Looking for exciting things to do in Rochester, New York, this weekend? Look no further! Our comprehensive guide gathers the best resources to help you explore a variety of activities, whether you’re an adult looking for unique experiences or a college student seeking weekend adventures.
Event Calendars
Discover popular event calendars featuring a wide range of activities happening around Rochester. Find the perfect event for this weekend or plan ahead by filtering events based on your preferred date or date range. Know of other great event calendars? Share them with us in the comments!
- Bands In Town
- CITY Newspaper Choice Concerts
- CITY Newspaper Choice Events
- CITY Newspaper Events
- CITY Newspaper Music
- D&C Events
- Eventful
- Eventbrite
- Facebook Events
- WikiDo This Weekend
- WROC Calendar
- WXXI Community Calendar
Live Music
Immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene of Rochester with venues that specialize in live musical performances. From local talents to nationally recognized artists, there’s something for every music enthusiast to enjoy multiple times a week.
- Abilene Bar & Lounge
- The Bug Jar
- Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
- Essex
- Fairport B-Side
- Flour City Station
- Iron Smoke Distillery
- Johnny’s Irish Pub
- Little Theatre Music Calendar
- Lovin’ Cup Live Show List
- Montage Music Hall Event Calendar
- Nashvilles
- Pelican’s Nest
- The Record Archive
- Three Heads Brewing
Periodic & Seasonal Activities
Explore seasonal events and periodic activities that showcase the best of Rochester’s cultural and recreational offerings throughout the year.
- Annual Festivals
- Bands on the Bricks
- Concerts by the Shore
- Flavors of the Market
- Food Truck Rodeo
- Genesee Country Village & Museum special events
- Geeks Who Drink
- Memorial Art Gallery DeTOURS
- New York State Parks Events Calendar
- Party in the Park
- RMSC After Dark
- Strong Happiest Hour
- Zoo Brew
Sporting Events
Get in on the action with exciting sporting events happening in and around Rochester. Whether you’re a participant or a spectator, there’s no shortage of sports-related fun to be had.
- Rochester Americans hockey
- Rochester Red Wings baseball
- Rochester Knighthawks indoor lacrosse
- RIT Tigers hockey
- Buffalo Bills football
- Buffalo Sabres hockey
- Syracuse Orangemen basketball
College Campus Events
Take advantage of open-to-the-public campus events at Rochester’s universities. From concerts to lectures and more, universities like Roberts, RIT, Nazareth, and U of R offer enriching experiences that are often free of charge.
Other Entertainment Venues
Dive into the diverse entertainment scene of Rochester, featuring movies, plays, comedy shows, and more at various venues across the city. We’re constantly updating our list, so don’t hesitate to recommend your favorite entertainment spots!
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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.
25 House & Garden Tours Around Rochester
Every year there are dozens of opportunities around Rochester to walk through grand and historic homes, and meticulously manicured gardens.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a show on stage or screen. Experience diverse artistic expression, from Broadway productions to classic movies.
🎡 2024 New York State & County Fairs
State and county fairs, featuring agricultural-themed competitions, amusement, and entertainment, have been popular since the early 1800s.
132 Things to Do Around Rochester
We’ve pulled together a list of fun and unique things to do around Rochester, NY, within two hours of home—perfect for quick getaways.
60 Day Trips within 30 Minutes of Rochester
Sometimes you just need a fun, spontaneous adventure or quick getaway to refresh your day. Try one of these day trips within 30 minutes of Rochester.
Free Things to Do Around Rochester
Our top 12 day-trip ideas for unique, fun, and free things to do around Rochester will give you over 500 actual destinations.
Enjoy discounted admissions or ticket purchases at these destinations with the Monroe County Library System VIP Pass!
Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2023-2024 in Rochester
I’ve compiled a list of some playful places to celebrate New Year’s Eve on December 31, 2023, and welcome 2024 in style!
Where do you find things to do around Rochester?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
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.
Hi, I’m on the committe for the Finger Lakes Celtic Festival that has been happening always on the 3rd Saturday in May. Here’s a write up if it can be added.
Join us on May 21, 2022 Saturday from 9:30am to 7pm for the Finger Lakes Celtic Festival in Farmington, NY. Become Celtic for the day (if you’re not already) and enjoy a pleasing array of sights, sounds and smells. This event includes: Highland Heavy Games, Bag Piping competition, Dance Exhibitions, an array of Celtic Music, Demonstrations, A large Gathering of Scottish Clans, Historical & Heritage Societies, Artisans, Kids Activities, and so much more. Admission fee, no pets, free parking and it’s happening Rain or Shine. Go to the Website: http://www.flceltic.org or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fingerlakesceltic for more info.
Thank you for sharing this, Pam! We also have the festival listed on our guide, “200+ Annual Events Around Rochester.” https://daytrippingroc.com/events-around-rochester/ We’re looking forward to enjoying festivals again!