Happy Hump Day, Rochester!
We're waking up this Wednesday heading into some surprisingly mild temperatures (hello, 50s on Friday?) and a packed cultural calendar. The city is balancing a mix of great taste and futuristic ambition. We’re saying hello to a restaurant sweeping the awards while watching local innovation take center stage in Las Vegas.
Rochester tech goes global at CES 2026
The local brewery that officially has the city's best fries
THE BIG SCOOP
Strangebird Sweeps the Awards (Yes, Even for Fries)
The "Strangebird" phenomenon is officially taking over. The brewery at 62 Marshall Street cleaned up at the Best of Rochester 2025 awards, winning Best Place to Dine Solo, Best Chef (Nate Stahl), and even Best French Fries. The awards signal a shift in Rochester's brewery scene, where patrons now expect the food menu to be just as scientifically rigorous and high-quality as the beer.
Vuzix Showcases the Future in Las Vegas
While Rochester winters keep us bundled up, local tech giant Vuzix is making waves in the desert. The company is currently showcasing its new AI-powered smart glasses at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. This major industry event puts Rochester innovation on the global stage, highlighting the city's growing role as a hub for next-generation optics and wearable technology. Read more.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
WEDNESDAY (Jan 7)
The Richmond | Trivia Night | High-energy, three-round trivia in the East End; great for young professionals. | 7:30 PM
RMSC Planetarium | The Sky Tonight | A live tour of the stars and constellations currently visible over Rochester. | 2:00 PM
THURSDAY (Jan 8)
Kodak Hall | RPO: Romance & Revelation | The RPO performs at Eastman Theatre—a perfect downtown cultural night out. | 7:30 PM
RochesterWorks | Recruiting Event | Meet recruiters from Alliance Precision Plastics and Rush-Henrietta Schools at 96 College Ave. | 9:00 AM
FRIDAY (Jan 9)
Photo City Music Hall | White Out Rave | An immersive electronic dance music event where everyone dresses in white. | 8:00 PM
Memorial Art Gallery | Winter Warmup at MAG | A sophisticated evening of art, live music, and social connection in the warmth of the gallery. | 5:00 PM
SATURDAY (Jan 10)
RIT Inn & Conference Center | PokeKon Fest | A massive celebration of Pokémon culture, trading, and gaming. | 10:00 AM
Blue Cross Arena | Knighthawks vs. Buffalo Bandits | The intense Thruway Rivalry returns—expect a packed house! | 7:00 PM
HOME OF THE WEEK
Modern Luxury in Brighton
10 Pendleton Hill Rd, Rochester (Brighton) | $1,990,000 | 4 Beds / 4 Baths | 3,999 Sq Ft | Just listed, this stunning new construction in the prestigious 14618 zip code offers a masterclass in modern design, featuring nearly 4,000 square feet of open-concept living space and high-end finishes throughout. Check out the listing here
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
Wednesday
The Little Theatre Café | Margaret Explosion (Free Jazz/Psych) | 7:00 PM
Don's Original | Marty Roberts (Kickoff of "Don's After Dark") | 6:00 PM
Thursday
Kodak Hall | Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (Classical) | 7:30 PM
Abilene Bar & Lounge | Elvis Birthday Bash (Rockabilly/Swing) | 7:30 PM
CRISP Rochester | Blue 22 (Rock) | 6:00 PM
Friday
Flight Wine Bar | Mike Kelly & Dave Arenius (Jazz) | 6:30 PM
Abilene Bar & Lounge | Dead in the Basement (Grateful Dead Tribute) | 7:30 PM
Montage Music Hall | Act III (R&B/Soul) | 6:00 PM
Saturday
Lovin' Cup | Baklava Express (Fusion) | 7:00 PM
The Bug Jar | Annual Yeti Fest (Indie/Rock) | 9:00 PM
Montage Music Hall | Silent Disco (Dance) | 8:00 PM
ROCHESTER SPORTS
Rochester Americans (AHL) Jan 3 vs. Toronto Marlies | Loss 4-6
WEATHER
Wednesday
36° 🌡️ 34° | 🌧️/🌨️ (Rain/Snow Mix) | 45% | 💨 W 14 mph (12.2 knots)
Thursday
46° 🌡️ 33° | ⛅ (Mostly Cloudy) | 10% | 💨 S 8 mph (7.0 knots)
Friday
56° 🌡️ 37° | 🌧️ (Light Rain) | 60% | 💨 Light Winds
THANK YOU!
Hang in there, the weekend is coming.
Did you spot a 'Coming Soon' sign in your neighborhood? Reply and let us know!