Good morning, Rochester.

Mayor Evans announced that the Volvo Cars Rochester Party in the Park will return to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park on Thursday, July 9, featuring headliner Seven Wonders and tribute act Highway Boys.

A new Cantina will provide drink specials and food trucks at the event.

Hillary Olson, RMSC president and CEO, will step down in June to lead Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington (Del.).

After eight years at the museum, she guided RMSC through a pandemic and restored attendance to pre-2019 levels.

Ontario Beach Park will host a Kite Flight event for families from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 3 - part of a series of fun events planned to celebrate warm weather at the lake shore.

Monroe County public golf courses opened Tuesday with season passes and free permits offered, while the Party in the Park lineup was revealed at 1:30 p.m. and Rochester City Council met at 6 p.m. at city hall to discuss zoning changes and festival funding proposals.

Monroe County Community College’s Department of Human Services will host a SNAP information fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, April 27 at its Downtown Campus to help families navigate new work rules; student services specialist Nicole Meyer and student Shacerie Rivera will provide key guidance.

High school students previewed Sing-Out 2026 with ARC Rochester on April 21 and will perform the full 'Bringing It Home' show at 7 p.m. Friday, April 24 & Saturday, April 25 at East Rochester Public High School for a good cause.

Superintendent Eric Rosser spoke on April 17 in an online chat with the Beacon, highlighting progress made since his July start amid challenges in RCSD.

He said his top goal is to boost outcomes for the district’s nearly 22,000 students (addressing graduation rates, absenteeism, and budget gaps).

At a Tuesday budget meeting, the Rochester City School District used nearly $5 million in grant funding to preserve 15 social worker, four counselor, and 18 teacher positions.

City Council will hold a budgeting hearing on Monday, April 27, with the final Board of Education vote set for May 5.

Legislators will consider the Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power Act (ASAP Act) to speed local solar and battery storage installations that could slash energy bills statewide and shield families from fuel price hikes.

The measure aims to modernize interconnections and deliver over $1 billion in savings each year.

New York State Police and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee are enforcing the 'No Empty Chair' campaign through Friday — they will target speeding, distracted and impaired driving by teen drivers during graduation season to keep ceremonies full.

A Beautiful Noise Tour

7:30-10:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of A Beautiful Noise live in Rochester.

Rochester NY Coffee & Chocolate Festival

10 AM – 6 PM — Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center — Cost TBD — Sample a variety of coffee roasts and indulge in chocolate-inspired sweets from local vendors.

Rochester Regional Health Flower City Challenge

11:00 AM — 285 E Main St, Rochester, NY — Registration fees apply — Enjoy a community-focused half marathon, 5K, and kids races with various volunteer opportunities.

Family Chess Club

3-4 p.m. — Winton Branch Library — Free entry — Enjoy a friendly atmosphere for chess enthusiasts of all levels to play and strategize.

The Music of Tina Turner

7-10 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Cost Info not provided — Experience legendary hits from the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll by superstar singers.

Estate Planning Basics with Nathan VanBrunt

3-4 p.m. — Penfield Public Library — Free entry — Gain essential knowledge on wills, trusts, and common estate planning errors in this informative session.

Pretty in Pink 80s Party featuring Belious Some

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Photo City Music Hall — Tickets available online — Experience 80s nostalgia with live music, iconic hits, and vibrant party vibes.

Big Jay Oakerson Concert

9:00 PM — Comedy @ The Carlson — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughs with comedian Big Jay Oakerson.

Step Off Competition Reunion

2-5 p.m. — East High School — Kids 2 and Under Free, Kids 3-12 $15 — Celebrate the reunion of step competition participants with performances and community spirit.

Mother Goose by Rochester City Ballet

2-3 p.m. — The Hochstein School — Ticketed event — Experience classic fairytales come to life through Ravel’s whimsical music and ballet performance.