BeyondTheNest: Weekly e-newsletter for Rochester | |
Summer has officially shifted into “so much to do, so little weekend” mode, and Rochester is showing off accordingly. The Red Wings are home at ESL Ballpark with fireworks, giveaways, theme nights, autographs, and half-price tickets on Tuesday; meanwhile, downtown is buzzing with food trucks, music, outdoor
movies, games, and free community fun through the Downtown Definitely series. Add in a World Cup watch party at East & Alexander, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a citywide “Hello, weekend!” This is also a great weekend to lean into history, heritage, and hometown pride. Celebrate America’s 250th with the Irondequoit Chorale or the Freedom Festival in the Bristol Hills, step back in time aboard the Sam Patch on the Erie Canal, or explore Celtic music, dance, food, Highland games, and artisan demos at GCV&M's Celtic Faire. The ADK Outdoor Expo at Mendon Ponds Park is free, family-friendly, and packed with ways to enjoy the great outdoors. And because summer in Rochester has room for everyone, you’ll also find Broadway’s SUFFS, Yappy Hour at MAG, Pittsford Pride, the East Avenue Music Festival, the Great New York State Flea at the Public Market, and even a
grown-ups-only comedy night and pub crawl. However you like to launch into June—cheering, singing, strolling, laughing, eating, exploring, or bringing your dog along—this weekend is ready for you. —Debra Ross, publisher
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Tuesday night, I was swept away by the inspiring musical SUFFS, which is onstage at the RBTL's Auditorium Theatre through Sunday. Set between 1913 and 1920, it vividly brings to life
the suffragists who dared to turn an impossible dream into a reality. The show beautifully illustrates how perseverance and passion can change history, even when success feels out of reach. If you love learning about how women's right to vote became a reality—or if you just need a reminder that what seems impossible can become possible—this is a must-see for your family! Tickets: https://rbtl.org/events/suffs/
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The Rochester Red Wings have a busy homestand coming up at ESL Ballpark, with back-to-back series full of family fun, giveaways, fireworks, and special promotions! The Wings take on the Worcester Red Sox today through this Sunday, followed by a series against the Toledo Mud Hens Tuesday, June 16 through Sunday, June 21. Tuesday is Half-Price ticket Tuesday! Highlights include post-game fireworks, autograph opportunities, giveaways, theme nights, and more. Fans should get their tickets online in advance to save and make the most of this action-packed stretch of Red Wings baseball!
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The New York Museum of Transportation announces its Father's Day Special! Fathers and Grandfathers receive free admission Sunday, June 21 when accompanied by a youth age 3 – 12. The model railroad is in operation, sure to give everyone fresh ideas for their own home layouts. Climb into the cab of a steam locomotive and ring the bell in a trolley car. Highway and horse-drawn vehicles, models, photos, and smaller artifacts bring transportation history to life. Open 11 to 4.
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Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Irondequoit High School, 260 Cooper Rd., Rochester, NY 14617: Celebrate America’s 250th with a stirring patriotic concert from The Irondequoit Chorale! Under the direction of Eric Trumpowsky, with Marcia Shermeta accompanying, this special performance will honor the spirit of our nation through the beauty and power of choral music. Admission is $20 for adults under 65, $15 for adults 65 and older and for children ages 12 through college, and free for children under 12 and anyone with a Chorale member. For more information, call 266-5018.
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Tuesday, June 9 - Sunday, June 14: Behind every powerful woman... are more powerful women. Direct from Broadway comes the acclaimed Tony Award®-winning musical Suffs about the brilliant, passionate, and funny American women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote. Created by Shaina Taub, the first woman to ever independently win Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score in the same season, this “thrilling, inspiring and dazzlingly entertaining” (Variety) new musical boldly explores the triumphs and failures of a struggle for equality that’s far from over. Winner of the Outer Critics’ Circle Award for Best New Musical
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Friday, June 12: Join us for a Yappy Hour at the Memorial Art Gallery! Bring your dog, its leash, and your creativity, and come learn about our outdoor sculptures and architecture, create some dog nose prints, draw your pet’s portrait, and more! We’ll have doggy treats and dog merch, and you’ll leave with a pass to come back to visit the museum!
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The ADK Outdoor - 27 Years of Celebrating the Great Outdoors at Mendon Ponds Park! Come join us for this free and family-friendly day of outdoor activities.
