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Last updated: November 27, 2025
February invites us to slow down, warm up, and savor the simple comforts of winter. Whether you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s Day, searching for family fun during winter break, or just trying to stay active and inspired, here are experiences worth seeking out this month—brought together from some of my favorite guides around Rochester.
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1. Eastman Museum’s Dutch Connection Event
February 2026 dates TBA
Experience the beauty and fragrance of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other flowering bulbs throughout the mansion. This colorful display is a welcome contrast to the monotony of winter.
2. Do a Book Crawl
Make book browsing an adventure. Visit an independent bookstore, then explore a few Monroe County Library branches with standout reading areas. Trade gently used books at Little Free Libraries along the way.
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New & Used Bookstores Around Rochester
Books take us on a journey through time and space. If you’re looking for a new adventure, check out these bookstores around Rochester.
A free library card allows you to access 31 Monroe County libraries, including Central Library and Libby, the digital library.
Little Free Libraries Around Rochester
Before heading out on your day trip, look at your bookshelf. We have dozens of public Little Free Libraries where you can donate your books.
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3. Take a Winter Hike on Your Favorite Local Trails
Bare trees, soft light, and peaceful pathways make winter a beautiful time to walk. Feed the chickadees at Mendon Ponds, wander Highland Park’s quietest corners, witness the frozen falls at Niagara Falls, or explore the snow-dusted gorge at Letchworth. Winter rewards slower steps.
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26 Easy Winter Walks Around Rochester
Each destination offers a unique perspective of the Rochester area’s natural beauty, from snow-covered parks to picturesque waterfronts.
4. Go Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing
Mid-winter is prime time for outdoor winter adventure. Whether you prefer the thrill of a fast sled run, the peaceful rhythm of snowshoeing, or the challenge of cross-country skiing, Rochester offers something for every energy level. Many parks provide equipment rentals, warming shelters, and beginner-friendly trails—perfect for easing into the season.
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11 Best Places to Rent Snowshoes Around Rochester
If you’re looking to spend time outdoors, give snowshoeing a try. There are places around Rochester to rent and learn how to use them.
The 16 Best Places for Downhill and Cross-Country Skiing Around Rochester
Skiing is a popular winter activity that provides both physical and social benefits and helps maintain vitamin D levels with sun exposure.
5. Spend a Day Exploring Rochester’s Museums
February is ideal for wandering galleries or catching a planetarium show. Try the Memorial Art Gallery, RMSC + Strasenburgh Planetarium, George Eastman Museum, or your favorite small-town museum for a warm, inspiring day indoors.
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6. Sip Something Hot at a Favorite Coffee or Tea House
Settle in with a latte, hot chocolate, or tea at cafés like Fuego, Java’s, Layali, or Fairpour. Or use the month to explore a new-to-you spot and savor a slow winter afternoon.
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Brewing Excellence: A Guide to Rochester’s Finest Coffee Roasters and Cafes
Rochester is well known for its robust coffee culture, with unique roasts and inviting cafes known for their sense of community.
7. Find a Fireplace to Curl Up Beside
February is the perfect month to enjoy the glow of a real or gas fireplace. From cafés and restaurants to hotels and libraries, these cozy spaces invite you to rest, read, and warm up between winter outings.
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Kindling Community: A Guide to Finding Rochester’s Cozy Fireplaces
I’ve curated a list of spots around the city perfect for quiet reading or community engagement next to a comforting fireplace.
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8. Plan the Perfect Valentine’s Day
From romantic walks to creative date ideas and thoughtful gifts, February 14 offers plenty of ways to celebrate love—your way.
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Ideas for Valentine’s Day 2026 in Rochester
From Valentine’s Day-themed dinners and events to enjoying live theater or hiking together, Rochester sets the stage for memorable moments.
Enchanting Evenings: Rochester’s Most Romantic Restaurants Revealed
Discover the most romantic restaurants for date nights, milestones, and memorable culinary delights within a two-hour drive of Rochester.
9. Stay Warm & Active With Indoor Adventures
Beat cabin fever by rock climbing, roller skating, bowling, visiting museums, playing arcade games, or soaking in the warm air at Lamberton Conservatory.
