Rochester
Morning News
Friday, September 19th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Mayor Malik D. Evans joined the Friends of the Public Market and local artists to unveil new banners today that celebrate the market’s spirit—featuring art by five local creators. The banners are located along N. Union St. and inside the market and set the stage for the upcoming Artist Row art fair on Sept. 21. City of Rochester
- ➤ The annual Make-A-Wish Wishathon took place at Eastview Mall on Sept. 18 from 6 to 6, where community members gathered to help make critically ill children’s dreams come true + show their strong support. ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Today, Rochester's International Plaza is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting Latinx-owned businesses; site manager Jason Barber said the plaza—created by transforming a vacant alley and lot—offers affordable rent for entrepreneurs and is accepting applications for three new vendor spots next year. Business owners like Roxy Hernandez and the Garcia family view the plaza as a way to launch new ideas and teach entrepreneurship. News 10
- ➤ The Rochester area’s second Shake Shack opened on Thursday in the Mall at Greece Ridge parking lot—offering mini tote bags and donating a dollar to Foodlink for each sandwich sold. The restaurant spans about 3,000 square feet with an outdoor patio, just over 30 parking spaces, and operates daily from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. News 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Fort Hill Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua announced a fall and winter series of music, theater and storytelling events that will run from now until December. The series will open on Sept. 20 with a Las Vegas-style musical tribute and end on Dec. 19 with a Carpenters holiday tribute—other shows include tributes, discussions and a production of The Nutcracker by Rochester City Ballet. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Indigenous videogame designers showcased new games using Taino and Ojibwe languages at a conference at the Strong National Museum of Play. They said the projects teach cultural stories — helping keep indigenous voices alive. WXXI News
- ➤ Comedian and magician Tim Motley is promoting Barry Potter—a family-friendly magic show scheduled for tomorrow at the JCC Hart Theater during the Fringe Festival. The show will offer local audiences a unique night of magic and entertainment. FOX Rochester
- ➤ Rochester’s Aqueduct Redevelopment project won the 2025 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the Preservation League of New York State. The project transformed six 19th-century industrial buildings into a modern headquarters for Constellation Brands—part of the Roc the Riverway initiative that supports the Four Corners Historic District—and the award will be presented in New York City on Nov. 3. News 10
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Meteorologist Selena Ramos stated that Rochester remains dry amid a continuing drought expected to persist into September—showing little rainfall across Western New York. ABC 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents and board members in Fairport continue to debate the village’s first zoning update in over 30 years—raising concerns about rental influx, loss of historic charm, and changes in building heights. The draft code, which aligns with the comprehensive plan, could lead to more multifamily developments—potentially shifting the village’s long-held character. Rochester Beacon
- ➤ The city announced an update to SNAP benefits that lets elderly, disabled, and homeless residents use them to buy hot meals at local restaurants through the New York State Restaurant Meals Program. City Councilmember Mitch Gruber said the change—revealed at the Public Market Thursday—should benefit local small businesses. News 10
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A $72 million affordable housing project called Center City Courtyard is now complete in downtown Rochester at Plymouth Avenue and West Main Street—this five-story building offers 164 apartments, including 95 with supportive services for veterans and those facing homelessness, and it features amenities like a rooftop solar array and free internet provided through state agency support. News 10
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Gabriel Iglesias Live
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the hilarious comedy of Gabriel Iglesias in Rochester.
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Artist Row Rochester Juried Art Show
10 AM – 4 PM — City of Rochester Public Market — Free admission — Explore a vibrant showcase of nearly 200 emerging artists' work at a beloved local arts festival.
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World Ballet Company - The Great Gatsby
7:00-8:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Ticket prices vary — Experience the elegance and drama of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic through dazzling ballet.
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Annual Fair Trade Rug Event
All day — One World Goods — Free entry — Discover a stunning array of hand-knotted rugs crafted by fairly paid artisans from Pakistan.
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The Floozies Live in Rochester
7-8:30 p.m. — Anthology — Ticket prices vary — Experience the 'Kings Of Electro-Funk' with an electrifying mix of live music and vibrant visuals.
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Public Water Supply Concert Featuring Jackson Cavalier and LoConti
7-11 p.m. — Water Street Music Hall — Varies — Experience an unforgettable musical ride with Rochester's premier Alt. Rock group and special guests.
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McQuaid Invitational Cross-Country Meet
9 AM – 6 PM — Genesee Valley Park — Free entry — Experience the excitement of the largest high school-sponsored cross-country meet in the nation with over 7,000 athletes from across the continent.
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You Are Whole Book Launch
4-6 p.m. — RIT Tait Preserve — Free entry — Celebrate the launch of an inspirational photobook sharing stories of hope from breast cancer survivors and thrivers.
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Witchy Broom Making Workshop
10:30 p.m. — 757 University Ave, Rochester, NY — All supplies included — Craft your own unique decorative witch's broom while enjoying spooky snacks in a cozy atmosphere.
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Tracy Eckstrand Live at Cottage Hotel
8 PM – 12 AM — Cottage Hotel of Mendon — Check for tickets — Enjoy an evening of original and cover songs by Tracy Eckstrand and Levon Jones.
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