Events in Rochester, NY

Comedy at The Carlson presents Heather Shaw, a veteran stand-up known for quick, offbeat humor and a striking resemblance to Jim Carrey. Her credits include The Today Show and The Tamron Hall Show, and she has shared stages with Mark Normand, Eric Andre, and Fortune Feimster. She also hosts the weekly podcast Heather Shaw is Kidding, where she riffs on current events across pop culture, politics, and more.

Two tribute acts share one stage for a single night as Rochester Entertainment at The Montage Music Hall presents Burn, a live homage to The Cure, with Fast Fashion saluting Depeche Mode. Burn channels the group’s signature mood, textured guitars, and heartfelt melodies, offering a performance that reflects the band’s emotional pull across eras. Fast Fashion traces Depeche Mode’s journey from early synth pop to darker, arena-ready anthems, pairing commanding vocals with meticulous arrangements for an engaging, high-energy show. This event is for ages 16 and up.

At Lakeshore Ice Arena in Rochester, this coed, all skill levels, draft-style adult ice hockey tournament blends spirited play with a social atmosphere. The festivities start with a Friday night party where teams are chosen and a few complimentary beers are available. Each participant is guaranteed five games across the weekend, with three on Saturday and two on Sunday. Players keep a uniquely themed uniform set that includes a jersey, socks, and shell. Individual player awards and professional photography are included to capture the action and celebrate standout moments.

River Shook & Band appear with special guests, showcasing direct, unguarded lyrics and a vivid mix of country, indie rock, and pop influences. After a decade shaping country music, River turns the page from the earlier project Sarah Shook & the Disarmers and steps into a new chapter with a growing batch of new songs. With a distinctive voice and a sound forged on stages around the country, the band brings an energetic fusion of country and rock n roll that highlights River’s continually evolving artistry.

Fresh from a successful Edinburgh Fringe run, Brian Tomaszewski brings a high-spirited, one-man vaudeville experience to the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival at The Little Theatre: Theatre 1. Banjo, guitar, percussion, juggling, storytelling, and on-the-spot live looping come together in a fast-moving show rooted in musical and performance traditions from around the globe. Each loop is created in the moment and cleared immediately, so every performance is unique. The program runs 60 minutes and is free. Audience feedback highlights joyful energy, inviting humor, skilled musicianship, and a worldly bluegrass vibe that feels right at home at Fringe.

Take a guided golf cart ride for an early look at the zoo as the animals wake up. Travel the paths with a guide, learn about the residents of Seneca Park Zoo, and see what a lion’s morning routine can involve. The tour lasts 90 minutes and is offered seasonally from April through September. Cart tours do not include general admission, so purchase separate tickets if you wish to visit the zoo after the tour.

Barktober Fest brings a full day of activities to ESL Ballpark, home of the Rochester Red Wings, alongside the Walk for the Animals. Highlights include dog contests, vendor booths, live music, and a Family Fun Zone, all in support of pets in need.

A pocket-sized festival within the Rochester Fringe Festival highlights Teatro Lambe Lambe, the intimate box-theater tradition. Miniature performances created for adults, kids, and everyone in between are guided by puppeteer emcees, bringing the experience to life in Harold Hacker Hall at the Rochester Central Library. Launching as a new addition to Fringe, it celebrates the big impact of small-format storytelling.

Experience West African drumming and dance with master artist and teacher Mohamed Diaby at South Wedge Mission. Newcomers are welcome, and participants can choose either the drum session, the dance session, or both. The drum class is $15, and drummers may stay to play for the dance class for an additional $5. The dance class is $20, or take both drum and dance for $30. Payment is accepted in cash or via Venmo at @Diaby. Diaby began playing jembe as a child under the guidance of his brother Moustapha. As a teenager he joined a troupe supported by the wife of President Sékou Touré. Encouraged by Mamady Keita, he performed with Africa Djolé and later toured across West Africa as lead drummer for Les Merveilles de Guinée, including an extended stay in Sierra Leone. Kemoko Sano of Les Ballets Africains expressed strong interest in having him join that company. He later performed at Symphony Space in New York City, then worked in Atlanta directing Africa Sogaye and organizing the annual WAH WAH Drum and Dance Conference. He continues to teach across the United States, Canada, and Europe, sharing the music and culture of Guinea.

