BeyondTheNest: Weekly e-newsletter for Rochester | |
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Save the Date
Fri, May 8-Sun, May 17: 2026 Rochester Lilac Festival in Highland Park Fri, May 8-Sun, May 24: Blackfriars Theatre presents Parade Sat, May 9: Breast Cancer Coalition Pink & Teal Challenge (Run and Walk) at MCC
Sun, May 10: Mother’s Day Brunch Train Ride at Arcade & Attica
Railroad
Sun, May 10: Mother's Day Weekend Adventure at Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures
Sun, May 10: Mother’s Day &
Brunch at GCV&M Thu, May 14: Over the Rainbow: The Golden Girls Musical
Fri, May 15: 2026 Genesee Valley QuiltFest
Sat, May 16: International Festival & Classic Euro Car Celebration
Sun, May 17: Flower City Days at the Market - Plant and Garden Sales Fri, May 22-Mon, May 25: Forging Japanese Blades at Wendell Castle Workshop in Scottsville Sat, May 23: Birding at Powder Mills Park and the
Burroughs Sanctuary (Joint Field Trip with Rochester Birding Association) 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 If you’re looking for a story that shines
a light on humanity’s courage in dark times, The Sound, playing at the JCC’s CenterStage through May 17, is for you. This brand-new musical world-premiered there last week, and I saw it on Saturday. Set in Denmark in 1943, The Sound explores a lesser-known chapter of World War II, when ordinary Danish
citizens banded together to save its Jewish citizens from the Nazi regime, spiriting many of them across "the Sound" to safety in Sweden. The production features stellar acting and singing from top-level local performers who immerse themselves in their roles and make you believe every moment. Nelly Bryce-Ward, who portrays "the Sound" (whom you may recognize from other productions because she's one of those Rochester gems you can't forget) is a particular standout, as are Nazareth University
students Grace Plassmeyer and Cassidy Sage as the Cohn daughters. The show reminds its audience what’s possible when communities come together, something that feels especially relevant today. Its music
spans many different styles, from Broadway to gospel to rock, so if you're someone who might find the pairing of the setting with those musical styles a bit anachronistic, just be prepared for that. Not every narrative thread ties up neatly in the show, as tends to happen when a story is a retelling of something that actually happened. Still, the core message—the triumph of compassion—is unmistakable. If you’re drawn to historical inspiration and need something to smile about, The Sound will give you plenty to reflect on long after the curtain falls. We have lots more happening in the Rochester area this weekend to fill your mind and soul with the best our community has to offer, so read on! —Debra Ross, publisher
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Genesee Country Village & Museum is now open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm and every day is packed with family fun! Spark your curiosity in our 19th-century Historic Village where you can visit our new lambs and pig on the farm, take a hike on 5+ miles of nature trails, and explore an all-new 50th anniversary exhibit in the John L. Wehle Gallery! Plus, don't miss a variety of festivities for Mother's Day on Sunday, May 10. Mom gets FREE admission - our treat! Don’t forget, next weekend is 1812: The Genesee Valley at War where we explore both sides of the conflict and the impact it had on the citizens of Western New York. See what else is coming up and purchase tickets online in advance to save: https://www.gcv.org/events/
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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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Saturday, May 23, 2026, 7:30 AM -12:00 PM, Powder Mills Park in Pittsford: Powder Mills Park is a mature woodland and wetland park that can be productive for many late-migrating or nesting species. In recent years, Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Scarlet Tanagers, Pileated Woodpeckers, and Red-tailed Hawks have all nested there. We will spend time around the hatchery, then drive to and walk the Daffodil Meadow trail (less than 2 miles total).
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Treat your family to a night at Geva Theatre this spring. Tickets to Anastasia are on sale now! This Tony Award-nominated musical inspired by the beloved films takes us on a journey to the past. Iconic songs like “Once Upon a December,” “Learn to Do It,” and “Journey to the Past” transport us from the darkness of Soviet Russia to the opulence of Paris in the ’20s. Could it be that Anya really is the long-lost Romanov? Anastasia runs from May 27th through June 28th. The show’s run time is approximately 2 hours, including a 15- minute intermission and is recommended for audiences ages 10 and older. Get tickets now by calling (585) 232-4382 or by purchasing online at GevaTheatre.org.
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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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CenterStage at the JCC, May 2-17: In 1943, deportation orders of over 7,000 Danish Jews inspired their friends and neighbors to help them escape to Sweden across The Sound, sending ripples far beyond the waters that transported them to safety. Set in both past and present, this magical and heroic story of one family’s race against the clock to elude capture may restore your faith in humanity.
