Good morning, Rochester.

Residents in the 19th Ward gathered for a flower-planting event early this May where 50 kids and chaperones worked on concrete planters — a display of the neighborhood’s longstanding spirit and care.

Tonight, Shakespeare in the Park presents a free performance of The Taming of the Shrew at Highland Bowl, and Rochester Animal Services’ $1 dog adoption program continues at 184 Verona St. until Sunday—also, Market Sundays features the El Calle Ocho Car Show on Sunday.

A community survey in Rochester aims to show demand for nonstop flights to San Juan — backed by local leaders, Monroe County officials and the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.

Launched last week, the survey will help airlines consider new routes that benefit the local Puerto Rican population.

Brenda Geglia and Tom Adamski announced on July 23 that the Al Sigl 2026 Benefit will be held on August 7 and 8 at the Tennis Club of Rochester to support local community programs + the event gives locals a fun chance to play tennis and give back.

Freedom 250 — a special event to connect veterans and their families with vital resources — is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29 at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center, hosted by the VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System and Rochester Veterans Center.

South Korean tech firm Megazone will open its U.S. headquarters at Willowbrook Office Park in Perinton.

It is set to receive up to $1.22 million in state tax credits and create more than 120 jobs over the next five years.

Downtown Rochester will host the 56th annual Puerto Rican Festival from Thursday, July 30 through Saturday, August 1 at Parcel 5, featuring live music, authentic food, cultural performances, family activities, and dozens of vendors.

Festivities will run daily from 5 to 11 p.m. (the city will announce additional safety measures next week).

Applications are open for the $225 million Rochester-Monroe Transformation Initiative that funds economic development projects in Rochester and Monroe County.

Projects must cost at least $5 million and show benefits such as job creation & improved public spaces with awards given on a rolling basis.

A Boeing 747-800 used for presidential pilot training conducted touch-and-go exercises at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The aircraft took off from Andrews Air Force Base and drew attention — airport director Andy Moore said training flights do not disrupt operations.

University of Rochester Medicine’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute received over $29 million from the National Institutes of Health to boost research that improves health outcomes + building on 20 years of federal support.

Officials say the funding will strengthen local health innovation and patient care.

Foodlink’s Meal Mobiles are cruising Rochester neighborhoods delivering free healthy meals and snacks to kids all summer.

Meals start at 11 a.m. while supplies last, and the nonprofit has served over 13,000 meals so far.

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.