Spend time getting to know adoptable cats and kittens and speak with volunteers during open hours. Same day adoptions are not available, and all prospective adopters must complete an application. Applications can be submitted in person or online.

At Photo City Music Hall, a Fringe comedy whodunit blends stand-up with a science experiment gone wrong, turning microbiology into laughs. Expect plenty of bacteria-themed humor and a playful circus vibe throughout the show. Recommended for ages 16 and up.

Indie ROC Revel 2026, presented by Wicked Reserve Dispensary, turns Artisan Works into a showcase for Rochester’s indie scene. The lineup includes performances by Some Ska Band, Courtyard, Side Eye, and other local acts. Each band plays a 45 minute set with professional sound and lighting for a seamless night of live music. A curated marketplace featuring more than ten local vendors invites guests to browse and support small businesses throughout the event, and a cash bar will be available. Admission is $20 per person, with tickets offered in advance. Music, art, and community come together from start to finish.

Tyler Westcott marks the arrival of the new album Wanderlust with an album release party at the Local Sound Collaborative. This stop is part of a three-show release series, and Westcott will be joined by additional musicians. The album was recorded with Aaron Lipp at Temple Cabin Studios, features contributions from Ric Robertson, Elton Hough, Tim Clarke, John Troy, Brendan Gosson, and Doug Henrie, and was mixed and mastered by Justin Rose. The cover art, an original painting by Bobby DiTrani, brings imagery from the lyrics to life.

Tracy Lawrence, a CMA and ACM award winner with 13 million albums sold and 18 No. 1 singles, brings more than three decades of country music to this event. His work extends beyond the stage through the TL’s Road House podcast, which has welcomed guests like HARDY, Jelly Roll, and Lainey Wilson. He has toured alongside artists such as Riley Green, Luke Bryan, and Lainey Wilson, marked a sold-out milestone with his first headlining appearance at the Ryman and later returned for another sold-out show, revisited his catalog with the Hindsight 2020 collections and Live at Billy Bob’s Texas, and released the Out Here In It EP. His Mission:Possible nonprofit serves those experiencing homelessness, growing from Thanksgiving meals for the Nashville Rescue Mission to frying more than 15,000 turkeys and raising over $1.3 million, an effort recognized with the 2023 CRS Humanitarian Award. Tickets are available online or at the Kodak Center Box Office. Children under 2 do not need a ticket when seated on an adult’s lap. General parking across the street from Kodak Center is $15 per vehicle, with limited premium parking next to the building for $25. Accessible parking is available in all lots, and all parking is cashless. For everyone’s safety and comfort, the following are not permitted: bags larger than 8.5 x 6 x 11 inches, outside food or drinks, alcohol or drugs, weapons or firearms, cameras or recording equipment, laptops or tablets, flammable objects, flashlights, lasers, umbrellas, tumbler cups, strollers, balloons, noisemakers, flags or posters, and animals. Special accommodations can be made in advance. Any promotion or contest connected to this event is courtesy of Legends Global or the event promoter and is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Eastman Kodak Company or Meta Platforms Inc.

Roc Artists Open Market brings the community together at Innovation Square in downtown Rochester for a day of shopping, music, and the arts. Explore offerings from artisans and small businesses alongside vintage selections and food. Enjoy live music, performances, and dance showcases, plus activities that highlight creativity in many forms. Whether you are deeply involved in the arts or simply out for a casual visit, there is something to discover.

This casual Commander gathering brings Magic: The Gathering players together in a relaxed, friendly setting. Turnout typically fills two to three tables, and groups sort themselves by play intensity, with one table often competitive and one or two more laid-back tables. Expect interactive gameplay and playful moments like adding slime counters. Beer, seltzer, wine, and nonalcoholic options are available. The focus is on fun, good conversations, and meeting fellow Commander enthusiasts.

