Good morning, Rochester.

Abbott's Frozen Custard will mark its 100th year on Lake Avenue this Friday with a 'Centennial Scoop' celebration.

The event features a ceremony at 2 p.m. and a community party at 5:30 p.m. (live music, face painting, and the Seneca Park Zoo-Mobile will be on hand).

The 39th Salute to Veterans Golf Tournament will take place at Oak Hill Country Club on July 20 — backed by CDS Life Transitions, whose associate director Katherine Hall said the event supports veteran services.

Frank Martusciello reopened Casa Saratoga at 475 Spencerport Road in Gates on July 13, offering Italian breads, cookies and desserts during weekday hours from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and sitting next to Savastano's Bakery and Pizzeria.

Downtown Rochester's Parcel 5 will host the annual Black Culture Festival on July 24-25 to celebrate the city's Black community with local music, family activities, vendor booths, and special events (including Friday Night Lights on July 24 and a barbecue-focused Ribs and Rhythm on July 25).

Stand-up comedian Pete Davidson will headline the 2026 Rochester Fringe Festival, which runs Sept.

15-26 at One Fringe Place near the Eastman Theatre — the 12-day event will feature over 715 performances, free installations, and family-friendly activities including the return of the Spiegeltent.

Finger Lakes Opera will present Glory Denied, a production telling the story of the longest held American POW in U.S. history, on Saturday, July 19 at 2 p.m. at Robert F.

Panara Theatre on Lomb Memorial Drive.

Kiva Rochester — celebrating its 10th anniversary this week — has facilitated over $1.6 million in microloans since 2016 to help local entrepreneurs build credit and grow their businesses, with a focus on supporting women- and minority-owned ventures.

The University of Rochester-led STELLAR project will launch soon with $15 million in NSF funds and $16 million from state funds to build a laser research hub with over 90 local partners and potential support up to $160 million.

The effort will boost manufacturing — defense, communication and health applications.

Rochester school leaders face a $61M revenue gap as they work to boost student success and meet state requirements.

The superintendent and board will form a task force soon — a plan outlined by state monitor Jaime Alicea during a board meeting — to address budget cuts without harming performance.

St. John Fisher University named Rebecca Pelino + Daniel Boyce as its new board leaders, with Pelino as the first alumna chair and Boyce serving as vice chair; they began their two-year terms on June 1 and were welcomed by President Dr. Gerard Rooney.

The American Red Cross reported a 25% drop in its blood supply in June and declared an emergency shortage.

It has scheduled several blood drives in the region through July 31 + donors who give blood will receive a free Fandango movie ticket.

Rochester sports community mourns Irondequoit lacrosse coach Ernie Lisi, who died last Friday at 95 after a career with over 200 wins and two dozen titles.

Funeral visitation is 4-7 p.m. Friday at the Profetta Funeral Chapel in Webster, with a service Saturday at White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsford.

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.