable Earth Day celebration packed with fun, learning, and opportunities to make a real impact! Get up close and personal with amazing animals during special conservation-themed encounters led by our expert naturalists. Explore interactive stations hosted by our incredible community and conservation partners — perfect for curious minds of all ages! Plus, swing by the Trailside Café to taste-test our exclusive Earth Day sustainable menu options. Delicious and eco-friendly!
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We are almost halfway to Halloween! Saturday, April 18 at 2pm, head to the Ogden Farmers' Library to enjoy a spooky presentation from the Monroe County Paranormal Investigations about the ghostly experiences they have had at The Union Tavern in Rochester over the years.
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Immerse yourself in a night of soaring melodies and profound beauty as Julian Schwarz makes his RPO debut performing Jennifer Higdon’s new Cello Concerto. Immerse yourself in a night of soaring melodies and profound beauty as Julian Schwarz makes his RPO debut performing Jennifer Higdon’s new Cello Concerto. Andreas Delfs leads the orchestra in Samy Moussa’s ethereal and evocative Elysium before closing with Brahms’ rich and lyrical Symphony No. 3—a masterful work of passion and warmth.
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Lovely local experiences are in your future! |
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