Make the most of your evenings—no weekend required.
When the workday ends and the sun sets early, it’s easy to stay in for the night. But Rochester’s weeknights offer plenty of ways to unwind and explore—without the weekend crowds. From after-hours art to cozy cafés, live music, and active recreation, here are a few ways to make the most of your evenings around the city.
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Explore Art and Culture After Hours
The Little Theatre
Catch an indie or foreign film at this East End landmark. The adjoining Little Café hosts live music most evenings—pair it with dessert or a light meal before your show. Check out The Little Theatre’s events calendar.
Memorial Art Gallery (MAG)
Every Thursday evening, the MAG stays open until 9 p.m., offering a rich midweek escape. Stroll the galleries, enjoy a meal at Brown Hound Downtown, and don’t miss the Third Thursday Concerts (October through May) featuring Eastman’s Italian Baroque Organ. Enjoy half-price admission on Thursdays and the second Friday of each month after 5 p.m. Visit the Memorial Art Gallery’s website for more information.
Eastman School of Music Concerts
Throughout the academic year, Eastman hosts hundreds of performances—many of which are free and open to the public. Hear student recitals, jazz combos, and world-class ensembles at Kilbourn Hall, Hatch Recital Hall, and Eastman Theatre, often starting at 7:30 p.m. You can also live-stream concerts at home! Check out ESM’s full events calendar.
More weeknight entertainment:
Evening Coffee, Dessert, and Conversation
- Java’s Café (Gibbs Street)
- Albunn Coffee House (East End)
- Layali Coffee House (Henrietta)
- Equal Grounds (South Wedge)
- Boulder Coffee Co. (South Wedge)
- White Rabbit Dessert Experience (Henrietta)
- Sweet Retreat (Greece)
- Crepes-n-Shakes (Irondequoit)
- Phillip’s European (Brighton)
Games, Arcades, and Indoor Fun
- Swillburger / The Playhouse (Rochester)
- Game Night Roc and Geeks Who Drink host trivia events at breweries and restaurants throughout the city.
- AMF Bowling (multiple locations)
- Bowl-a-Roll (Heniretta)
- Radio Social Bowling (Rochester)
- Lasertron Rochester
- Big Oak Driving Range
- Fairport Pickleball Club
- Rochester Amerks Hockey
- Clubhouse Fun Center
- Arcade 80s (Penfield)
- Rochester Pinball Collective (East Rochester)
- Millennium Games & Hobbies (Henrietta—the largest game store in the country!)
- Dice Versa (Rochester)
- ERA – Eric’s Retro Arcade (Spencerport)
Explore More
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.
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.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a show on stage or screen. Experience diverse artistic expression, from Broadway productions to classic movies.
Rochester is home to world-renowned museums and thought-provoking galleries. You can spend weeks exploring our rich cultural heritage.
What are your favorite things to do on a weeknight in Rochester?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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