Happy New Year, Rochester!
We made it to 2026, and while the holiday frenzy is behind us, the "New Year, New Fun" energy is just getting started. Whether you're recovering from a wild NYE or just looking to escape the gray skies with a warm French soup, this weekend is all about starting the year off right.
Escaping to Paris (without leaving Park Ave). 🇫🇷
Cheering on the brave souls running the Winter Warrior Half. 🏃♀️
Watching the region's best dancers compete downtown. 💃
THE BIG SCOOP
Upstate Gets a Raise
Starting yesterday (Jan 1), the minimum wage for our region officially bumped up to $16.00 per hour. It’s a welcome boost for our local service industry heroes and workers across Rochester as we kick off the new year. Read the official details here
"Noon Year’s" Was a Wild Success
If you have little ones (or just love an early bedtime), you probably heard about the massive turnout at the Seneca Park Zoo’s Noon Year’s Eve on Wednesday. Hundreds of families rang in 2026 at 12:00 PM with the animals, proving you don’t need to stay up until midnight to have a blast. See the event recap
Runners Brave the Cold for a Cause
This Saturday marks the annual Winter Warrior Half Marathon & Relay. Thousands of runners will be bundling up to hit the pavement at Monroe Community College. Even if you aren't running, it's a great community moment to spectate and cheer on the brave athletes starting their 2026 resolutions strong. Check race details
EAT & DRINK
French Onion Soup at Roux
With the temperatures dropping this weekend, this Park Ave staple is the closest you’ll get to Paris without a plane ticket. Their legendary French Onion Soup—loaded with melted gruyère—is the ultimate winter comfort food for a cozy Friday dinner. Located at 688 Park Ave, Rochester | Check Out the Menu
Savory Pot Pies at Crust Pie Co.
Comfort food is mandatory in January. This South Wedge gem is famous for their flaky, buttery crusts. Go for the Japanese Curry Pot Pie for lunch, or grab a Salted Caramel Apple Pie to warm up your Saturday night. Located at 133 Gregory St, South Wedge | Check Out their Website
WHAT’S HAPPENING
FRIDAY, JANUARY 2
Downtown | 24 Seven Dance Competition | Elite dancers from across the region compete at the Convention Center. | 4:00 PM
Museum District | Winter Wonderland at The Strong | Hands-on winter farm play and activities for the kids. | 11:00 AM
RMSC | Planetarium Laser Shows | Catch a classic laser show to start your weekend on a trippy note. | Times Vary
Downtown | First Friday at The Hungerford | (Check availability) Explore local artist studios and grab some unique 2026 art. | 6:00 PM
Comedy at The Carlson | Jamie Lissow Live | Catch the hilarious actor and comedian (known from Netflix and Fox News Gutfeld!) for a huge Friday night show. | 6:30 PM
SATURDAY, JANUARY 3
Henrietta/MCC | Winter Warrior Half Marathon | Cheer on the runners or join the relay if you registered! | 10:00 AM
Public Market | Rochester Public Market | Bundle up and grab fresh local produce for your New Year meal prep. | 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Museum District | RMSC Star Shows | "The Sky Tonight" tour is perfect for a chill Saturday morning. | 1:00 PM
Fairport | Live Music at Iron Smoke | Grab a whiskey and enjoy some of the best local live tunes in town. | 8:30 PM
Genesee Valley Park | Open Skate at Genesee Valley Park | (Verify ice conditions) Classic winter fun for the whole family. | 5:00 PM
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4
Downtown | 24 Seven Dance Competition | The final day of the massive dance workshop and competition. | All Day
East End | Classical Guitar Night | Relax at The Little Theatre Café with soothing live music and coffee. | 7:00 PM
University Ave | Memorial Art Gallery Tour | Warm up inside and wander through centuries of beautiful art. | 12:30 PM
Pittsford | Sunday Brunch at Label 7 | A cozy spot on the canal to recover from the weekend. | 11:00 AM
Highland Park | Lamberton Conservatory Holiday Show | It's the final weeks to see the holiday lights and tropical blooms inside the warm glasshouse (open late!). | 10:00 AM
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
Friday, Jan 2
The Bug Jar | High Pines w/ St. Vith | 9:00 PM
Iron Smoke Distillery | Fab Gear (60s British Invasion Tribute) | 8:00 PM
Abilene Bar & Lounge | Big Lake (Americana/Bluegrass) | 5:30 PM
The Little Theatre Café | Steve Grills & The Roadmasters | 7:00 PM
Saturday, Jan 3
Photo City Music Hall | The Strictly Hip (Tragically Hip Tribute) | 7:00 PM
Iron Smoke Distillery | Songbirds (Fleetwood Mac Tribute) | 8:30 PM
Johnny’s Irish Pub | Teagan and the Tweeds | 8:00 PM
Abilene Bar & Lounge | A Celebration of Todd Snider | 7:30 PM
Water Street Music Hall | V. Ciannii & Friends | 7:00 PM
Sunday, Jan 4
The Little Theatre Café | Classical Guitar Night | 7:00 PM
Christ Church | Compline by Schola Cantorum | 9:00 PM
Buntsy's Neighborhood Food & Drink | Live Band Feature (Check Schedule) | 5:00 PM
ROCHESTER SPORTS
Our teams are on the road this weekend!
Rochester Knighthawks (NLL) Saturday 1/3 vs. Colorado Mammoth | AWAY | 9:00 PM ET | [ESPN+] (Next Home Game: Jan 10 vs. Buffalo Bandits!)
Rochester Americans (AHL) Saturday 1/3 vs. Toronto Marlies | AWAY | 4:00 PM ET [AHLTV] (Next Game: Jan 7)
WEATHER
Friday
22°F 🌡️ 16°F | 🌨️ Light Snow | 45% Precip | 💨 W 16 mph (13.9 knots)
Saturday
24°F 🌡️ 20°F | 🌥️ Cloudy/Snow Showers | 20% Precip | 💨 W 11 mph (9.6 knots)
Sunday
27°F 🌡️ 19°F | 🌥️ Mostly Cloudy | 35% Precip | 💨 W 11 mph (9.6 knots)
THANK YOU!
Have a safe and fun weekend!
Planning to hit up Roux or watch the race? Forward this email to the friend you want to drag along with you!