Best events in
Rochester

Events and things to do in Rochester, NY. The city's scene is deeply rooted in its neighborhoods, from the high-energy East End to the eclectic South Wedge. A strong festival culture and a constant stream of talent from the Eastman School of Music fuel a diverse calendar of performances and gatherings.

The walkable East End district offers a high concentration of music venues and nightlife, with spots like Anthology and Photo City Music Hall hosting shows.
For a more arts-focused outing, the Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA) is home to galleries, studios, and the Memorial Art Gallery.
Community gatherings are central to Rochester life, with the Rochester Public Market hosting popular events like the monthly Food Truck Rodeos.

autocomplete

After 8pm

Explore more events

Nightmare on East & Alexander Halloween Party Pt.2

Fri, Oct 30 • 10:00 PM

JoLi Bistro & Bar

Check ticket price on event

Haunted Bashment pt3

Fri, Oct 30 • 10:00 PM

Blue Skye Events (Skye Lounge), Mount Read Boulevard, Rochester, NY, USA

Check ticket price on event

Haunted Hotel - A Strathallan Halloween Party

Sat, Oct 31 • 8:00 PM

The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa, Tapestry by Hilton

Check ticket price on event

AFROWEEN (HALLOWEEN PARTY)

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 PM

18 Flint St

Check ticket price on event

Nightmare on East & Alexander Halloween Party Pt.2

Fri, Oct 30 • 10:00 PM

JoLi Bistro & Bar

Check ticket price on event

Haunted Bashment pt3

Fri, Oct 30 • 10:00 PM

Blue Skye Events (Skye Lounge), Mount Read Boulevard, Rochester, NY, USA

Check ticket price on event

Haunted Hotel - A Strathallan Halloween Party

Sat, Oct 31 • 8:00 PM

The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa, Tapestry by Hilton

Check ticket price on event

AFROWEEN (HALLOWEEN PARTY)

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 PM

18 Flint St

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Popular in Rochester

Explore more events

Lords Of Acid - Rochester, NY

Saturday • 6:30 PM

Photo City Music Hall (Ages 16+)

Check ticket price on event

DANIEL'S LEATHER ROCHESTER POP - UP SHOP OCTOBER 20TH TUESDAY

Tue, Oct 20 • 10:00 AM

Hilton Garden Inn Rochester/University & Medical Center

Check ticket price on event

Scaling Your Team of One with AI

Wed, Oct 21 • 11:30 AM

NextCorps

Check ticket price on event

Neko Case - Neon Grey Midnight Green Tour with Destroyer (Solo)

Sat, Oct 24 • 7:00 PM

Water Street Music Hall

Check ticket price on event

GRE Growth Update - Local Companies, Local Owners, Lasting Impact

Thu, Oct 29 • 5:00 PM

Oak Hill Country Club

Check ticket price on event

Rochester Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 4:00 PM

3 Daughters Tap and Tavern

Check ticket price on event

Rave for a Cause 12: Adam's Family Affair

Wed, Nov 25 • 8:00 PM

Water Street Music Hall

Check ticket price on event

HIGH HEELS & HIGH MAINTENANCE

Fri, Nov 27 • 7:00 PM

The Theater At Innovation Square

Check ticket price on event

Lords Of Acid - Rochester, NY

Saturday • 6:30 PM

Photo City Music Hall (Ages 16+)

Check ticket price on event

DANIEL'S LEATHER ROCHESTER POP - UP SHOP OCTOBER 20TH TUESDAY

Tue, Oct 20 • 10:00 AM

Hilton Garden Inn Rochester/University & Medical Center

Check ticket price on event

Scaling Your Team of One with AI

Wed, Oct 21 • 11:30 AM

NextCorps

Check ticket price on event

Neko Case - Neon Grey Midnight Green Tour with Destroyer (Solo)

Sat, Oct 24 • 7:00 PM

Water Street Music Hall

Check ticket price on event

GRE Growth Update - Local Companies, Local Owners, Lasting Impact

Thu, Oct 29 • 5:00 PM

Oak Hill Country Club

Check ticket price on event

Rochester Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 4:00 PM

3 Daughters Tap and Tavern

Check ticket price on event

Rave for a Cause 12: Adam's Family Affair

Wed, Nov 25 • 8:00 PM

Water Street Music Hall

Check ticket price on event

HIGH HEELS & HIGH MAINTENANCE

Fri, Nov 27 • 7:00 PM

The Theater At Innovation Square

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Online Events

Explore more events

How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Today • 7:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Tomorrow • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 8:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Icons of Conquest: Bayeux Tapestry and Domesday Book

Friday • 2:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

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

Saturday • 9:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Today • 7:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Tomorrow • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 8:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Icons of Conquest: Bayeux Tapestry and Domesday Book

Friday • 2:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

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

Saturday • 9:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

This Weekend

Explore more events

Halloween Silent Disco at Montage Music Hall (Rochester) - 10/16/26

Friday • 8:00 PM

Montage Music Hall

Check ticket price on event

Adam Ezra Group

Friday • 7:30 PM

The Club at Water Street

Check ticket price on event

The Soft Reset

Friday • 6:00 PM

1425 Mt Read Blvd

Check ticket price on event

Keya’s 90’s Reggae Bash Meets Renee’s 90’s Freaknik

Friday • 10:00 PM

Blue Skye Events (Skye Lounge)

Check ticket price on event

Lords Of Acid - Rochester, NY

Saturday • 6:30 PM

Photo City Music Hall (Ages 16+)

Check ticket price on event

Karaoke Versus Battle

Saturday • 8:00 PM

233 Mill St

Check ticket price on event

WTDD “WHO TEK DI DANCE”