An opening reception introduces the current resident artists, Eujin V Ra and Agam Neiman, and the projects they are developing in the studios. Ra is advancing Pool of Life, a body of paintings and sculpture that reflects on memory, change, and the spiritual dimensions of everyday experience. Drawing on imagery of water, animals, and dreamlike terrains, the work weaves abstraction with a sense of place to consider how identity and daily life shape one another. Neiman is continuing plein air urban nocturne studies toward a series of large scale representational paintings that convey the subtle emotional character of specific places. Through the use of physically printed collage compositions, this work extends an exploration of motion, memory, and landscape as both subject and metaphor, focusing on the nonverbal qualities of fleeting moments often lost amid daily concerns. Open studio hours are scheduled on select days, and an artist talk with both artists is planned. Studio visits outside posted hours can be arranged directly with the artists.

A family-friendly Rochester Zoo Day brings together friends of the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation to raise awareness of dystonia, a little-known brain disorder, and to support the Foundation’s work to find a cure. The day features registration followed by a program, offering a welcoming way for all ages to learn, connect, and show support.

Enjoy a live solo performance by Laurie Berkner filled with energetic, interactive songs that get kids and grownups singing and moving. Look forward to favorites like "Victor Vito," "We Are The Dinosaurs," "Pig On Her Head," "Waiting For The Elevator," and "Chipmunk At The Gas Pump," along with new tunes. Bring a stuffed animal to perch on your head and wear your dancing shoes for extra fun. A $1 donation is added to tickets to support Daystar Kids, a local nonprofit that helps children with complex medical needs and developmental challenges by bridging the period from hospital care to school-based services, using an innovative best practices approach designed for replication, with support flowing through Twinkle Arts for Good. Regular ticket prices are $40.50, $45.50, $50.50, and $66, plus any applicable fees, and children under one who sit on a lap can attend for free. A $50 meet and greet add on is available for 50 P1 and P2 tickets and includes preferred seating and a post show meet and greet, also with any applicable fees. Children under one on a lap are free for the meet and greet as well.

Anthology hosts a live performance headlined by The Format, an event from After Dark and 94.1 The Zone, with The Get Up Kids joining as special guests. Attendees must be 16 or older with a valid ID, and those younger than 16 may enter when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Presented by After Dark, Benjamin Tod & Lost Dog Street Band take the stage at Anthology with Candi Jenkins joining as a special guest. Entry is limited to attendees 16 and older with valid ID. Guests younger than 16 may attend only with a parent or legal guardian, and no one under 12 will be admitted.

This program offers a supportive space for families and their children with disabilities to plan for life after high school. Two sessions are available, with options to participate in person or virtually, so families can explore possibilities and dream about the future. Participants learn about resources for support and consider key questions about housing, employment, and recreation. At the program’s end, there is an opportunity to apply for funds that align with each participant’s future vision. Registration is open to students ages 15 to 21 who are living at home in Monroe, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, and Wayne counties in New York. For students receiving traditional OPWDD-funded services, participation is covered through a contract with the Region 1 Developmental Disabilities Regional Office. Students with a Self-Directed budget should use their budget for this program and consult their Support Broker for guidance. Registration is required. For registration or questions, contact Christa Knaak at cknaak@starbridgeinc.org or 585-371-6742.

Ashley McBryde appears live in Rochester, NY. Tickets are available. Fans can also stream WILD and find autographed vinyl and CDs.

Ashley McBryde brings the Into The Wild Tour to Kodak Center in Rochester. The GRAMMY, ACM, and CMA award-winning Grand Ole Opry member is celebrated for fearless songwriting that balances vulnerability and grit. Her new album, Wild, unfolds across 11 tracks that trace her path to sobriety and draw from her life in the Ozarks, a strict religious upbringing, and the consequences of drinking, all set to a high-energy blend of country and rock and roll. Her acclaimed catalog includes Never Will, a rare release recognized for Country Album of the Year by the ACM, CMA, and GRAMMYs in a single season. Honors such as the CMA International Artist Achievement and an honorary doctorate from Arkansas State University underscore her impact, and outlets like the Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone, SPIN, and NPR have praised her voice and vision. She continues to innovate in Nashville with Redemption, a non-alcoholic forward concept bar located on the fifth floor of Eric Church’s Chief’s. Tickets are available online or at the Kodak Center Box Office. Children under 2 do not need a ticket if seated on an adult’s lap. General parking is available across the street for $15 per vehicle, with limited premium parking next to the building for $25 per vehicle. Accessible parking is offered in all lots, and all lots are cashless. For the safety and comfort of all guests, the following are not permitted: bags larger than 8.5 x 6 x 11 inches, outside food or drinks, alcohol or drugs, weapons or firearms, cameras or recording devices, laptops or tablets, flammable items, flashlights, lasers, umbrellas, tumbler cups, strollers, balloons, noisemakers, flags or posters, and animals. Special accommodations for medical or dietary needs can be arranged in advance. Any promotion or contest connected to this event is managed by Legends Global or the event promoter and is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Eastman Kodak Company or Facebook.

