Good morning, Rochester.

Flora, a new queer bar & events space, opened today at 190 Monroe Ave in the Wadsworth Square neighborhood near downtown Rochester.

The venue offers craft cocktails & a DJ on weekends while planning to add an events space over time.

Starting in 2026, the Shortsville-Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce announced that all land-based Wild Water Derby events will move from Budd Park due to insurance issues with the Village, but water races will continue on the Canandaigua Outlet & groups will coordinate with the Village.

Students at Webster Schroeder High are donating toys in the final phase of the Pirate Toy Fund Toy Drive (observed by reporter Chris Lopez) as the drive nears its close, supporting local families in need.

Late donations for the News10NBC Toys for Tots Holiday Drive have slowed sorting at the drive’s Rochester headquarters and could delay toy delivery to local children before Christmas.

Donations began in early October but many arrived near the Dec. 14 deadline, according to coordinator Alexis Hogle.

On Thursday, East House wrapped over 800 gifts as part of its Holiday Angel Project to help people in recovery and their families celebrate the holidays.

The project aims to ease financial stress so everyone can enjoy a festive season.

The Caring Music Group, founded 15 years ago by Tony Falzano, performs original songs to help small nonprofits secure sponsors and run fundraising events in Rochester.

The group recently held successful shows at local churches and will team up with RocDog next year.

Local singer-songwriter Neeve Rose made her live debut at ARC Rochester & delivered a heartfelt performance that energized the local music scene.

Local indie-country musician Claudia Hoyser will release a limited vinyl of her album 'Before the Dawn' with a free acoustic show at Record Archive today at 5 p.m. She and fiancé Ryan Hurley will perform tracks and share song stories before the album streams Jan.

9.

Monroe County leaders announced Friday that the curbside recycling program is expanding to include plastic to-go cups and paper cups to help reduce holiday waste.

Residents should empty cup contents, replace lids, and loosely place cups in recycling carts at the MCRC facility on Lee Road (colored plastic party cups are not accepted).

Attorney General Letitia James announced a $9 million settlement with Hyundai and Kia for vehicles made from 2011 to 2022 stolen or damaged after a free software update or scheduled zinc sleeve installation — affected consumers can file claims until March 31 and may receive up to $4,500 in reimbursement.

A WalletHub study ranked U.S. winter holiday destinations on Dec.

19, 2025 and found Rochester at No. 30 amid higher travel costs + hassles compared with Albany and Buffalo. The ranking used flight, safety, and weather data collected as of Sept. 30.

Jeff Tara from Penfield watched a documentary about Ironman athlete Chris Nikic — the first with Down syndrome to finish an Ironman.

Inspired by his performance, Tara signed up for his first Ironman and later guided Chris in Florida, helping build a foundation to promote fitness and community integration.

3HB's Ugly Sweater Party

7-10:30 p.m. — Three Heads Brewing — $10 entry — Groove to funky tunes at a jam-filled ugly sweater extravaganza with local band Calabash.

Cleveland Monsters vs. Rochester Americans

5:05-6:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Check for ticket prices — Watch the exciting matchup as the Monsters take on the Americans on the ice.

The Turbulents Concert

5:00-6:30 p.m. — Photo City Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience live performances by The Turbulents and other featured artists in Rochester.

Live Music with Brody Schenk

7 PM - 1 AM — Abilene Bar and Lounge — $10 at the Door — Experience the heartfelt melodies and storytelling of rising singer-songwriter Brody Schenk.

Afterglow - Neon Noir New Year’s Eve Party 2026

8:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. — The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa — $115+ — Ring in 2026 with a Neon Glow at this festive New Year’s Eve celebration featuring an open bar and live DJs.

The Dinner Detective: True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show

6 PM — RIT Inn & Conference Center — Ticket prices vary — Participate in solving a hilarious true crime murder mystery while enjoying dinner.

Coming Down, Jordan Moss, The Rogues Concert

9 PM - 11:55 PM — Bug Jar — Tickets starting at $6.65 — Experience an eclectic mix of punk and indie rock performances in a local favorite venue.

In the Zone Card Show

Mall hours — In The Zone — Free entry — Explore a wide variety of cards at this exciting two-day event perfect for collectors.