Visit Rochester

08/22/2025

We are heartbroken by the tragic tour bus accident on I-90 in Western New York that occurred today. The entire Visit Rochester team sends our condolences to the individuals and their families who have been impacted by this devastating event.

We are grateful to the first responders who swiftly responded to this accident, and local medical personnel for their care and compassion. We wish for healing and comfort for all involved in the wake of this tragedy

08/21/2025

🎓 Welcome to Rochester, new students!

This college move-in season, Visit Rochester has helped welcome incoming students across our area college campuses.

We’re exhibiting at 20 different new student move-in events throughout the area, connecting with nearly 10,000 incoming students and their families. Our team has been handing out materials packed with local insights to help new students explore all the things that make Rochester special.

Welcome students to your new home for the next four years. We can’t wait to help you discover everything from our famous garbage plates to our world-class museums, iconic festivals, seasonal events and so much more. ✨

08/20/2025

From the Flour City Brewers Fest at the Rochester Public Market and Laser Shows at the Strasenburgh Planetarium to the Fairport Music Festival and outdoor markets, there’s no place we’d rather be than ROC this weekend!

Let us know your weekend plans in the comments and check out our website to explore more events coming to Rochester this weekend and beyond ➡️ https://www.visitrochester.com/events

*Event details subject to change. Please contact individual event organizers for the latest information.*

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08/18/2025

Huge thank you to Travel + Leisure and Patricia Doherty for shouting out Rochester, NY and the Rochester Fringe Festival in this article highlighting the best places to travel this September!

The ESL Rochester Fringe Festival is the largest multidisciplinary performing arts festival in New York State and this year’s festival takes place from September 9-20. Featuring over 600 shows across more than 30 venues around Rochester, the Rochester Fringe Festival is a can’t miss event.

Check out the full article below and start planning your trip to experience Rochester Fringe for yourself.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-places-travel-september

These are the best places to travel in September in the United States and the world.

08/15/2025

“Rochester is an ideal jumping-off point for exploring both the Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario. In the city, visit the interactive Strong National Museum of Play. Then dive into Rochester’s deep ties to women’s rights at the National Susan B Anthony Museum and House before sipping a beer at Genesee Brewing Company, one of the oldest breweries in the US. Get on the water in a unique way by cruising through century-old locks on an Erie Canal cruise in a replica packet boat with Sam Patch.” – Taryn Shorr-McKee

Planning on visiting the Finger Lakes? Kick off your trip by exploring all that Rochester, NY has to offer. From our incredible arts and culture and craft beer scene to our nationally acclaimed museums and historic locations, a visit to ROC will start you off on the right foot!

Thank you to Lonely Planet and Taryn Shorr-McKee for highlighting Rochester, NY in this piece. Check out the full article below.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/guide-to-finger-lakes

Everything you need to know about the climate, transportation and top activities in New York's Finger Lakes region.

08/14/2025

The summer I made my visit to Rochester, NY my entire personality.

No matter what your perfect summer looks like, a trip to ROC is always the right move.

Check out the link below to start planning your trip now!

(btw it’s all the way)

https://www.visitrochester.com/

📸: Brave World Media, , Yellow House

08/13/2025

Are you ready for another weekend in Rochester, NY?

With exciting events like Sunflower Spectacular at Wickham Farms, South Wedge Fest, Zoo Brew at the Seneca Park Zoo, an Adult Prom aboard the Colonial Belle, and so much more, this weekend is going to be a blast!

Check out the link below to explore even more events coming to ROC and let us know your weekend plans in the comments.

https://www.visitrochester.com/events/

*Event details subject to change. Please contact individual event organizers for the latest information.*

📸: jonspurrphotography (IG)

08/13/2025

Serious Play is happening in Rochester, NY!

From today, August 13 through August 16, the Serious Play Conference — North America’s leading event on games and learning — is being hosted at St. John Fisher University. This dynamic conference brings together experts across education, healthcare, heritage, and game development to explore how play can drive serious impact.

We’re also excited for the Esports Summit happening Saturday, August 16, hosted by MAGIC Spell Studios at Rochester Institute of Technology. This inaugural, post-conference event will gather key stakeholders from the esports ecosystem. This one-day summit will explore the evolving landscape of esports in education and competitive gaming.

A huge thank you to all our partners who have helped bring this innovative event to life, including Rochester Institute of Technology, St. John Fisher University, Ashley Fico, Co-Owner of InnoQuests, The Strong National Museum of Play, and Great Lakes Gaming.

And a special shoutout to Paul Darvasi for your incredible work and leadership in organizing this impactful experience.

Learn more at the link below!

https://www.visitrochester.com/newsroom/press-releases/post/serious-play-conference-brings-nations-leading-games-and-learning-event-to-rochester-ny/

08/13/2025

We are so excited to announce that Rochester, NY is in the running to be named the best place to visit for fall via USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards! 🍂🍁

With our beautiful fall foliage, numerous farms, u-pick apple orchards and pumpkin patches, delicious cider spots, local Halloween events, Erie Canal and Genesee River cruises surrounded by a stunning autumn color scape, and so much more, there really is nothing like fall in Rochester.

Voting is open now through September 8 and daily voting is encouraged! Visit the link below to cast your vote every day and help ROC take home the title of the best place to visit for fall.

https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/rochester-new-york/

📸: Mike DiNardo, Johnathan Spurr

08/12/2025

Marge’s Lakeside Inn in Rochester NY was recently named one of the 29 best bars in the country by USA Today!

Located right along the coast of Lake Ontario, Marge’s is a must-visit vintage beachfront bar with live music, an old-time jukebox, a tiki bar, fire pits, stunning views, and incredible vibes.

Thank you USA Today for highlighting this local Rochester favorite and congratulations to Marge's Lakeside Inn on this well-deserved national recognition!

Check out the full list below and be sure to plan a trip to Marge’s during your next visit to Rochester.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/food-dining/2025/07/30/best-bars-america-2025/83101912007/

From the finest cocktail meccas to the beachiest beach bars you can visit, this is USA TODAY's 29 best bars in America in 2025.