Winter weekends in Monroe County have a way of surprising us — just when cabin fever starts to creep in, the calendar fills up with theatre, live music, art exhibits, food events, and family-friendly traditions that remind us why people love living here year-round. Whether you’re planning a cozy night out, a full Saturday of exploring, or a low-key Sunday close to home, this weekend offers plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the community.
Below you’ll find a Top 10 list, followed by a complete breakdown of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday events, grouped by type so you can quickly find what fits your mood.
40th Annual Lakeside Winter Celebration
A classic Rochester winter tradition at Ontario Beach with family-friendly outdoor fun and lakefront views. Free and perfect for all ages.
Blackfriars Theatre Presents The Grown-Ups
A sharp, timely stage production running all weekend in the city’s East End theatre district.
Rochester Americans vs. Hershey Bears
Friday night hockey at Blue Cross Arena — a winter staple and an easy win for sports fans.
RPO Dance Festival: Jean-Yves Thibaudet & Rochester City Ballet
A powerful blend of live music and dance at the Eastman School of Music.
Cabin Fever Music Fest
An all-day Saturday music festival at Sager Beer Works, designed to chase away winter blues.
The Woman in Black – Geva Theatre
A chilling theatrical experience running throughout the weekend.
Livingston-Backus Dinner at Genesee Country Village & Museum
A historically inspired dining experience offered Friday and Saturday evenings.
Mindful MAGiC: Sonic Yoga
A calming Saturday morning wellness event inside the Memorial Art Gallery.
Ain’t No Party Like a Pizza (and Wine!) Party
A fun, social Saturday night food and wine experience at Unwine’d.
Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt
An interactive, self-guided city adventure available all weekend.
The Grown-Ups – Blackfriars Theatre
Evening performances continue through the weekend with shows on Friday night.
The Woman in Black – Geva Theatre
A suspenseful stage production running Friday evening.
Desire and Abundance: American Culture and the Still Life
Ongoing exhibit at the Memorial Art Gallery exploring still life traditions.
William Gropper: Truth, Beauty, Justice, Humor
Political and social commentary through graphic art.
Frontiers of Impressionism
Masterworks on view at MAG throughout the weekend.
Live Jazz feat. Deepak Thettu & Armani Works
Free jazz performance at Flight Wine Bar Downtown.
Jazz on Tap
Weekly jazz night at Vine & Tap.
Bootlegged Fridays
Live music at The Union Tavern.
Steak Night at Brews & Brats at Arbor Hill
A popular Friday dinner tradition — reservations required.
Livingston-Backus Dinner
Historical dining experience in Mumford.
Rochester Americans vs. Hershey Bears
Friday night puck drop at Blue Cross Arena.
40th Annual Lakeside Winter Celebration
Day one of this lakefront winter celebration.
Cabin Fever Music Fest
Live music throughout the day at Sager Beer Works.
40th Annual Lakeside Winter Celebration
Final day of this winter favorite at Ontario Beach.
If you have an event you’d like to add or a business you’d like to feature, email me at hello@lallafitzpatrick.com to let me know all about it!
Weekends like this are a reminder that where you live shapes how you live. From cultural landmarks to neighborhood traditions, Monroe County offers a quality of life that goes well beyond the walls of a home. When buyers ask what makes this area special, it’s weekends like these — full of choice, connection, and character — that tell the story best.
If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or simply exploring neighborhoods that match your lifestyle, I’m always happy to help you connect the dots between community and home.
