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 discover various 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 by filtering events based on your preferred date or date range.
- Bands In Town
- Beyond The Nest
- City Magazine
- Facebook Events
- Kids Out and About Rochester
- Visit Rochester
- WROC – Rochester First
Live Music
Immerse yourself in Rochester’s vibrant music scene with venues specializing 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
- Anthology
- The Bug Jar
- Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
- Fairport B-Side
- Flour City Station
- Iron Smoke Distillery
- Johnny’s Irish Pub
- Little Cafe
- Lovin’ Cup
- Montage Music Hall
- 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 in and around Rochester. Whether you’re a participant or a spectator, there’s no shortage of sports-related fun.
- 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 and musicals to lectures and more, universities like Roberts, RIT, Nazareth, and U of R offer enriching experiences that are often free or inexpensive.
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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12 Significant City of Rochester Festivals
This guide aims to showcase Rochester’s most popular festivals, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to our beautiful city.
Rochester, NY Events & Activities: Your Guide to Year-Round Fun
From Rochester’s annual events and festivals to seasonal activities, I’ve curated a list of the best things to do around Rochester all year.
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.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a show on stage or screen. Experience diverse artistic expression, from Broadway productions to classic movies.
🎡 2025 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.
18 Library VIP Pass Discounts (New for 2025!)
Enjoy discounted admissions or ticket purchases at these destinations with the Monroe County Library System VIP Pass!
Where do you find things to do around Rochester?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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Enjoy the Journey Together!
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!