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12 Ideas for Staying Warm & Active Throughout the Winter in Rochester
Don’t let winter in Rochester force you into hibernation. If snow doesn’t appeal to you, think of everything there is to do indoors.
Escape Winter: 5 Warm & Cozy Places
With tropical temperatures or cozy environments, these Rochester-area destinations offer pleasant snowy-day getaways—at least for a few hours.
10. Plan Activities for the Winter School Break
Keep kids entertained all week with a mix of indoor and outdoor fun.
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Child-Sized Fun: 10 Ideas for Enjoying the Winter Break in Rochester
This guide offers a variety of fun family activities to enjoy around Rochester during the winter school break, February 14–22, 2026.
February 2026 Event Listing
Chronological highlights—always verify hours, tickets, and venue updates before you go.
Featured Event
The Rochester Polar Plunge is thrilling to witness if you’re not participating. The party-like atmosphere is a great way to shake off winter’s blues. What’s the reason for freezin’? Funds raised from the plunge support the Special Olympics New York’s programs and services. 50 Beach Avenue, polarplunge.net The Polar Plunge is one of several events during this weekend’s Lakeside Winter Celebration event.
- Jan 29–Feb 8: The Grown-Ups, Blackfriars Theater
- Jan 31–Feb 1: DANCE FESTIVAL: Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Rochester City Ballet, RPO
- Jan 31–Feb 1: 2026 Lakeside Winter Celebration
- Feb 1: Rochester Polar Plunge
- Feb TBA: Dutch Connection, Eastman Museum
- Feb 6: First Friday Citywide Gallery Night
- Feb 6: The Goonies Movie Screening, Conversation and Q&A with Corey Feldman & Kerri Green, Kodak Center
- Feb 6–7: Endless Love: R&B Love Songs and Duets, RPO
- Feb 7: Harlem Globetrotters, Blue Cross Arena
- Feb 7: Naples Vintage, Vines & Valentines Trail
- Feb 7–22: Hitmakers Rewind, JCC
- Feb 11: Susan B. Anthony Birthday Celebration
- Feb 12 & 14: Saint-Saëns & Mendelssohn, RPO
- Feb 14: Alice in Wonderland Jr, OFC Creations
- Feb 14: Scenes from an Italian Restaurant: The Music of Billy Joel, Lovin’ Cup
- Feb 14: Grease: School Edition, OFC Creations
- Feb 14–15: Hello, Dolly! OFC Creations
- Feb 15: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, OFC Creations
- Feb 15: Amerks 3:05 pm Sunday Home Game
- Feb 15: Family Glass Fusing Workshop: Doll House, Arc + Flame
- Feb 17: Gardening with Native Plants presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener John Nelson (ASL Interpreted), Highland Park Lodge
- Feb 18–Mar 1: Wicked, RBTL
- Feb 19: Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons, Kodak Center
- Feb 20–21: How to Get Away with a Murder Mystery, performing at Stages
- Feb 21–22: Canandaigua Fire & Ice Festival
- Feb 25: “All You Need Is George” : An All-Star Celebration of George Harrison, Temple Theater
- Feb 26: The Phil Collins Story, Kodak Center
- Feb 26 & 28: Dazzling Dvořák, RPO
- Feb 28: An Evening with Larry The Cable Guy, Kodak Center
- Feb 28: Almost Queen – A Tribute to QUEEN, Temple Theater
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Rochester in January 2026: Top 10 Ways to Embrace Winter Close to Home
Discover the best things to do in Rochester this January—from bird-feeding at Mendon Ponds to cozy indoor activities.
It’s cold, it’s snowy, it’s dark. It’s wintertime in Rochester! Here are a few suggestions to help embrace our winter season.
Colorful Places: Day Trip Ideas to Brighten a Gray Rochester Day
In a city where weather often impacts our mental health, exposing yourself to vibrant hues can help dispel the gloom of a gray Rochester day.
What are your favorite things to do in February?
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I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.
I create and share this content because it brings me joy—and I hope it adds value to your adventures, too.
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