Annual Manual

Rochester is regularly called a “city of the arts” by politicians and cultural movers and shakers alike. And while many people working within the arts sector grumble about the need to increase funding streams and better organize the infrastructure to support artists and institutions on every level, what they say is true — this town […]

The Flower City loves beer and there’s no shortage of fresh, local brews. From the trendiest haze bomb IPAs to the tried and true staple German-style lagers and Belgian-style farmhouse saisons, you can find it in Greater Rochester. In fact, Rochester is one of the biggest beer towns in the Northeast. The 26 breweries in […]

If there is one constant theme to greater Rochester, it’s that the area is a great place to raise kids. There are countless opportunities for kids to kick back and be themselves, and lots of venues that bring out the kid in everyone. The internationally recognized Strong National Museum of Play is the granddaddy of […]

As of the printing of this publication, 2020 hasn’t unfolded as expected. We hope the health crisis is short-lived and that, when it’s all over, Rochester will get back to its routines and showcasing its treasures. Here are some highlights of the area’s scheduled attractions. Fingers crossed we get a chance to partake! Visit the […]

Greater Rochester saw a lot of changes in its political scene in the last year. For decades, the area mirrored the electoral pattern of the country, with urban centers strongly favoring Democrats, and rural and many suburban communities leaning Republican. The city of Rochester could have been described as a blue blotch in a sea […]

Rochester’s got many organizations and literary centers that support its crowd of authors, poets, and lit-loving audiences.

As the third-largest city in New York, Rochester has a rich local media scene, with a daily newspaper, a feisty alternative news weekly, three network television news affiliates, and dozens of radio stations. But the region isn’t immune to the problems afflicting traditional media outlets around the globe. Advertising, the conventional means by which media […]

Location is everything when it comes to seeing music performed live. Of course, the quality of the music is important, too. But the venue can make or break the concert experience. Here are the Rochester concert spots worth visiting. From superior acoustics to comfortable atmospheres to diverse stylistic options, these venues hit the mark. Abilene […]

When we talk about “Rochester,” we’re not just talking about the city. Rochester, for all intents and purposes, is really Monroe County. Indeed, when traveling outside the region, most people who live in the city’s suburbs tell anyone who asks they live in Rochester. Monroe County is about as diverse a community as you’ll find […]

As the old Willie Nelson song goes, “The nightlife ain’t no life, but it’s my life.” And if you’re someone in search of live music, bawdy burlesque, some tasty barbeque, or a place to dance and romance, well hell, it’s your life, too. Here’s just a choice selection of myriad Rochester nightlife options for you […]

Some recent, high-profile cases of negligent landlords, along with an explosion of new high-end apartment complexes with equally high-end rents, have brought issues of housing and renters rights to the fore.

Rochester has grand plans to celebrate its favorite daughter — Susan B. Anthony — and her accomplishments throughout 2020, a year that marks a trifecta of important anniversaries. The first is the 200th anniversary of Anthony’s birth. The second is the 100th anniversary of 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which recognized women’s right to […]