Rochester This Week – 6/16/26
Summer festivals, strawberries, and music under the stars—plan this week’s day trips around Rochester.
Debi’s Field Notes
Summer settles in this week with longer evenings, outdoor concerts, fresh strawberries, and festivals that bring people together across the region. Whether you’re seeking a quiet afternoon outdoors or a full weekend of activity, there are plenty of reasons to get out and explore.
A quick note: I’ll be at The Bird House in Pittsford on Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., signing copies of Highland Park, Day Trips Around Rochester, and Hidden Places Around Rochester. If you’re in the area, stop by to say hello and browse their thoughtfully curated collection of birding, gardening, and nature-inspired gifts.
Make time for strawberries
The strawberry harvest is underway, and the season is brief. Local farms across the region welcome visitors to pick their own berries, browse farm markets, and enjoy one of early summer’s sweetest traditions. Whether you’re planning a family outing or simply looking for fresh fruit, now is the time to go.
Summer starts with simple adventures
Summer doesn’t have to mean a long vacation or elaborate plans. Sometimes it’s a concert in the park, a walk through a gorge, a roadside ice cream stop, or a farmers’ market on a Saturday morning. This seasonal checklist offers 25 ideas to help you make the most of the months ahead.
A garden worth the drive
Summer is a beautiful time to visit Cornell Botanic Gardens, which spans more than 4,000 acres of gardens, woodlands, and natural areas surrounding the Cornell campus in Ithaca. Wander through themed gardens, discover plants from around the world, or follow trails that lead into forests, gorges, and meadows. Admission is free, making it an easy addition to a Finger Lakes day trip.
Explore Cornell Botanic Gardens →
Featured Event
Rochester International Jazz Festival
Fri, Jun 19–Sat, Jun 27
One of Rochester’s signature summer events returns to the East End for nine days of music from around the world. The festival features more than 300 performances, from internationally known artists to emerging musicians, with both free and ticketed shows throughout downtown Rochester.
Other Events
Jazz in the Bowl
Tue, Jun 16, 7–9 p.m.
Settle into Highland Park for a free evening of live music at the Highland Bowl. The Excursion Jazz Orchestra opens the concert, followed by the Mid-Century Modern Jazz Quartet. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy one of Rochester’s favorite summer traditions.
Harborfest at Ontario Beach Park
Thu, Jun 18–Sun, Jun 21
Mark the start of summer at Ontario Beach Park with four days of waterfront fun. Harborfest features sand sculpting, food vendors, a car show, lighthouse tours, beach volleyball, a boat parade of lights, and free rides on the historic Dentzel Carousel. This year’s festival also features visits and public sails aboard the 1893 tall ship Lettie G. Howard.
Juneteenth Festival with Danielle Ponder
Fri, Jun 19–Sat, Jun 20
Celebrate Juneteenth at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square with two days of music, cultural programming, food vendors, family activities, and community gatherings. Highlights include Saturday’s Freedom Parade and a performance by Rochester native Danielle Ponder. Admission is free.
Looking for even more ideas?
Browse the full events guide →
See you out there,
Debi
