Best events in
Rochester

With a calendar full of community gatherings and performances, there are many events and things to do in Rochester, NH. Much of the action centers on the walkable downtown district, where historic buildings house modern venues. The city's event calendar is marked by outdoor summer festivals and cozy holiday traditions, reflecting a strong sense of local pride.

Explore the historic downtown district, where an evening might include a concert at the Rochester Opera House followed by drinks at The Scenic Lounge.
Catch a show, take a class, or view local works at the Rochester Performance & Arts Center, a key hub for the arts community.
Enjoy seasonal community traditions, from the annual PorchFest music festival in the fall to the holiday Festival of Trees.

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Popular in Rochester

DO GO ON... Storytelling Series Premier Night: Scared Stupid

Thursday • 6:30 PM

Rochester Performing & Arts Center

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Rochester, New Hampshire: Empower Your Finances

Thursday • 1:30 PM + 5 more

Rochester

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Planet Tyrus Tour Rochester, NH October 10th 2026

Saturday • 7:30 PM

Rochester Opera House

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Free Business Mentoring - Score & Rochester Chamber

Thu, Oct 15 • 10:30 AM + 17 more

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce

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SCBR Casino Night

Thu, Nov 12 • 6:00 PM

Governor's Inn & Restaurant

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Metal Mike of Halford & His Allstar Band

Fri, Nov 13 • 7:00 PM

Eastside Tavern

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Dancing Madly Backwards Benefiting Vouchers for Veterans

Fri, Nov 13 • 6:30 PM

American Legion Post 7

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Rochester NH - Midget Mayhem / Little Mania Mini Wrestling! (Ages 21+)

Tue, Dec 1 • 7:30 PM

Eastside Tavern

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DO GO ON... Storytelling Series Premier Night: Scared Stupid

Thursday • 6:30 PM

Rochester Performing & Arts Center

Check ticket price on event

Rochester, New Hampshire: Empower Your Finances

Thursday • 1:30 PM + 5 more

Rochester

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Planet Tyrus Tour Rochester, NH October 10th 2026

Saturday • 7:30 PM

Rochester Opera House

Check ticket price on event

Free Business Mentoring - Score & Rochester Chamber

Thu, Oct 15 • 10:30 AM + 17 more

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce

Check ticket price on event

SCBR Casino Night

Thu, Nov 12 • 6:00 PM

Governor's Inn & Restaurant

Check ticket price on event

Metal Mike of Halford & His Allstar Band

Fri, Nov 13 • 7:00 PM

Eastside Tavern

Check ticket price on event

Dancing Madly Backwards Benefiting Vouchers for Veterans

Fri, Nov 13 • 6:30 PM

American Legion Post 7

Check ticket price on event

Rochester NH - Midget Mayhem / Little Mania Mini Wrestling! (Ages 21+)

Tue, Dec 1 • 7:30 PM

Eastside Tavern

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Online Events

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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From nearby cities

Is it Burnout, Moral Injury, or Something Else?

Thursday • 5:30 PM

Tideline Public House

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Planet Tyrus Tour Rochester, NH October 10th 2026

Saturday • 7:30 PM

Rochester Opera House

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Growing and Eating Pawpaws with Laurie Lockwood

Saturday • 1:00 PM

Bedrock Gardens

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Baker BSC Technical Training

Mon, Oct 19 • 8:00 AM

The Baker Company, Inc.

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Fall FRIDAYS @STILL WATER

Fri, Oct 23 • 6:00 PM

New Durham

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2026 Project Upcycle Runway Event

Sat, Oct 24 • 7:15 PM

3S Artspace

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A Rare Night - 2026

Sat, Nov 7 • 5:30 PM

The Oaks

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Dasher Hometown Premiere Celebration

Sat, Nov 28 • 5:00 PM

The Leavitt Theatre

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Is it Burnout, Moral Injury, or Something Else?

Thursday • 5:30 PM

Tideline Public House

Check ticket price on event

Planet Tyrus Tour Rochester, NH October 10th 2026

Saturday • 7:30 PM

Rochester Opera House

Check ticket price on event

Growing and Eating Pawpaws with Laurie Lockwood

Saturday • 1:00 PM

Bedrock Gardens

Check ticket price on event

Baker BSC Technical Training

Mon, Oct 19 • 8:00 AM

The Baker Company, Inc.

Check ticket price on event

Fall FRIDAYS @STILL WATER

Fri, Oct 23 • 6:00 PM

New Durham

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2026 Project Upcycle Runway Event

Sat, Oct 24 • 7:15 PM

3S Artspace

Check ticket price on event

A Rare Night - 2026

Sat, Nov 7 • 5:30 PM

The Oaks

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Dasher Hometown Premiere Celebration

Sat, Nov 28 • 5:00 PM

The Leavitt Theatre

Check ticket price on event

Frequently asked questions about Rochester

What are some family-friendly events in Rochester, NH?

The city hosts many events perfect for families, especially during warmer months. Look for the Kids Summer Series downtown or the annual Lilac Family Fun Festival, which features rides, games, and entertainment.

Where can I find live music events in Rochester?

The Rochester Opera House is a primary venue for touring acts and local concerts. For a more casual setting, Revolution Taproom & Grill sometimes has acoustic music, and the annual PorchFest fills downtown with free performances.

What is the nightlife scene like in downtown Rochester?

Downtown Rochester offers a growing evening scene with several distinct spots. You can enjoy craft cocktails at The Scenic Lounge, play poker at the Lilac Club Casino, or catch a late show at the Rochester Opera House.

Are there free events to attend in Rochester, NH?

Yes, Rochester has many free community events throughout the year. The summer Concerts on the Common series and the annual fall PorchFest are popular free music events, while the Zombie Walk is a unique local tradition.

Do you have any date night ideas in Rochester?

A great date night could involve a show at the historic Rochester Opera House. Afterward, grab a curated cocktail at the nearby Art Deco-inspired Scenic Lounge for a refined end to the evening.

How can I experience the local arts and culture scene?

The Rochester Performance & Arts Center is central to the city's arts scene. The venue features an art gallery, hosts recitals, and offers various arts classes for the community.

What kind of food and drink events happen in Rochester?

Local pubs and restaurants often host social events. Revolution Taproom & Grill has a weekly trivia night, and the Lucky Oak Bar & Grill at the Lilac Club Casino hosts a service industry night.

Where are the best spots for outdoor events?

Many of Rochester's signature events take place outdoors in its public spaces. The Rochester Farmers' Market runs from June through September, while the summer Concerts on the Common brings live music to a park setting.