Thursday, February 5th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Al Sigl is hosting its JustOne Night event today from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Fairport Brewing on University Avenue—where a $1 donation supports people with disabilities. ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Wheel Works Brewing will open this spring in Shortsville at a historic 18,000 sqft building at 1755 Pioneer Road, where partners Ken Johnson and Jeff Roberge plan a taproom, kitchen and outdoor dining with views of the Canandaigua Outlet (hoping to debut by the Wild Water Derby on April 26). Rochester Beacon
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Memorial Art Gallery is showcasing diverse exhibits this season, featuring Picasso and impressionist works as well as a Garth Fagan program today. Additional events run through early next year, including Frontiers of Impressionism until Mar. 1 and Museum Makers on Saturday (Feb. 7). ABC 13
- ➤ The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra announced its 2026-27 season featuring its first Piano Fest, pops tributes celebrating Aretha Franklin and Billy Joel, and a Chuck Mangione tribute concert along with international soloists and a Dance Festival at Arbor Lofts; tickets go on sale to subscribers early this spring. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ A refurbished documentary, 'End of the Line: Rochester's Subway 2.0,' explores the City's abandoned subway with screenings (Room 1) scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7 at 7pm, Sunday, Feb. 15 at Noon, and Saturday, Feb. 28 at 4pm. ABC 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Monroe Community College will offer free breakfast this spring semester to help students facing food insecurity + the program is funded by a grant and aims to create a welcoming atmosphere, with officials planning to monitor if regular access to breakfast boosts academic success. News 10
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ With a cold snap expected this weekend, David White of Mayer Paint & Hardware on Winton Road urges residents to check weather stripping, doors & windows now to save on heating bills. He recommends sealing drafts and replacing furnace filters every three months to keep homes energy efficient. ABC 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Nearly $10 million in federal funds will support local projects now that the government is fully funded, including $2 million for Rochester Public Market's indoor expansion + $1 million for West Herr renovations at the Rochester Broadway Theatre League; remaining funds will aid training, redevelopment, and clean energy. News 10
- ➤ Families filing a New York state tax return can claim the expanded Empire State Child Credit now. It offers up to $1,000 per child under 4 + up to $330 per child ages 4 to 16 this season with no minimum income requirement and without affecting SNAP or Medicaid eligibility. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ NYSDOT completed a $3.4M bridge replacement along State Route 250 in Fairport on Feb. 4, installing 23 new concrete slabs, an updated deck and ADA-compliant sidewalks that boost safety and protect Thomas Creek. Democrat & Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Rochester General Hospital reopened its renovated cardiac catheterization lab Wednesday after a $1.5M upgrade from Rochester Regional Health + the lab now supports over 5,600 procedures annually, strengthening community cardiac care. Spectrum News
- ➤ The School Without Walls is hosting its fourth annual blood drive on Wednesday (1 to 7 p.m.) to raise awareness for sickle cell disease. The event features student presentations and expert insights from 4 to 7 p.m. and welcomes walk-ins to support the Red Cross. News 10
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ten local Olympians with Rochester ties are set to compete in the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina; the U.S. women’s hockey team—featuring five Bishop Kearney grads—takes the ice today at 10:40 a.m., while freestyle skiing and aerials events follow for Dylan Walczyk and Chris Lillis in the coming days. Democrat & Chronicle
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Lynne Hanson: Canada’s Queen of Americana
7-8 p.m. — Abilene Bar & Lounge — $15 at the door — Experience gripping Americana from a singer-songwriter celebrated for her high energy and heartfelt connection with audiences.
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Disney's Pixar's Up in Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Eastman Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved film 'Up' accompanied by a live orchestra for a magical evening.
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Charlotte Checkers vs. Rochester Americans
7:05-9:05 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Ticket prices vary — Watch the exciting showdown between the Charlotte Checkers and Rochester Americans on the ice!
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Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
7-8 p.m. — Temple Theater — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting melodies of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons performed under the gentle glow of candlelight.
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Seven Wonders - A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
7:30-11:30 p.m. — The Theater At Innovation Square — Tickets available — Experience the energy and legacy of Fleetwood Mac through this stunning tribute band.
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Family Chess Club
3-4 p.m. — Winton Branch Library — Free entry — Everyone from grand masters to rookies can come play and share strategies at this welcoming chess gathering.
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Rochester Speed Dating for Singles Age 31-44
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Hideaway — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun and friendly environment.
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Electric Feels - Indie Rock and Electronic Dance Party
9-11:30 p.m. — Anthology — Tickets start at $48 — Experience an unforgettable indie rock and electronic dance party in Rochester.
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Casting Connections: Ice Fishing Edition
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM — Braddock Bay Park — Cost included — Experience a unique outdoor adventure focused on building connections through ice fishing.
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Family Chess Club
3-4 p.m. — Winton Branch Library — Free entry — Engage in chess strategy and fun for all skill levels at this family-friendly club.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If you want to remember something, write it down. If you want to understand something, explain it to someone else.
~ Richard Feynman
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