Chautauqua Institution

Learn Something New

From lectures, to courses, to hands-on activities, these four places around Rochester have perfected the art of continuous learning.

2023 Best of Rochester Award Winner

Day Trips Around Rochester, New York

Best of Rochester Award-Winning Book for Best Published Literary Work of 2023 and #1 Amazon Best Seller.

Rochester Brainery
Photo from RocBrainery on Twitter

1. Rochester Brainery

Rochester Brainery is a community classroom and event space located in Rochester’s Neighborhood of the Arts.

Learn from local authors, actors, artists, chefs, graphic designers, beer-brewers, and more who share their smarts in single-session, affordable classes.

Learn Something New: TEDx Rochester
TEDx

2. TEDx

TEDx brings the spirit of TED’s mission of ideas worth spreading to local communities around the globe. TEDx events are organized by curious individuals who seek to discover ideas and spark conversations in their own community.

TEDx events include live speakers and recorded TED Talks, and are organized independently under a free license granted by TED.

Find more information on each of these specific local organizations: TEDxRochester, TEDxFlourCity, TEDxAllendaleColumbia

Chautauqua Institution
Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater

3. Chautauqua Institute

Chautauqua Institution is a community on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York state that comes alive each summer with a unique mix of fine and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship and programs, and recreational activities.

Chautauqua is perhaps best known for its morning lecture series when the Amphitheater stage becomes the platform for distinguished speakers across a broad range of disciplines.

Historically, Susan B. Anthony argued for women’s suffrage in 1892, and Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his “I Hate War” speech in 1936. Margaret Mead, Amelia Earhart, Thurgood Marshall, Freeman Dyson, Jane Goodall, Sandra Day O’Connor and Kurt Vonnegut have all spoken here.

Irondequoit Library
Irondequoit Public Library

4. Monroe County Library System

Our 31 libraries each have something unique to offer the Rochester community. From resume-writing workshops to movie viewings, these programs range from practical self-improvement courses to just plain fun.

They all help the library fulfill its central mission of fostering intellectual curiosity and demonstrating the value of understanding our world.

Your Rochester Date Guide for Spending Quality Time Together, Day or Night

Whether it’s your first date or 50th anniversary, trying various activities with your partner is a great way to shake up your routine.

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Theaters Around Rochester

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a show on stage or screen. Experience diverse artistic expression, from Broadway productions to classic movies.

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Shared Rochester Experiences that Make Great Gifts

Giving the gift of shared Rochester experiences offers rewards that go well beyond mere personal joy—where less is genuinely more.

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Where do you like to go to learn something new around Rochester?

Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.

Debi Bower, Day Trips Around Rochester NY

Debi Bower is the founder and creative director of daytrippingroc.com and author of the award-winning book Day Trips Around Rochester, New York.

People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.

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