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From the Scottish Highlands, Emerald Isles, and rugged Welsh coastline to the Genesee Valley, Celtic traditions and roots run deep. Explore this rich culture at our pan-Celtic celebration of heritage music, dance, and authentic food and drink. Shop specialty vendors, see artisan demos, watch exciting Highland games, explore the Historic Village, find out about your family history at the clan booths, explore tartans in the John L. Wehle Gallery, and so much more.
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Join the City of Rochester and Visit Rochester as East Avenue and Alexander Street transform into a massive outdoor soccer celebration for a special World Cup watch party on Friday, June 12. East & Alexander will be closed to traffic and come alive with a full block party atmosphere as fans gather to cheer on Team USA. Enjoy live match broadcasts on large outdoor screens, live music, food trucks, games, and entertainment throughout the evening. Local bars and restaurants in the district will also be open for additional food and drink options. Come early, bring your crew, and be part of one of the city’s biggest summer block parties. This free community event is part of a statewide…
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Get ready for another unforgettable summer in downtown Rochester. The 5th Annual Downtown Definitely Events series returns June through September with 15 FREE events filled with live entertainment, outdoor movies, yoga with goats, food trucks, games, family activities, and more. From lunchtime gatherings and movie nights under the stars to riverside wellness events and family-friendly festivals, Downtown Definitely brings the community together all summer long in the heart of downtown Rochester. Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and experience everything downtown Rochester has to offer this summer.
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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!
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Bristol Hills Historical Society, Canandaigua History Alliance, and the towns of Canandaigua, Bristol, and South Bristol invite the public to this two-day "Freedom Festival," June 13-14, 2026, featuring Revolutionary War and pioneer reenactors, period crafts people, vintage games for children and adults, performances, lectures, and other activities commemorating life in the Finger Lakes during our nation’s earliest days.
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Step back in time as you cruise along the historic Erie Canal. Live narration brings to life the bold vision that transformed a hare-brained idea into an engineering marvel that opened the American West. Travel through a working lock, soak in the scenery, and relax as history unfolds around you.
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For 13 years, Polite Ink. Comedy has been your go-to for clever, quick-witted comedy. We’ve built a reputation on being "Polite"—but for one night a year, we check that reputation at the door. Welcome to the 5th Annual After Dark, the fan-favorite event where the filters come off and the real fun begins. This isn’t your typical Polite Ink set. We’re trading the wholesome "PG-13" vibes for a night of sharp, adult-themed humor that pushes every boundary we usually respect. YOU. WILL. LAUGH. 6:30 PM Pre-show Reception & Cash Bar (Beer, Wine, Cider), Show starts at 7:30 PM. Tickets: $10 in advance | $15 at the door
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Saturday, June 13: 2pm March from 35 Lincoln to 22 Main Street. Everyone welcome to join the march! FCPB will perform at 2:30, following the march, at 22 Main Street, Pittsford, NY
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Join the Lollypop Farm Professionals for their 14th annual Hair of the Dog Pub Crawl! You’ll make your way through local Fairport establishments, all while supporting a great cause – animals in need at Lollypop Farm. Each ticket includes a t-shirt, drink specials at each bar, and admission. This is an adult-only event. All attendees must be age 21 or older. Tickets: $35 per person pre-registration, $45 day-of, all proceeds benefit the animals at Lollypop Farm.
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Five Rochester churches will present an exciting Music Festival of Churches on June 14, 2026. The Second Annual East Avenue Music Festival will feature members of each church’s music program, including singers, instrumentalists, and bell ringers, highlighting the music that is such a powerful and integral part of worship at the East Avenue Churches. There will be Music, Food & Festivity throughout the day!
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Get ready for fresh new fleas at the Public Market! For decades, the Market has hosted Community Garage Sales and Super Fleas on Sundays from April through October... this year, we're going with a fresh, exciting new idea: partnering more with the Great New York State Flea to bring seven of its high-energy, vibrant, multi-faceted flea market concepts to the Public Market!
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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 Worcester Red Sox! Game details for dates, times, and promotions are in the description.
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Join former and future volunteers, sponsors, vendors, neighbors, artists and community members for an afternoon celebrating the ongoing legacy of Clarissa Street.
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June 19-27, 2026: It's one of the world's leading jazz festivals – and the place to experience all genres of creative improvised music. Explore the unique musical sounds from many countries, highlighting international artists' take on the only truly American art form—jazz. The nine-day festival returns to 19 venues in downtown Rochester, NY, with 300-plus shows, including more than 100 free shows, jam sessions, and jazz workshops featuring 1,750-plus artists from the United States, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cuba, France, Hungary, Japan and Poland. Headliners include Gladys Knight, the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, and trumpeter Chris Botti.
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Lovely local experiences are in your future! |
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