There’s a strange phenomenon that happens during every downtown festival: Rochester becomes walkable. Only, it’s not that it wasn’t walkable before.
It’s simply that the perception changes, perhaps out of necessity (specific parking options, some further away), or by design (the festivals are spread over a certain radius that is more easily traversed on foot). And each time, Rochesterians who spend time walking in other cities suddenly have a light bulb moment: “Hey, I should walk more in my own city, too!”
(As the old saying goes — if they wanted to, they would.)
Walking is key to spending a large chunk of time at the Rochester International Jazz Festival, as it’s the fastest way to move among most of the primary venues, the free street stages and the food and drink vendor areas; so pack a light bag that’s easily searchable in security lines and strap on a pair of comfortable shoes.
The weekends offer the most bang-for-your-buck, whether you want to spend a few hours or the whole day (get wild!) at Jazz Fest.
1 p.m.
Find parking or start walking if you live downtown. A garage is easiest for longer visits, though street parking is free on weekends if you’re willing to be a little further away. Pending weather and your home location, walking is always the simplest.
1:30 p.m.
Tuck into a late lunch at one of the many local restaurants in proximity to Jazz Fest (reserve ahead if you want a specific time at a busy spot like Redd, Branca Midtown or Patron Saint; walk in for service at Stromboli’s, Mercantile on Main or Big City Deli). In need of some caffeine before the real fun begins? Java’s is right on Gibbs Street, AKA Jazz Street, and Ugly Duck is just a short walk away on Charlotte Street. Club Pass venues The Little Theatre, Max of Eastman Place, Inn on Broadway and The Duke offer in-house or adjacent dining options.
3 p.m.
Download the Jazz Fest app if you haven’t, or pick up a free pocket schedule at the Ticket Shop, 100 East Avenue. Then, get a lay of the land! This is a great time to explore what’s open and map out your day while it’s still relatively quiet.
3:45 p.m.
Stick around the City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by the Rochester Area Community Foundation to hear the next generation of musicians (and stake your claim on a spot to set up chairs, if you brought ‘em). On Saturday, June 21 the School of the Arts HS Jazz Band plays a free set at the Jazz Street Stage; on Saturday, June 28 it’s the Monroe Community College Jazz Ensemble.
4:30 p.m.
It’s (almost) 5 o’clock somewhere! Happy hour on Jazz Street runs 3:30-5 p.m., so take advantage of $1 off Lake Beverage products at the vendor tent.
4:45 p.m.
Didn’t dress warmly (or cool) enough? Need a souvenir? Between shows is the perfect time to browse the McCarthy Merch Tent on Jazz (Gibbs) Street.
5:15 p.m.
Head to the plush Inn on Broadway for the 5:30 p.m. Sasha Berliner Quartet (led by an American vibraphonist and composer) on June 21 or the Allison Au Quartet (led by a Juno Award-winning saxophonist, composer and arranger) on June 28. Both shows included with a Club Pass or $30 at the door. Each group plays a second show at 7:45 p.m. on their same respective evenings.
6:30 p.m.
Find your grub hub. Food trucks and vendor tents will be available throughout the Jazz Fest footprint, and a comprehensive list (by date) is available online for those who like to “browse the menu” before arrival.
7:30 p.m.
More music! Visit brand new venue The Duke (inside the Mercantile on Main) on Saturday, June 21 for rock and blues singer-songwriter McKinley James; on Saturday, June 28 for Thai-born drummer, composer, and Juno-nominated producer Salin. Both shows included with a Club Pass or $30 at the door.
8:45 p.m.
Hop over to the newly reinstated East & Alexander Stage on June 21 to hear headliner Chris Lane. This free show features not a jazz star, per se, but instead a country artist who was featured in the “People Magazine” 2019 Sexiest Man Alive issue (Jazz Fest really commits to something for everyone). On June 28, head to the free Wegmans Stage @ Parcel 5 for crowd favorite Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, who is sure to make the most of a public-space gem. Feeling snacky? Grab a late-night bite from one of the many food trucks lined up on either side of the green space.
10:15 p.m.
The last stop of the night is at Hyatt Regency, Jazz Fest’s official hotel partner, for the annual Squeezer’s Jam Sessions. Settle in with a glass of wine, and keep your eyes peeled — you never know who will show up to jam.
11:45 p.m.
Walk back to your parking spot or home (ideally, with your Jazz Fest show-attending +1), full of good food, enriched by art, ready to tell stories from the day — and confident in the knowledge that you did Jazz Fest right.
Leah Stacy is the editor of CITY. She can be reached at leah@rochester-citynews.com.
This article appears in Dec 1-31, 2024.
