BeyondTheNest: Weekly e-newsletter for Rochester | |
|
|
Save the Date
Fri, Jun 5-Sun, Jun 7: Fairport Canal Days 2026 Sat, Jun 6: Rochester Flower Fest
Sat, Jun 6: GemFest 2026
Sat, Jun 13: ADK Outdoor Expo 2026
Sat, Jun 13: Freedom Festival: America 250 in the Bristol Hills
Sat, Jun 13: Second Saturday Dansville featuring Fairy Fest
Sun, Jun 14: East Avenue Music Festival
Thu, Jun 18: 40th Annual HARBORFEST Sat-Sun, Jul 11-12: Corn Hill Arts Fest |
June’s first weekend has clearly decided to show off: You can cheer on Buffalo Bills stars at Greg Rousseau’s Charity Softball Game at ESL Ballpark on Sunday, wander Fairport Canal Days, peek inside Charlotte’s historic homes and gardens, hunt treasures at MAG, run the ridges at Frost Town, slow way down with
forest bathing, or spend a peaceful Sunday morning having coffee with horses. Around here, “something for everyone” is not a cliché; it’s a scheduling challenge. 😊 And if your weekend needs a little
music, sparkle, and theatrical sweep, Anastasia is at Geva Theatre through June 28. I saw it with my daughter Ella last weekend, and it’s gorgeous and SO worth the trip... but families who know the animated movie may want to prepare for how different the stage version feels. I’ve written a quick guide
to help young movie fans arrive ready for the musical’s deeper history, bigger emotions, and dazzling performances. This week’s newsletter also includes meaningful ways to connect with the community,
from arts fundraisers to URMC research studies that help strengthen real human connection. Enjoy your weekend! —Debra Ross, publisher
|
|
|
|
This Sunday, June 7 at ESL Ballpark: Buffalo Bills football stars and fans will be brought together for a day of fun, competition, and community impact. The stars are set for a Home Run Derby (12pm) and Offense vs. Defense softball game showdown (1pm): Gates open at 10:30 for a pre-game tailgate party at the ESL Ballpark Walk of Fame. All proceeds from the event will benefit The Rousseau Family Foundation. Tickets are $35 (200 level), $40 (100 level), or $200 (VIP).
|
|
|
|
Treat yourself to a night at Geva Theatre this spring. Anastasia is at the Wilson Mainstage through June 28. 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? 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.
|
|
|
|
Are you 60 or older? Discover free, confidential, one-on-one support through URMC’s HOPE Lab. We’re studying Engage Coaching, funded by the National Institutes of Mental Health. Participants meet with a coach up to10 times (in person or phone) to set and achieve social goals, like spending more time with family, hosting small gatherings, helping others, or exploring their community. Your participation contributes to valuable research while improving your own connections. You are paid for research interviews (up to $475). Contact us at (585) 273-1811 or [email protected] |
|
|
|
|
|
Explore some of the best terrain that the Bristol Hills has to offer this summer at Frost Town Trail Fest, hosted at the Cumming Nature Center by Ironwood Adventure Works. Choose between 10k and 25k race options that will take you up ridges, through the woods, and across every inch of the nature center landscape. We have a free kids 3k fun run as well.
|
|
|
|
Saturday, June 6th 9-11am: Join Lilac Nature Connection @ HNC for a two-hour forest bathing walk. Despite the name, there’s no water involved; the “bathing” is about immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the forest. Rather than focusing on distance or identifying plants and wildlife, this experience invites you to slow down, awaken your senses, and be fully present in the moment. Through a series of flexible, guided invitations, we’ll wander together, noticing what the forest offers and connecting with one another along the way. We’ll close with light snacks and a chance to reflect on the experience. $30/person
|
|
|
|
The "Arts in Bloom" inaugural gala is a fundraiser for the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts to maintain cultural and arts programming in Livingston and Monroe County--featuring local artists and providing a great night of community support.
