Happy Friday, Rochester!
The weekend is calling and the answer is YES. Whether you're catching the Amerks battle the Laval Rocket tonight at Blue Cross Arena, lacing up your skates for some family ice time, or settling in for a cozy dinner at one of our city's best restaurants, this weekend has something for everyone.
Best of Rochester 2025 winners finally revealed 🏆
Two incredible dinner spots perfect for a winter weekend date night 🍝
The Outsiders takes the stage all weekend at OFC Creations 🎭
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THE BIG SCOOP
Best of Rochester 2025: Food Winners Announced
CITY Magazine has officially dropped their highly anticipated “Best of Rochester” list for the food scene. It’s a huge celebration of our culinary heavy hitters, including Good Luck taking home Best Restaurant, Voula’s snagging Best Brunch, and Patron Saint winning Best New Restaurant. Whether you need a new date spot or just want to argue about who really has the best garbage plate, check out the full list of winners here.
Your Winter "Bliss" Guide is Here
Rochester A-List has published a fantastic guide that reframes our snowy season as something to enjoy rather than just endure. Their "Winter Insider Guide" highlights spots like Radio Social for games and Middle Eastern eats, and Beston Hall at Nazareth for intimate concerts. It’s the perfect resource if you’re looking to get out of the house but stay warm. Read the full guide here.
Escape the Grey (Last Chance for Tropical Holiday Vibes)
If you are tired of the winter clouds, this is your final weekend to catch the Lamberton Conservatory's Holiday Show, which wraps up on Sunday, January 11. It’s a perfect "happy place" where you can walk through warm greenhouses filled with poinsettias, festive lights, and tropical greenery. It’s the closest thing to a Florida vacation you can get in Rochester right now without buying a plane ticket. Plan your visit here.
EAT & DRINK
Potato Gnocchi at Avvino
If you are looking for a cozy, upscale spot for a winter date night, Avvino on Monroe Ave is a consistent winner. Their Potato Gnocchi and Loaded Baked Beet are frequently praised as some of the best comfort dishes in town. It’s romantic without being stuffy—perfect for a cold January evening. | 2541 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14618 | Check Out the Menu
Okie Dokie Gnocchi at Nosh
For a buzzier vibe that’s great for a group of friends, head to Nosh in the Neighborhood of the Arts. Their "Okie Dokie Gnocchi" is a massive crowd-pleaser, and the industrial atmosphere makes for a fun Friday night out. | 47 Russell St, Rochester, NY 14607 | Check Out the Menu
WHAT’S HAPPENING
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9
Downtown | Rochester Amerks vs. Laval Rocket | High-energy AHL hockey game at Blue Cross Arena. | 7:05 PM
Brighton | The Outsiders (Stage Play) | A family-friendly stage adaptation of the classic novel at OFC Creations. | 7:00 PM
East End | The House with Laughing Windows | A screening of the classic Giallo film at The Little Theatre. | 7:30 PM
Atlantic Ave | White Out Rave | A high-energy electronic music event at Photo City Music Hall. | 8:00 PM
Brighton | Public Skate | Evening ice skating sessions at Tim Hortons Iceplex. | 8:00 PM
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10
Downtown | Rochester Knighthawks vs. Buffalo Bandits | Massive NLL rivalry game at Blue Cross Arena. | 7:00 PM
East End | Silent Disco | Dance the night away with headphones at Montage Music Hall. | 8:00 PM
Museum District | Laser Elton John | A classic laser light show set to Elton John hits at the RMSC Planetarium. | 8:00 PM
Rochester | Guided Climbing | First-timer friendly guided climb at RocVentures. | Various Times
Brighton | Bebop to Bach Concert | Free family concert for kids ages 2-10 with an instrument petting zoo. | 2:00 PM
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11
Brighton | January Royal Princess Brunch | Family brunch with character appearances at The Old Farm Café. | 10:30 AM
Brighton | The Outsiders (Matinee) | Afternoon performance of the hit play at OFC Creations. | 2:00 PM
Brighton | Public Skate | Family skate session at Tim Hortons Iceplex. | 1:45 PM
Museum District | RMSC Science Exhibits | Explore the museum and planetarium shows all afternoon. | All Day
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
Friday
Inn on Broadway | Vanessa Vacanti w/ Jazz Mafia | 5:00 PM
The Little Theatre Cafe | Night and Day | 7:00 PM
Flight Wine Bar | Mike Kelly & Dave Arenius | 6:30 PM
Saturday
Lemoncello (East Rochester) | Stewie Evans Trio | 6:00 PM
Three Heads Brewing | The Moho Collective | 7:00 PM
Annette's (Webster) | Uptown Groove Duo | 7:00 PM
Sunday
Little Theatre Café | Indigo Breeze Sextet | 7:00 PM
Christ Church | Compline with Schola Cantorum | 9:00 PM
George Eastman Museum | Aeolian Pipe Organ Concert | Afternoon
ROCHESTER SPORTS
Rochester Americans (AHL)
Friday vs. Laval Rocket | Home | 7:05 PM
Note: This is a huge home game to kick off the weekend!
Rochester Knighthawks (NLL)
Saturday vs. Buffalo Bandits | Home | 7:00 PM
Rivalry Alert: The Bandits come to town for what is always a rowdy match.
WEATHER
Friday
53°F 🌡️ 35°F | 🌧️ (Light Rain) | 75% | 💨 S 25 mph (21.7 knots)
Saturday
41°F 🌡️ 35°F | 🌧️/🌨️ (Rain & Snow) | 35% | 💨 SE 10 mph (8.7 knots)
Sunday
34°F 🌡️ 27°F | 🌨️ (Snow Showers) | 25% | 💨 W 17 mph (14.8 knots)
THANK YOU!
Enjoy the food and hockey this weekend! Have fun in the “warmth” and drive safe.
Planning to hit one of these events? Forward this email to the friend you want to go with!