ROCtoberfest brings together a community celebration, a 5K run and walk, and a shared fundraising effort for local charities. Started in 2018 to make it easier for multiple regional nonprofits to benefit without producing their own events, it centers on a supportive race that launches the festivities at Genesee Valley Park. The 5K doubles as a fundraiser for Rochester area causes and features a celebratory post race beer from Strangebird Brewing.

Whiskeys Upper Deck hosts Stone Cold for a night of high-energy rock. Enjoy delicious food and cold drinks while the band keeps the music going.

Part of a free jazz concert series at Tropix Night Club, this edition spotlights the Sofrito Latin Jazz Quintet. Earlier performances in the series have included Bill Holland Big Band with the Fairport High School Jazz Ensemble, Bill Tiberio Band, Deepak Thettu, Onclave, Paradigm Shift, and the Darryl Parker Quartet. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

An otherworldly circus-theater experience transforms Kodak Center into a 90-minute plunge into a vampire underworld, where international artists fuse theater, dance, and gymnastics with jaw-dropping acrobatics, contortion, juggling, clowning, illusions, and evocative soundscapes. The action pushes the limits of human movement, blends chills with laughter, and breaks the fourth wall so the crowd becomes part of the spectacle, including a graveyard clown who draws roaring cheers. Set in 19th century Bohemia, the story follows Count Dracula as he conceives a traveling circus with his bodyguards as the perfect disguise for a bid at global domination. Conceived by Francisco Santos, a veteran of Cirque du Soleil, the production channels the mystique of historic traveling carnivals into a contemporary immersive ride. Tickets are available online or at the Kodak Center Box Office, and children under 2 may attend without a ticket if seated on an adult’s lap. General parking is available nearby for $15 per vehicle, with limited premium spaces next to the venue for $25, accessible parking is offered in all lots, and all parking is cashless. For a smooth entry, leave large bags, outside food or drinks, alcohol or drugs, weapons, cameras or recording devices, laptops or tablets, flammables, flashlights or lasers, umbrellas, tumblers, strollers, balloons, noisemakers, flags or posters, and animals at home. Special medical or dietary accommodations can be arranged in advance by calling 585-254-0181 or emailing info@kodakcenter.com. Any related promotions are administered by Legends Global or the event promoter and are not sponsored or endorsed by Eastman Kodak Company or Meta Platforms Inc. As night falls, the world of vampires comes to life for an evening that delights the senses and favors the unexpected.

A Toast to The Arc is The Arc of Monroe’s flagship gala, created to celebrate the community, the mission, and the people who make the work possible. This year carries special meaning, marking 70 years since The Arc of Monroe began in 1956. For seven decades, the organization has championed people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, expanding inclusion, opportunity, and belonging while affirming each person’s right to build a meaningful life. At the Hyatt Regency Rochester, the evening will highlight the individuals, partners, and philanthropic supporters who have shaped the organization, honor a rich legacy, and look ahead to all that remains possible. Raise a glass to 70 years of impact, progress, and possibility, and to the community that continues to drive this mission forward.

