Rochester
Morning News
Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Monroe County Library System now offers more than books and DVDs by letting residents borrow V.I.P. passes for discounted admissions plus other unique items like games and tools from local branches; a valid library card is all you need to register. News 10
- ➤ KidsOutAndAbout highlights spring events for families with an Olympic Gold Medalist meet and greet today at Woodcliff Spa & Resort, a Ferret Fest craft day Saturday at United Church of Christ in Webster, and maple and spring break festivities in local towns. Visit KidsOutAndAbout.com for details. FOX Rochester
- ➤ United and Healing Through Hope is holding an Easter food drive that runs until March 23 and a dinner resource fair from 2 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 28 at Ark of Jesus Ministries on North Winton Road. ABC 13
- ➤ Baden Street hosts its fifth annual Buckets for Baden fundraiser to support new building projects by Baden Believes. The event is at Dr. Freddie Thomas Middle School on Scio Street (10 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 21). FOX Rochester
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Festival leaders unveiled a nearly 60-act concert lineup for the 128th Rochester Lilac Festival, set from Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 17 at Highland Park and other local venues, highlighting national headliners and local talent. ABC 13
- ➤ Rush-Henrietta High School presents the musical Mamma Mia featuring ABBA hits with performances today at 7pm, March 20 at 7pm, and March 21 at 2pm — the school cast delivers an engaging show for the community. FOX Rochester
- ➤ Maple Weekend kicks off Saturday, March 21 at Schoff’s Sugar Shack (1064 Willis Hill Road) amid shifting weather patterns that affected production, with tours and an express lane for product pickups. Around 160 farms are joining the festivities to celebrate New York’s maple syrup industry. News 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Golisano Institute announced on Wednesday that certificate graduates may pursue bachelor's or master's degrees at Nazareth University in Pittsford + have guaranteed admission to most undergraduate programs, with waived graduate application fees and a 20% tuition discount for select programs if they meet requirements within four years. News 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ New Yorkers have seen energy bills rise after state policies drove increases of 4.6 to 10.3% in 2023. A NYSERDA study shows the planned cap-and-invest program may add about $2.23 per gallon at gas pumps, pushing annual energy costs near $4,000 for many households. Rochester Beacon
- ➤ Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport stays busy as its private contractor VMD Corp runs TSA checks, keeping wait times normal during the government shutdown. Rochester travelers face no delays at the security line. News 10
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Rochester residents can try new Manting House, a fusion restaurant offering spicy Sichuan dishes and dim sum at 3423 Winton Place in Henrietta. Open for lunch and dinner daily, it serves family-style dishes with modern ordering using laminated menus and iPads. Democrat & Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ MLB (adjusting its field layout) will test a new rule later this season moving second base to a true corner in minor league games; Rochester is among the test sites (expected around June to early July). The change will shorten base distances by nine inches and may speed up baserunning. Democrat & Chronicle
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80’s vs 90’s House Party
9-11 p.m. — Skylark Lounge — Ticketed event — Dance the night away with the best beats from the 80s and 90s at this lively house party.
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Rockin' For Wishes Concert
12-6 p.m. — Whiskey's Upper Deck — Support Make-A-Wish — Enjoy a day of music, raffles, and family fun featuring tribute bands for your favorite artists.
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Kimberly Akimbo Show
7:30-10:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Tickets start at $63.80 — Enjoy the whimsical tale of family and adolescence in this acclaimed production.
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Rochester Speed Dating for Ages 41-54
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Hideaway — Ticket required — Meet potential matches in a fun and safe environment with a modern approach to dating.
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Kimberly Akimbo: A Theatrical Experience
7:30-10:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Tickets start at $98 — Enjoy an unforgettable performance of Kimberly Akimbo in Rochester.
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Spring Fling KidsFest
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Tim Hortons Iceplex — $15 for unlimited ice skating — A giant indoor playground filled with bounce houses, games, and non-stop entertainment awaits your family.
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Easter Buffet Celebration
12-5 p.m. — Fedele's Brook House — $65 — Enjoy a delicious buffet featuring carved meats and homemade desserts with the family this Easter.
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Bat Out Of Hell The Musical
7:30-10:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Tickets available — Experience the rock opera journey inspired by Jim Steinman's iconic music.
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Outside Voices at the ADK-GVC Chapter Meeting
6:30-8:30 p.m. — RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center) — Free entry — Discover tips on hiking and canoeing from expert enthusiasts at this engaging community event.
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2026 PBA New York Classic
1-3 p.m. — ABC Gates Bowl — Spectator passes available — Witness the top bowlers vie for championship glory in Rochester.
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
It's not about the goal. It's about growing to become the person that can accomplish the goal.
~ Tony Robbins
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