Good morning, Rochester! In today’s edition: New bars and mocktails, RunNation Film Festival, the first baby of 2026, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Shifting drinking habits shape nightlife: New bars to try around Rochester in 2026 include recent openings like Parlays Inn and Carmella’s Wine Bar. With 54% of U.S. adults drinking, more spots are adding mocktails — see what’s opening and trending.

Helping neighbors through the cold: Open Door Mission in Rochester is seeking winter clothing as temperatures drop. The clothing room needs boots, kids’ clothing, and women’s undergarments, and can expand capacity during extreme cold — see how you can help.

Crackdown on throwaway containers: New York’s waste rules took effect January 1, expanding the polystyrene foam ban and limiting single-use hotel bottles. Officials say the changes aim to cut pollution and promote reusable options — see what’s changing and where.

Your winter dink spot: When cabin fever hits, ROC City Pickleball keeps rallies rolling with five indoor Super Seal courts plus two practice courts, open play, lessons, leagues, and a pro shop, plus a Spinshot ball machine… your fast track to better drops without wind, rain, or snow.

Burrito night upgrade: When you want more than the usual, Neno’s Gourmet Mexican Street Food builds burritos your way, from jalapeño-cheddar tortillas to smothered Burrisuizo or Suizomole, plus a Birria Burrito that hits hard. Add salsa verde, queso, and cozy vibes… consider dinner officially upgraded.

A heartwarming family milestone: Highland Hospital in Rochester welcomed the city’s first baby of 2026 just three minutes after midnight on New Year’s Day, to parents Sydney and Tim Provo, joining an older brother — read the full story.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🎨 Glass on Glass Mosaic @ Light My Candle Co. | Wednesday (1/14) at 6:00 PM – Nothing beats making something that actually looks good in daylight. This hands-on glass mosaic class teaches you to cut and shape glass, use the tools safely, and design a translucent piece that glows in your window at home. Your houseplants will be jealous.

🎤 The Lipker Sisters @ Record Archive | Wednesday (1/14) at 6:00 PM – The Lipker Sisters are bringing those golden, three-part harmonies that make you swear your vinyl collection just winked. Nostalgia with a fresh coat of paint, delivered by a Rochester trio whose chemistry, rich vocals, and modern arrangements actually live up to the hype.

🎬 RunNation Film Festival @ The Little Theatre | Wednesday (1/14) at 6:15 PM – Skip the treadmill and head to The Little for Fleet Feet and RunNation’s film fest, a night of inspiring running stories presented by HOKA. You sit, they sweat, we all feel motivated. Historic theater vibes, good company, and zero split times required.

👕 Clothing Drive @ The Thurston Road YMCA Neighborhood Center | Thursday (1/15) at 1:00 PM – Whether your closet needs a detox or you know someone who could use a warm coat, the Thurston Road Y is hosting a no-fuss clothing drive. Donate or pick up winter coats, shirts, pants, shoes, and more. Clear space, help neighbors, feel virtuous.

🧱 LEGO® Club @ Brighton Memorial Library | Thursday (1/15) at 4:30 PM – Whether you’ve got a mini-engineer or want an excuse to play with bricks again, LEGO® Club lets everyone build from individual containers, then show it off in the Children’s Center. Open to all ages and abilities, no registration. You supervise, they build, everyone wins.

🎤 Nate Michaels @ Pub 235 | Thursday (1/15) at 5:00 PM – Swing by Pub 235 in Webster for Nate Michaels, the kind of live set where you can actually hear the lyrics, finish your pint, and still feel your knees tomorrow. Expect acoustic favorites, a few originals, and that familiar, no-fuss pub vibe we secretly love.

🎶 Brian Ayers @ Lovin’ Cup | Friday (1/16) at 7:00 PM – Grab a seat, Brian Ayers is teaming with an all-star crew to back Junkyard Fieldtrip, tearing through their best tunes with a few choice favorites. Big vocals, smart songwriting, and musicians who can actually play. Your nostalgia, but with upgraded speakers.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Rochester report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 43°F – Low: 30°F – Precip: 54%

A chance of rain after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 43. Northeast wind 2 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of rain before 7pm, then rain showers between 7pm and 4am, then a slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. South wind 9 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 34°F – Low: 25°F – Precip: 52%

A chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 34. West wind 20 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Later: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. West wind 14 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Most popular house this week

This South Wedge four unit sits near the U of R, Strong and Highland hospitals, and downtown. Approximately 3,600 square feet, fully occupied with three 1 bed 1 bath apartments and one studio. Four electric meters and five gas meters. Tenants pay their own heat and electric. Owner provides hot water and a coin operated washer and dryer. Updated gas furnaces, including one installed in October 2025. New roof for the house and the garage in 2023.

Private backyard, off street parking, and a garage add everyday ease and versatility. Certificate of Occupancy supplied at closing, with a minimum 48 hours notice for showings.

Take a peek inside →