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Highland Park in Rochester hosts the 128th Rochester Lilac Festival from May 8-17, 2026. This beloved 10-day celebration of spring brings the community together for live music, blooming lilacs, Art in the Park, the Lilac Parade, walking tours, the farmers market, family fun, and the annual Lilac Run. With Highland Park in full color and a festival schedule packed with things to see and do, the Rochester Lilac Festival is one of the city’s most treasured spring traditions and a favorite annual outing for visitors of all ages.
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Sunday, May 10: A magical day to bring Mom to the gardens and enjoy the day in the park of beautiful Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion. All moms get in for $5.00 admission. Regular park admission applies to all other guests. Tickets will be available for purchase at the Admissions booth during the event.
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Celebrate Mother's Day weekend in a thrilling way at Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures! Treat Mom to an unforgettable adventure among the treetops as you explore our Aerial Adventure Park and Kids Adventure Park. Show your appreciation for Mom with an exciting day filled with ziplines, obstacles, and unforgettable memories in the beautiful Finger Lakes region. Join us for a special Mother's Day weekend she won't forget!
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Friday, May 8 from 2pm-4pm: Bring your mom, your friend, or your daughter (ages 18+) to the library for tea, lemonade, tea sandwiches, and sweets. Enjoy harp music played by Susan Morehouse. Dress in your fancy tea clothes - hats and fascinators are encouraged! There will be a fanciest dressed contest and Mother's Day trivia - prizes will be awarded. Registration is required as space is limited.
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Celebrate Mom… with a relaxing ride on the Rails! A delicious brunch by Catered Creations at Curriers Station! Limited Seating Is Available.
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Friday, May 8, 6:30pm: Acclaimed artist Hugo McCloud’s work, Blue Zone, on view in MAG’s newly reimagined contemporary art galleries, features a laborer carrying a stack of boxes on his shoulder on a street of India. Exquisitely rendered with single-use plastic bags, the work is part of McCloud’s exploration of materials, processes, and subject matter.
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GET YOUR TICKETS BY MAY 8 AT: https://tinyurl.com/ZontaROC2026 Join us for the Zonta Club of Rochester's 2nd Annual Rocking for a Cause fundraiser featuring the incredible Brian Lindsay Band on Friday, May 15th at Penfield Country Club! Doors open at 6PM, with live music from 7-10PM. Tickets are on sale now for $65 per person or $500 to reserve a Table for 8! Each ticket includes delicious food, live music, and more! We look forward to seeing you there!
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Garth Fagan Dance returns to Nazareth University for its 55th Anniversary Performance Celebration, marking a historic milestone for the internationally acclaimed company. Known for its groundbreaking fusion of modern dance, Afro-Caribbean traditions, ballet, and post-modern dance, Garth Fagan Dance continues to thrill audiences with works that are at once technically brilliant and emotionally powerful. May 7, 2026 at 7:30pm May 8, 2026 at 7:30pm May 9, 2026 at 7:30pm May 10, 2026 at 2:00pm
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The national phenomenon Listen to Your Mother (LTYM) is coming to Rochester for a one night only performance at The Hochstein School on Saturday, May 9, at 7:30 pm. Founded by National Director Ann Imig in 2010, LTYM has been performed in 50+ cities around the country. The LTYM Rochester show is presented by the Flower City Writers Collective in association with The Center for Teen Empowerment. Co-producers are Christine Green, Terri Lee, Taylor Terrance, and Erin Waller.
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The Prozorov sisters - Olga, Masha, and Irina - yearn for a more fulfilling life beyond their provincial existence. Three Sisters is one of Anton Chekhov’s most celebrated plays, first performed in 1901. The story takes place over three and a half years in a family home and follows the lives of four siblings after the death of their father, a Colonel. The youngest sister, Irina, is hopeful and idealistic, while Masha, the middle sister, struggles in an unhappy marriage. Olga, the eldest, has accepted a life of responsibility and duty, and their brother Andrei’s poor choices lead to financial ruin for the family.
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One Night. One Legendary Artist. One 2000 Year Old Instrument. May is National Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and we’re celebrating with a rare instrument and a legendary musician. The world’s greatest pipa player, Wu Man, joins your RPO for one incredible weekend. Join us on May 7 & 9 for an experience you’ll never forget!
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A One of a kind Mother’s Day celebration filled with blooms, bubbly and beautiful moments!
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Looking for a special gift for mom? On Mother’s Day, interpreters in the Historic Village will showcase a number of tasks and activities reflective of what life was like for 19th-century mothers. Explore historic homes, kitchens, and heirloom gardens, and don’t forget to treat mom to a traditional 19th-century pastry from the D.B. Munger Confectionery! Don’t forget to stop by the Flint Hill Store to peruse handcrafted goods made right here in the Historic Village, work by local artisans, treats, sweets, and more. And most importantly – don’t forget that all Moms receive free admission to the Historic Village on Mother’s Day!
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Lovely local experiences are in your future! |
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