|
|
|
|
Thursday, June 4–Sunday, June 7: This popular annual fundraiser presented by the MAG Council is the place to find gently used antiques, fine art, china, porcelain, silver, crystal, jewelry, housewares, notions, books, and small furniture items. Preview Night, a sneak peek and chance to buy before everyone else, is tonight (Thursday, June 4) 5:30–7:30 pm, admission is $20. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday admission is free.
|
|
|
|
Sat, June 6 & Sun, June 7, 10 am - 4pm: The Landmark Society’s 2026 House and Garden Tour is delighted to bring guests to a brand new location: the glorious Charlotte Lakeside Neighborhood. The 2026 House & Garden Tour showcases a distinctive collection of residences along Beach Avenue and historically significant buildings throughout the Charlotte Beach neighborhood. Each featured home and community space reflects thoughtful stewardship—whether carefully preserved or beautifully restored—with many retaining striking original architectural details.
|
|
|
|
Sunday morning horse time for grown-ups. Enjoy a peaceful morning of grooming, petting, and connecting with our gentle horses, followed by cozy social time in the Carriage House with coffee or your favorite morning drink. No riding — just slow mornings, good conversation, and barn vibes.
|
|
|
|
GemFest 2026 is a gem and mineral show with activities and demonstrations for the whole family plus gem, mineral, and jewelry dealers. Features a variety of family friendly activities like soapstone carving, a sluice with plenty of treasures to discover, rock painting, and Jerry the Geologist with his dinosaur. Many vendors will be on hand as well selling gems, crystals, minerals for crafting and collecting, fossil specimens, beads, jewelry, and shiny sparkling treasures!
|
|
|
|
Fairport Canal Days, Saturday, June 6th 10am-6pm and Sunday, June 7th 10am-5pm, is produced by the Fairport Perinton Merchants Association. The kick-off party is Friday evening, June 5, in Fairport Junction, where you'll find a delicious classic chicken BBQ dinner, food trucks, live music, adult and non-alcoholic beverages and winning poster contest artist signing posters!
|
|
|
|
Commotion Dance Theater presents new dances and live music on Thursday, June 4 and Saturday, June 6 at 7:30 pm as part of the Dance Theatre x 3 series at MuCCC. Tickets are $10 - $25 and are available in advance at wwww.muccc.org and at the door. MuCCC is located at 142 Atlantic Avenue, Rochester, 14607.
|
|
|
|
Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, glowworms, or members of the Lampyridae family, are magical little creatures. Come join us to learn more about them and their powers of bioluminescence, right in their natural habitat. Bring your family for a guided evening hike across our Oatka Creek meadow, behind the scenes of the Museum.
|
|
|
|
Items for sale on Sundays at local Flea Markets are a part of Americana. Steve Levinson presents a focused collection of photographs made at local flea markets: each image a small, quiet story of objects where memory lingers.
|
|
|
|
Ease into the weekend with Food Truck Fridays in Washington Square— a lunchtime series in the heart of downtown! Enjoy a rotating selection of local food trucks, lawn games, and live music curated by Local Sound Collaborative, all set in the leafy, green oasis of Washington Square Park. Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or globally inspired, there’s always something new to try— and great music to enjoy while you eat!
|
|
|
|
Join us as we celebrate the 300th anniversary of the 1726 French Castle. Saturday's program recreates the arrival of Chaussegros de Lery and his workers and soldiers who began construction of the Castle. The program will feature building trades demonstrations, military pageantry, musket and artillery firings and rededication ceremonies.
|
|
|
|
Join us for one of the hottest dates nights in town! At the Rochester Arc + Flame Center our events are sure to spark the flame between you and your partner! Using hammers & heat, students will turn flat sheet steel into beautiful & creative 3D objects. Projects focus on learning hammer control through applied texture and manipulating steel with heat. At the end of class, you will have made a lovely keepsake along with lasting memories.
|
|
|
|
Are you 50 years of age or older? Do you experience stress related to caring for a family member with dementia? Do you also sometimes feel isolated or left out or that you lack companionship? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help researchers learn how social relationships impact feelings of stress in both positive and negative ways for those caring for somebody with dementia. Compensation provided. Complete our brief online screening to see if you qualify.
|
|
|
Lovely local experiences are in your future! |
|
|
|
