Rochester This Week - 6/17/25
Dive into city adventures, guided walks, water trails, and living history all within two hours of home.
See you on Jazz Street!
The Rochester International Jazz Festival (RIJF) begins this Friday, June 20, and runs through Saturday, June 28. The nine-day event attracts musicians and attendees from around the world to Rochester to share the quintessential American art form—jazz. Fill your early-summer evenings with free music! Check out the schedule, download the app, and start planning.
Catching Thundercat in Kodak Hall, Soul Stew on Jazz Street, Public Water Supply at the Wegmans Pavilion, or Los Lonely Boys on the Parcel 5 stage on Thursday, June 26? Drop by the Rochester International Jazz Festival merchandise tent on Gibbs Street (a.k.a. Jazz Street) between 6 and 8 p.m. to meet local author Debi Bower and pick up a signed copy of Day Trips Around Rochester, New York. Fuel your festival night with fresh day-trip inspiration—then head to your show just steps away.
Also, tonight, Tuesday, June 17, at 7 p.m., enjoy a free Jazz concert at Highland Bowl. Jazz in the Bowl is a free outdoor concert sponsored by Highland Park Conservancy. Bring your lawn chair and settle in to enjoy the concert. The New Horizons Jazz Ensemble, led by Don Sherman, will be first up. Their "big band" format features brass, reed, and rhythm sections and is part of the Eastman Community Music School. After a brief intermission, the Mid-Century Modern Jazz Quartet will take the stage. There will be free popcorn at the concert and wine sampling from Casa Larga Vineyards. See you there!
Summertime in Rochester
Enjoy everything that summertime in Rochester has to offer: local produce, freshwater, and nearly 13,500 square miles to explore within two hours of home. Whether you’re driving, biking, walking, or paddling, you’re likely to encounter something incredibly bewildering, fascinating, or inspiring that will alter your perception of the world. Look for moments that not only provide comfort but also challenge you.
Guided Walks and Tours Around Rochester, NY
Join these interactive learning experiences offered through guided walks, runs, rides, and behind-the-scenes tours around Rochester. Instead of relying on signage or audio narration, knowledgeable local experts lead these guided tours, highlighting the Greater Rochester Region’s rich history, geology, ecology, and community.
Guided walks offer an excellent opportunity to learn and socialize with like-minded individuals who share your interests. They are particularly beneficial for individuals who prefer not to explore on their own.
Upcoming Walks
Wednesday, June 18, 6 p.m. - Local History Walking Tour: Douglass, Anthony & Beyond- Activism and Social Justice in Rochester (free)
Thursday, June 19, 6 p.m. - Highland Park Evening Tour, Botanical Oasis in the City - An Introduction (free)
Thursday, June 19, 6:30 p.m. - Mount Hope Cemetery Twilight Tour ($15 for non-members)
Saturday, June 21, 2 p.m. - Highland Park Tour - A Botanical Oasis in the City - An Introduction (free)
Thursday, June 26, 6 p.m. - Lower Falls Gorge Walk with Local Gorge Guides. Meet at the Maplewood Rose Garden parking lot (250 Maplewood Avenue), near the Kelsey’s Landing historical signage. Get directions here. (free)
Water Trails: Over 50 Places to Explore Rochester’s Waterways
Paddle along Rochester’s water trails using these launches for canoes, kayaks, and small motorized watercraft. Check out the Go Paddling App for comprehensive trail information. Several businesses offer kayak rentals, excursions, tours, and shuttle services to start upstream.
Explore Rochester
Rochester is a vibrant and diverse city in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. With a population of over 200,000, it is the fourth-largest city in New York State and home to several world-renowned institutions and attractions. A perfect day in Rochester would involve visiting one of the city’s engaging museums, spending time in its exceptional parks, and seeing both High Falls and Lake Ontario. Enjoy fantastic food and drinks, and consider rounding out the day with an evening at the theater, a baseball game, a festival, or a concert.
Explore Fairport
With a wonderfully walkable Main Street and a picture-perfect setting along the Erie Canal, Fairport is a classic canal village where you can easily spend an entire day exploring. The village blends historical charm, scenic recreation, and vibrant community spirit. Whether you’re cruising aboard the Colonial Belle, cycling the canal, shopping local boutiques, or enjoying live music, Fairport offers something unique in every season.
Lily Dale Assembly
Lily Dale Assembly is a spiritualist community in Lily Dale, New York, approximately two hours from Rochester and one hour south of Buffalo. Established in the late 19th century, it is renowned as one of the oldest and most prominent centers for spiritualism in the United States.
Old Fort Niagara
In Fort Niagara, at the mouth of the Niagara River on Lake Ontario, visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming in the pool, exploring the nature center, and, on a clear day, taking in the spectacular view of Toronto’s skyline. The fort was vital to military success, as it controlled access to the Great Lakes and resources on the frontier. Fort Niagara was occupied by French, British, and American forces during its complex 300-year history. Before you go, take a moment to read up on its history.
