This weekend in Rochester, NY

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.