Artisan Works hosts the first Love Your Body Day, an art expo and panel discussion centered on self love, body positivity, and empowerment. Organizers are inviting artists to exhibit and sell work that engages these themes, whether bold, healing, challenging, thought provoking, or celebratory. Rochester National Organization for Women (ROC NOW) is shaping a community centered program that plans to include an expert panel, about 27 artists, an exhibition of Chelsea Merritt’s 2025 NOW Foundation Poster Contest winning design, and promotion of the 2026 contest. Additional elements are slated to feature a yoga session with Rebecca Phelps, a sound bath with Amy Mantrow, a performance by Stage Presence Dance Collective led by Kaitlynn, and a live henna demonstration by Komal Khanna of Hey_Henna. Artists are also encouraged to submit original designs to the NOW Foundation Love Your Body Poster Contest for an opportunity at national recognition. This event is trans and nonbinary friendly.

Experience Swan Lake with The United European Ballet, a classic tale of love, magic, and ultimate victory presented with the historic choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov and set to Tchaikovsky’s renowned music. This two-act production includes one intermission and showcases over 200 handcrafted costumes along with brand-new sets created specifically for the company’s North American tour. Signature moments such as the Dance of the Little Swans and Odile’s 32 fouettés highlight the evening’s virtuosity and dramatic sweep. Presented at West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL, this single-evening engagement offers family-friendly viewing, suitable for ages 3 and older.

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox brings The Future Is Vintage World Tour to Kodak Center with a fresh stage production that recasts well-known songs in classic styles. The internationally recognized ensemble of vocalists, dancers, and musicians delivers upbeat, theatrical performances that blend vintage jazz, swing, and soul flair with material spanning 70s rock, 80s Britpop, current chart favorites, film themes, and video game music. The result is a lively mix of danceable numbers and showstopping moments that works for a big night out and is welcoming for families. Launched by pianist and arranger Scott Bradlee in 2011, the project grew from apartment videos into a global phenomenon with audiences on six continents and massive online followings. A rotating lineup of standout performers, polished stagecraft, and playful humor turn each concert into an immersive escape filled with virtuosity and charm. On this North American run, the group highlights a forward-looking vision that honors timeless musical traditions and the uniquely human spark of creativity. Guests are encouraged to lean into the theme with vintage-inspired attire. Children under 2 may attend without a ticket when seated on an adult’s lap. General parking across the street is available for a fee, with a limited number of premium spaces next to the building and accessible parking in all lots. All parking areas are cashless. For everyone’s safety and comfort, the venue restricts oversized bags beyond 8.5 by 6 by 11 inches, outside food and beverages, alcohol or drugs, weapons, recording devices, laptops or tablets, flammable items, flashlights or lasers, umbrellas, tumblers, strollers, balloons, noisemakers, flags, posters, and animals. Guests with medical or dietary needs can arrange special accommodations with the venue in advance.

Honorary chairs Dan and Denise Burns and Steve and Jeanne Epping welcome guests to Play Ball 2026 at The Strong National Museum of Play for a lively evening that celebrates the power of play in the community and beyond. Expect delicious food, time to explore the museum’s unique exhibits, both silent and live auctions, and globally acclaimed entertainment. Throughout the night, attendees can see how their support helps create a more playful and inspiring world. Onsite tickets are $220 per person or $2,000 for a table of six. Those interested only in bidding can register for the online auction at no cost and start participating before the event. For details or to purchase tickets or a table, contact Kylee Fassler at kfassler@museumofplay.org. For sponsorship information, contact Hillary Bobys at 585-410-6302 or hbobys@museumofplay.org.

Stayin' Alive brings a live tribute to the music of the Bee Gees to the Kodak Center in Rochester, NY. The event is open to all ages and uses reserved seating. A presale is available with the password FEVER, and tickets are available online.

Hey Mabel returns to Whiskey's Upper Deck for a Happy Hour performance showcasing a wide-ranging mix of rock, blues, soul, and pop from the 60s through today, featuring favorites by Janis Joplin, Prince, CCR, Fleetwood Mac, The Stones, Talking Heads, and more.

Run to Remember, a hospice 5K presented by Fleet Feet, brings the community together at Genesee Valley Park’s Roundhouse Shelter to honor loved ones and support compassionate end of life care. Participants can choose a 5K run, a 1.25 mile walk, or take part virtually. The event raises funds and awareness for hospice services in the greater Rochester area, offering a meaningful way for individuals and families to pay tribute to those who received hospice care. It aims to expand and sustain hospice programs, highlight the value, availability, and dignity of hospice care, and build a network of community support, healing, and shared experience. Registration is open.

