As we enter the curl-up-with-a-good-book months, these recommendations are ripe with intrigue, humor, and escape.
Rachel Crawford
Political disquiet
This week, the University of Rochester’s Humanities Center Public Lecture Series examines the themes of community, morality, and current events with acclaimed author Valeria Luiselli.
THEATER | ‘In the Heights’
This week OFC Creations will present “Hamilton” playwright Lin Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights” in collaboration with Rochester Latino Theatre Company. The story explores three days in the New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights, and each of the characters contends with dreams, pressures, and change. The production features a cast of 50 students, ages […]
ART | ‘Genesee Valley 100’
For the second year, the Genesee Valley Conservancy is exhibiting its “Genesee Valley 100,” a community showcase of the work of about 100 photographers, which organizers say is meant to inspire conversations and appreciation of the region. Participants range from professionals to grade-school students, from six counties around the Genesee River watershed and three states. […]
DANCE | Garth Fagan Dance ‘Home for the Holidays’
This week Garth Fagan Dance company will present its annual “Home for the Holidays” performances at Nazareth College Arts Center’s Callahan Theatre. The shows will feature the Rochester premiere of “Triptych,” which is Bessie Award-winner and Garth Fagan Dance Rehearsal Director Norwood Pennewell’s tenth creation for the company. Four different programs will include a varying […]
Film preview: Anomaly — The Rochester Genre Film Festival
The inaugural festival’s lineup showcases independent films from the genres of horror, science fiction, fantasy, action, dark comedy, and some titles that blend more than one genre (namely supernatural thrillers and, yes, supernatural rom-coms).
KIDS | Rochester Children’s Book Festival
The 23rd Rochester Children’s Book Festival, presented by Rochester Area Children’s Writers and Illustrators (RACWI) takes place this weekend, featuring 50 authors and illustrators who will present a full day of talks, workshops, and story times. More than 30 Rochester area authors will attend, including Newbery Medal-winner Linda Sue Park; Edgar Award-winner Vivian Vande Velde, […]
LITERATURE | Jewish Book Festival
Celebrating 27 years, the annual Louis S. Wolk JCC Lane Dworkin Rochester Jewish Book Festival this year features 21 authors, thinkers, and speakers on topics ranging from politics to history, comedy, health, and food (including a Thursday, November 7, talk by Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook, authors of “Israeli Soul: Easy, Essential, Delicious”; pictured). The […]
FAMILY | ‘Ave-O-Ween’
This Thursday, October 31, on Halloween proper, youths aged 11 to 16 are welcome to safely celebrate the holiday at The Avenue Blackbox Theatre’s second annual, family-friendly “Ave-o-Ween Neighborhood Block Party.” The community event features a Trunk-or-Treat with 105.5 The Beat serving candy, hot chocolate, soup, face-painting, and prize giveaways. The Ave-O-Ween Glow Party with […]
ART | Fine Crafts Show & Sale
This weekend is the Memorial Art Gallery’s 19th annual Fine Craft Show & Sale, a three-day event featuring one-of-a-kind and limited-edition works by more than 40 artists. The opening party (Friday, November 1, 6 to 9 p.m.) includes complimentary hors-d’oeuvres and a cash bar, live music, a reception with the artists, and the first chance […]
Film preview: ImageOut Film Festival
Rochester’s LGBTQ film festival, ImageOut, is back this week for its 27th year. Running for 11 days, from October 10 through October 20, screenings will be held at both the Little Theatre and the Dryden Theatre.
ART EVENT | Haunted Hungerford
The Hungerford and FUNgerford’s annual Haunted Hungerford event is back this weekend, this year featuring 20 open studios for visitors to explore, a costume contest, prizes, and the chance to support a few good causes. Some participating studios include Black Cat Gallery, where attendees can find information on voter registration, and Cat Clay, which will […]






