Good morning, Rochester.

City officials and community partners are studying ways to improve alleys to boost safety and connect bike and pedestrian routes.

The study, started in August 2025 and set to finish by the end of summer, builds on last month’s Liven Up the Alley event on Bohrer Alley (Inner Loop North).

Families, friends & allies gathered for the Pride Picnic at Genesee Valley Park in Rochester on Monday, July 13, enjoying music, food, and inclusive celebrations.

On Monday, July 13, Rochester began Pride Week with a flag-raising ceremony at Austin Seward Plaza where local officials and pride leaders gathered — the event also featured the sashing of parade grand marshals.

The pride parade and festival will be held Saturday at Highland Park.

Sweet Ki's in Geneva offers homemade cookies and cinnamon rolls with a new batch of 10 cookie flavors produced weekly.

The shop is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. + locals come early for fresh treats.

Rochester marked 10 years of the Kiva Rochester microloan program.

Since its launch in 2016, it has given 0% interest business loans from $1,000 to $15,000 to support local small businesses — including women- and minority-owned enterprises—and community programs like free haircut events at Andre’s Barbershop.

Corn Hill Arts Festival celebrated its 58th year this past weekend, showcasing hundreds of local artists and drawing thousands of visitors to the historic neighborhood.

The first Abbott's Frozen Custard stand turned 100 today, marking a century of serving frozen treats for locals.

A behind-the-scenes feature (highlighting its evolution) shows its lasting role as a cherished local landmark.

The new Italian festival Ciao Ragazzi Festa d'Italia will be held at Spencerport Fireman's Field on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19 — co-creators Andrew Colaprete and Ryan Gushue shared the details with ARC Rochester.

East House in Rochester has received a ($1.4m) grant to build a new mental health clubhouse run by its members.

The five-year program will soon replace its donor-funded service to offer daily meals, life skills groups, and peer-led recreation for community recovery.

Since June, the American Red Cross has seen a nearly 25 percent drop in the national blood supply due to fewer summer donations and more injuries.

It invites local donors to book appointments as blood drives are planned in Monroe County (see local listings for details).

More than 600 cyclists from 37 states and Canada are riding the 28th Cycle the Erie Canal tour as they pass Rochester on a 400-mile trek across New York — they will reach Albany on Sunday.

Seers and Dreamers

6-10 p.m. — Wonderground — Sliding scale $15-$25 — Experience captivating melodies from Rochester's finest local musicians.

RPO Presents The Music of Led Zeppelin

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Kodak Center — Check website for ticket prices — Experience a thrilling fusion of symphonic power and iconic rock anthems.

Expressive Painting Workshop

2-4 p.m. — Wonderground — Sliding scale $15-$30 — Engage in a creative paint workshop that embraces exploration and joyful discoveries.

Rochester Speed Dating for Singles Aged 35-47

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Kin Event Space — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in an exciting speed dating format.

Nektar Concert

8-11 p.m. — Lovin' Cup — $35-$40 — Experience an immersive concert with Nektar blending sound, lights, and visuals.

The 7th Annual Black Culture Festival

July 26–27 — Parcel 5 — Free entry — Celebrate Black culture with music, food, vendors, and entertainment reminiscent of HBCU homecoming vibes.

Start Making Sense Concert

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park at Manhattan Square — Ticket details available online — Enjoy an evening of lively music in a vibrant setting.

The Emo Night Tour - Rochester

8-11 p.m. — Water Street Music Hall — $20 - $27 — Experience a night filled with the best hits from iconic emo bands like Taking Back Sunday and My Chemical Romance.

Tryst @ Roc Beer Park

Time TBA — Rochester Beer & Park — Cost Info Not Provided — The Tryst boys deliver a mix of your favorite rock, classic, country, and pop tunes this summer.