Celebrate Halloween with a family-friendly run at Cobbs Hill Park. Costumes are welcome, and the course invites both runners and walkers to experience the Cobbs Hill area. A long-standing tradition, it features a 5K with views of Rochester's cityscape from one of the highest points in the area, plus a Kids 1/2 Mile for ages 4 to 12 that takes place around the park fields. The atmosphere is festive and suitable for all ages.

At Kodak Center, The Rush Tribute Project honors the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Rush by playing Moving Pictures from start to finish, featuring favorites like Tom Sawyer, Red Barchetta, YYZ, and Limelight. The show spans two full sets that mix greatest hits with deeper cuts such as La Villa Strangiato and Enter Nous, all performed on vintage instruments with multi-camera projections, lasers, and striking lighting for an immersive experience. Tickets are available online or at the Kodak Center box office. Children under 2 do not need a ticket when seated on an adult’s lap. General parking across the street from the venue is $15 per vehicle, with a limited number of premium spaces next to the building for $25. Accessible parking is available in all lots, and all parking is cashless. For special needs including medical or dietary accommodations, contact 585-254-0181 or info@kodakcenter.com in advance. Prohibited items include bags larger than 8.5 x 6 x 11 inches, outside food or drinks, alcohol or drugs, weapons or firearms, cameras or recording equipment, laptops or tablets, flammable objects, flashlights, lasers, umbrellas, tumbler cups, strollers, balloons, noisemakers, flags or posters, and animals. Any contests or promotions connected to this event are provided by Legends Global or the event promoter and are not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Eastman Kodak Company or Meta Platforms Inc.

Rehab brings its signature blend of Southern rock, hip hop, country, and alternative to Photo City Music Hall. Founded in the late 1990s in Warner Robins, Georgia by creative partners Danny Boone and Brooks Buford, the group reached a wide audience with the 2005 album Graffiti the World and the breakout single Bartender Song (Sittin' at a Bar). Their songs delve into themes of addiction, hardship, and redemption, drawing a dedicated following to their candid storytelling and raw sound. Over multiple releases and extensive touring, they have honed a style that sits beyond strict genre lines while remaining rooted in real-life experience and Southern grit. The bill also features Reup Tha Boss, ORAY Band, Hot Copy, and Brother Floyd And The Blessed Sinners. Ages 16 and up.

At Kodak Center in Rochester, acclaimed trumpeter and flugelhornist Rick Braun presents a program celebrating the music of Chuck Mangione, reflecting his recent tribute release. Braun’s path spans more than three decades, over twenty albums, and upwards of twenty Billboard No. 1 hits. He started playing in childhood, studied at the Eastman School of Music, and, while there, helped form the jazz fusion outfit Auracle. His first major breakthrough came as the writer of Here With Me, a Top 20 single for REO Speedwagon, followed by tours and studio work with artists such as Rod Stewart, War, Sade, Tina Turner, Natalie Cole, Glenn Frey, Tom Petty, and Crowded House. As a smooth jazz mainstay since his 1993 debut, he rose to wider fame with Beat Street and has frequently appeared in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz chart, including Kisses in the Rain, which held the top position for eleven weeks. Career highlights include a Best Collaboration honor shared with Boney James for Shake It Up, a No. 1 duo project with Richard Elliot titled RnR, and three albums with the all‑star trio BWB alongside Grammy winners Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown. As a producer, he has guided No. 1 radio singles for David Benoit, Marc Antoine, Peter White, and the late Jeff Golub. Known for pairing virtuosity with good humor, he has even joked that his livelihood comes from blowing into plumbing. Tickets are available online or at the Kodak Center Box Office. Children under two may attend without a ticket when seated on an adult’s lap. Parking is offered across the street for $15 per vehicle, with a limited number of premium spots next to the venue for $25 per vehicle. Accessible parking is available in all lots, and all parking areas are cashless. For guest safety and comfort, the venue does not allow bags larger than 8.5 by 6 by 11 inches, outside food or drinks, alcohol or drugs, weapons or firearms, cameras or recording devices, laptops or tablets, flammable objects, flashlights or lasers, umbrellas, tumbler cups, strollers, balloons, noisemakers, flags or posters, or animals. Special accommodations for medical, dietary, or other needs can be arranged in advance by calling 585-254-0181 or emailing info@kodakcenter.com. Any promotion or contest connected to this event is courtesy of Legends Global and/or the event promoter and is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Eastman Kodak Company or Meta Platforms Inc.