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Blue Skye Events (Skye Lounge)

Check ticket price on event

Spooky Paint & Sip at Parlays Inn

Saturday • 3:00 PM

Parlays Inn

Check ticket price on event

Halloween Silent Disco at Montage Music Hall (Rochester) - 10/16/26

Friday • 8:00 PM

Montage Music Hall

Check ticket price on event

Adam Ezra Group

Friday • 7:30 PM

The Club at Water Street

Check ticket price on event

The Soft Reset

Friday • 6:00 PM

1425 Mt Read Blvd

Check ticket price on event

Keya’s 90’s Reggae Bash Meets Renee’s 90’s Freaknik

Friday • 10:00 PM

Blue Skye Events (Skye Lounge)

Check ticket price on event

Lords Of Acid - Rochester, NY

Saturday • 6:30 PM

Photo City Music Hall (Ages 16+)

Check ticket price on event

Karaoke Versus Battle

Saturday • 8:00 PM

233 Mill St

Check ticket price on event

WTDD “WHO TEK DI DANCE”

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Blue Skye Events (Skye Lounge)

Check ticket price on event

Spooky Paint & Sip at Parlays Inn

Saturday • 3:00 PM

Parlays Inn

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Frequently asked questions about Rochester

Where is the best nightlife in Rochester?

The East End is Rochester's main nightlife hub, known for its density of bars and venues. This walkable downtown district makes it easy to move between cocktail lounges, music halls like Water Street Music Hall, and late-night food spots.

What's the comedy scene like in Rochester?

Rochester has a dedicated comedy scene for both national and local talent. Comedy @ The Carlson hosts well-known touring comedians, while The Focus Theater is the spot for locally-produced improv and stand-up shows.

Where can I find live music events?

Live music is everywhere, from large concert halls to intimate bars. Anthology books a wide range of national artists, while venues like Bug Jar are known for indie and local bands. Many music events feature talent from the Eastman School of Music.

Are there free events in Rochester, NY?

Rochester hosts many notable free events, especially its large annual festivals. The Rochester Lilac Festival is a major attraction, and the Bands on the Bricks concert series at the Public Market offers free music during the summer.

What kind of food and drink events happen in Rochester?

The city's food scene features recurring culinary events, often centered at the Public Market. The market hosts Food Truck Rodeos monthly from April through September, and Washington Square is home to the weekly Food Truck Fridays series.

How can I explore Rochester's art scene?

The Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA) is the best place to start. This district is filled with galleries and studios, and it is also home to the Memorial Art Gallery, which hosts after-hours art events.

Can you suggest a good date night in Rochester?

A classic Rochester date night combines theater and film. Consider seeing a professional production at Geva Theatre Center or Blackfriars Theatre, or catch an independent film at The Little Theatre, which also features live music in its café.

What are some family-friendly things to do?

Highland Park is a great destination, especially during the annual Rochester Lilac Festival. For other family-friendly fun, the Rochester Public Market often has community events with food and music that are suitable for all ages.

After 8pm

Nightmare on East & Alexander Halloween Party Pt.2

Haunted Bashment pt3

Haunted Hotel - A Strathallan Halloween Party

AFROWEEN (HALLOWEEN PARTY)

Nightmare on East & Alexander Halloween Party Pt.2

Haunted Bashment pt3

Haunted Hotel - A Strathallan Halloween Party

AFROWEEN (HALLOWEEN PARTY)

Popular in Rochester

Lords Of Acid - Rochester, NY

DANIEL'S LEATHER ROCHESTER POP - UP SHOP OCTOBER 20TH TUESDAY

Scaling Your Team of One with AI

Neko Case - Neon Grey Midnight Green Tour with Destroyer (Solo)

GRE Growth Update - Local Companies, Local Owners, Lasting Impact

Rochester Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Rave for a Cause 12: Adam's Family Affair

HIGH HEELS & HIGH MAINTENANCE

Lords Of Acid - Rochester, NY

DANIEL'S LEATHER ROCHESTER POP - UP SHOP OCTOBER 20TH TUESDAY

Scaling Your Team of One with AI

Neko Case - Neon Grey Midnight Green Tour with Destroyer (Solo)

GRE Growth Update - Local Companies, Local Owners, Lasting Impact

Rochester Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Rave for a Cause 12: Adam's Family Affair

HIGH HEELS & HIGH MAINTENANCE

Online Events

How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Icons of Conquest: Bayeux Tapestry and Domesday Book

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

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Lean Global Connection 2026

How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Icons of Conquest: Bayeux Tapestry and Domesday Book

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

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Lean Global Connection 2026

This Weekend

Halloween Silent Disco at Montage Music Hall (Rochester) - 10/16/26

Adam Ezra Group

The Soft Reset

Keya’s 90’s Reggae Bash Meets Renee’s 90’s Freaknik

Lords Of Acid - Rochester, NY

Karaoke Versus Battle

WTDD “WHO TEK DI DANCE”

Spooky Paint & Sip at Parlays Inn

Halloween Silent Disco at Montage Music Hall (Rochester) - 10/16/26

Adam Ezra Group

The Soft Reset

Keya’s 90’s Reggae Bash Meets Renee’s 90’s Freaknik

Lords Of Acid - Rochester, NY

Karaoke Versus Battle

WTDD “WHO TEK DI DANCE”

Spooky Paint & Sip at Parlays Inn

Points of Interest near Rochester

Where is the best nightlife in Rochester?

What's the comedy scene like in Rochester?

Where can I find live music events?

Are there free events in Rochester, NY?

What kind of food and drink events happen in Rochester?

How can I explore Rochester's art scene?

Can you suggest a good date night in Rochester?

What are some family-friendly things to do?