Happy Hump Day, Rochester!
Between a massive new state park announcement and a jam-packed weekend of theatre, hockey, and winter festivals, our city is buzzing despite the chill. Whether you're bundling up for Winterfest or catching a Broadway show downtown, there's no excuse to stay inside this week.
$300k in grants available for your neighborhood.
High Falls State Park gets the greenlight.
Winterfest 2026 takes over Mendon Ponds Park this Saturday!
PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN FRONT OF 4,800+ ROCHESTER LOCALS
Stop waiting for the algorithm to show your business or event to the neighborhood. Or for luck to bring in more interest. Instead, place your brand directly in the inboxes of our engaged local readers.
THE BIG SCOOP
$300K in Neighborhood Grants Now Available
Looking to make a difference in your community? The City of Rochester just launched the second round of Neighbors In Action (NIA) grants, putting $300,000 on the table for local projects. Neighborhood associations, block clubs, and community organizations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 each. The program is a collaboration between the City, ESL Federal Credit Union, and the Rochester Area Community Foundation.
High Falls State Park Moves Forward
Mark your calendars for a new Rochester landmark! Governor Hochul confirmed this week that construction on High Falls State Park will officially begin in 2026. The project, currently in its final design phase, will transform the area around one of Rochester's most iconic natural features into a full-fledged state park. Specific funding details are expected next week. This is huge for downtown revitalization and will give residents and visitors alike a stunning new green space to enjoy.
Saying Goodbye to Local Taps
It’s a tough week for the local beer scene as Beers of the World (Henrietta) announces closure while Fifth Frame Brewing has already shut down. These spots have been staples for the community, so if you can, stop by Beers of the World to pay your respects (and grab a final pint at local spots) before it’s gone.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
WEDNESDAY (1/14)
West Herr Auditorium Theatre | SPAMALOT | Monty Python's Tony Award-winning quest for the Holy Grail. | 7:30 PM
Blue Cross Arena | Amerks vs Syracuse Crunch | AHL hockey action downtown. | 7:05 PM
The Daily Refresher | Trivia Night | Test your knowledge with Game Night Roc—prizes await! | 8:00 PM
Little Theatre | RunNation Film Festival | A collection of inspirational running films from around the world. | 6:15 PM
THURSDAY (1/15)
Photo City Music Hall | That 70s Rave - Boogie n' Bass | Disco meets dubstep—18+. | 8:00 PM
Memorial Art Gallery | Third Thursday Concert: Crista Miller | Free classical organ performance. | 7:00 PM
Memorial Art Gallery | MAG Highlights Tour | Guided tour of the gallery's best pieces. | 6:45 PM
Little Theatre | Alice, Sweet Alice (35mm) | A special 35mm screening of the 1976 classic. | 7:30 PM
FRIDAY (1/16)
One East Avenue (The Penthouse) | Rooftop Silent Disco | Dance under the stars with wireless headphones—21+. | 9:00 PM
West Herr Auditorium Theatre | SPAMALOT | The quest for the Holy Grail continues. | 7:30 PM
Photo City Music Hall | KPOP Night | Celebrate Korean pop music. | 8:00 PM
Radio Social | Friday Happy Hour | Drinks, games, vibes. | 5:30 PM
Comedy at the Carlson | Hans Kim | Stand-up comedy from the Kill Tony regular. | 7:00 PM
SATURDAY (1/17)
Mendon Ponds Park | Winterfest 2026 | FREE family fun with wagon rides, mascots, live music, food trucks, sledding & more! | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Blue Cross Arena | Knighthawks vs Toronto Rock | NLL lacrosse action. | 8:00 PM
West Herr Auditorium Theatre | SPAMALOT | Two shows: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM.
RIT Gene Polisseni Center | RIT Tigers Hockey vs Canisius | College hockey rivalry night. | 7:05 PM
Comedy at the Carlson | Steven Rogers | Late-night laughs with Steven Rogers. | 7:00 PM
HOME OF THE WEEK
The Mendon Masterpiece
Shone Cir Lot 7, Mendon | $1,298,000 | 4 Beds / 4 Baths | 3,268 Sq Ft | This brand-new construction in Mendon is a showstopper. Featuring a massive chef’s kitchen and a luxurious open layout, it’s the perfect blend of modern design and countryside charm. Check out the listing here.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
THURSDAY (1/15)
Lila's | The Charlie Mitchell Group | 5:00 PM
Vanni's Jazz Lounge | Sonder Jazz | 6:00 PM
Greece Baptist Church | Bob Sneider Trio (WGMC Jazz 90.1) | 7:00 PM
Skylark Lounge | Ben Turiano Trio | 7:00 PM
FRIDAY (1/16)
Vanni's Jazz Lounge | Bob Sneider | 5:00 PM
Lemoncello's | Indigo Breeze | 6:30 PM
Flight Wine Bar Downtown | Jaesic Wade Duo | 6:30 PM
The Bug Jar | Coming Down, Jordan Moss, The Rogues | Evening
SATURDAY (1/17)
Mendon Ponds Park | Live Music at Winterfest | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Water Street Music Hall | Let Me Cater 2 U | Evening
The Bug Jar | Sydney Irving and The Turbulents | Evening
ROCHESTER SPORTS
Monday/Tuesday Update
A quiet start to the week for our local teams with no games played on Monday or Tuesday.
Up Next: Catch the Amerks tonight (Wednesday) vs. Syracuse at Blue Cross Arena!
WEATHER
Wednesday
42°F 🌡️ 21°F | 🌧️/❄️ | 80% | 💨 SW 30 knots (Gusts)
Thursday
20°F 🌡️ 15°F | 🌨️ | 70% | 💨 WNW 25 knots (Gusts)
Friday
28°F 🌡️ 16°F | ⛅/🌨️ | 40% | 💨 W 9-17 knots
THANK YOU!
That’s all for today, Rochester!
We hope you find some time to enjoy the city this week, whether it’s checking out a new grant opportunity or just bundling up for a walk at Cobbs Hill. We’ll be back in your inbox on Friday to kick off the weekend proper. Until then, stay warm and keep it local!