The World Oddities Expo brings its first annual Rochester edition to the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, presenting a traveling showcase of the weird, the curious, and the macabre. It blends art, history, science, and entertainment with a marketplace of eclectic vendors and small businesses. Attendees can delve into the touring Deformed Exhibit, which displays real, rare specimens with medical anomalies. Combo options pair exhibit entry with either general admission or VIP access, and VIP offers the chance to shop before the crowds. Learning and creativity meet at WOE Labs, where instructors guide participants through hands-on classes that may include beginner-friendly taxidermy, rat skeleton articulation, and building miniature diorama terrariums. All experience levels are welcome, and class lineups can vary by city. The Main Stage features live performances such as contortion, sideshow-inspired acts, clowns, and additional surprises, along with guest speakers offering free seminars. Children 12 and under receive free admission. In select cities, the Oddity Ink Parlour, sponsored by Villain Arts, provides on-site tattoo appointments with visiting artists.

The Menzingers bring their Everything I Ever Saw North American Tour to Anthology in Rochester, presented by After Dark Presents. The bill features performances by Hot Water Music and Weakened Friends. Entry is 16 and older with ID. Attendees under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and no one under 12 is admitted.

An evening designed to spark new connections, inspired by the exhibition Hugo McCloud: to everything there is a season. This social gathering brings people together to discover common ground, with plenty of opportunities to mix, mingle, and perhaps meet someone who adds a little extra color to your canvas. A cash bar and complimentary light fare set the tone. The program features quickfire presentations in which participants, or friends speaking on their behalf, take the mic for a two minute slideshow-style spotlight that celebrates their best qualities, with the option to simply watch. After the presentations, conversation and mingling continue throughout the museum galleries.

Gary Owen brings the No Hard Feelings Tour to Kodak Center, delivering stand-up built on sharp observations and unfiltered stories from his life, his military background, and the everyday quirks that resonate with many. With more than two decades on stage and a rapidly growing online following, he is among the most in-demand touring comedians today. His on-screen work includes roles in Back on the Strip with Tiffany Haddish and Wesley Snipes, Meet the Blacks and The House Next Door, Think Like a Man and Think Like a Man Too, Ride Along with Ice Cube and Kevin Hart, Little Man with the Wayans brothers, and Daddy Day Care with Eddie Murphy. He is also remembered as Bearcat in the MGM comedy College. On television, he headlined The Gary Owen Show on BET, co-hosted TruTV’s Upload with Shaquille O’Neal, and appeared as Zach the barber on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. He continues to create his own specials, including Black Famous, #Doin’ What I Do, I Got My Associates, I Agree With Myself, True Story, Urban Legend, and Breakin’ Out the Park, and he recently recorded two back-to-back releases, Broken Family and Gary Owen…No S, which debuted on YouTube this past spring. He also hosts the #Getsome with Gary Owen podcast and has appeared on shows such as Flagrant, TigerBelly, Your Mom’s House with Tom Segura and Christina P., Club Shay Shay, and We Playin’ Spades with Nick Cannon. VIP packages are available. The VIP Meet and Greet option includes a premium seat, a meet and greet and photo with Gary Owen, a commemorative laminate, and an exclusive signed merchandise item. The VIP Merchandise option includes a premium seat and a signed item, with no artist participation. Tickets are available online or at the Kodak Center Box Office, and children under 2 may attend without a ticket if seated on an adult’s lap. Parking is offered across the street for $15 per vehicle, with a limited number of premium spaces next to the building for $25 per vehicle. Accessible parking is available in all lots, which operate cashless. Bag size is limited to 8.5 inches by 6 inches by 11 inches, and prohibited items include outside food or drinks, alcohol or drugs, weapons or firearms, cameras or recording devices, laptops or tablets, flammable materials, flashlights, lasers, umbrellas, tumbler cups, strollers, balloons, noisemakers, flags or posters, and animals. For medical or dietary accommodations, contact 585-254-0181 or info@kodakcenter.com. Any promotions or contests related to this event are run by Legends Global and or the event promoter, not by Eastman Kodak Company or Meta Platforms Inc.

The fifth Native Made Market brings a free, family-friendly gathering to the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, highlighting Indigenous artists, entrepreneurs, educators, and other creators from across Turtle Island. Explore genuine handcrafted goods, support Native-owned businesses, and uncover unique gifts for the holiday season while encountering art, culture, and storytelling. The event invites meaningful conversations and community connection, centering Indigenous voices and creativity.

Following the global success of Horizons, seen by nearly half a million people, Professor Brian Cox brings his new world tour, Emergence, to Kodak Center. The physicist and broadcaster, known for landmark BBC radio and television programs such as Wonders of the Solar System and The Planets, returns to the stage to explore big ideas with a fresh perspective. He describes Emergence as his most ambitious show yet, created in collaboration with scientists, musicians, filmmakers, and graphic artists. The evening blends cosmology, biology, philosophy, and history, presented on some of the largest and most advanced LED screens available, with powerful sound and lighting for an immersive experience that offers something to ponder whether you are drawn to science, music, history, or the beauty of nature. Tickets are available online or at the Kodak Center Box Office, which is open Monday through Friday. Children under 2 do not require a ticket if seated on an adult’s lap. Parking options include general parking across the street for $15 per vehicle and a limited number of premium spaces next to the building for $25 per vehicle. Accessible parking is available in all lots, and all parking areas are cashless. For the safety and comfort of guests, the venue does not permit bags larger than 8.5 by 6 by 11 inches, outside food or drinks, alcohol or drugs, weapons or firearms, cameras or recording equipment, laptops or tablets, flammable objects, flashlights, lasers, umbrellas, tumbler cups, strollers, balloons, noisemakers, flags or posters, or animals. Special accommodations for medical or dietary needs can be arranged in advance. Any related promotion or contest is conducted by Legends Global and the event promoter, and is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Eastman Kodak Company or Meta Platforms Inc.

Whoville comes to the Rochester Recreation Club for the Deaf with a festive holiday celebration filled with holiday cheer and community spirit. Enjoy a catered dinner alongside raffles, auctions, games, and giveaways. Prizes will be awarded for the best outfit, the most creative look, and the most hilarious style, and there may even be a surprise appearance by the Grinch. Admission is free for members and $30 for non-members. A link for payment will be available soon.

At Kodak Center, The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight brings an all new U.S. production that fuses classical precision with rock and metal power. In an intimate candlelit setting, a 14 piece ensemble reimagines iconic anthems with a haunting beauty and thunderous intensity. Across a 90 minute program, this rotating collective of instrumentalists and vocalists performs music associated with Metallica, AC/DC, Rage Against The Machine, My Chemical Romance, Linkin’ Park, System Of A Down, Guns N’ Roses, Evanescence, Aerosmith, The Cranberries, and more. Having entertained more than 700,000 attendees worldwide, the show has earned praise for its energy from the opening note to the finale and for its striking blend of symphonic flair and hard rock grit. Tickets are available online or at the Kodak Center Box Office. Children under 2 may attend without a ticket when seated on an adult’s lap. Parking is cashless, with general parking across the street, a limited number of premium spots next to the building, and accessible spaces available in all lots. The performance may feature strobe lighting effects, so guests sensitive to flashing lights should take precautions. The Rock Orchestra is not affiliated with the original artists or composers mentioned, and all trademarks remain with their respective owners. Special accommodations for medical or dietary needs can be arranged in advance.

Enjoy trivia night along with tacos and tequila. Every Tuesday, trivia kicks off. There are specials on chicken and beef tacos, tequila shots, and tequila mixed drinks until closing time.