Downtown Definitely Events Return Starting June 7 with 15 Free Events

New This Year! Play Day on the Riverway at the Rundel Memorial Library North Terrace

Rochester, New York, May 3, 2023 – Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC) is pleased to announce the second annual Downtown Definitely Events series of 15 free downtown Rochester events. The 2023 series kicks off on Wednesday, June 7 with the first of eight Midday Bashes at Parcel 5 and continues through October.

All events are free to attend, including Midday Bash, four Movies with a Downtown View, an RPO Under the Stars concert, and Fall Fest, all of which will take place at Parcel 5. New this year, Play Day on the Riverway, will debut at the Rundel Library North Terrace.

The 2023 Downtown Definitely Events series is sponsored by Buckingham Properties, Gallina Development and VIDA. Two of the events are co-produced with the City of Rochester.

“We’re thrilled to announce that our popular Downtown Definitely Events series is returning with fifteen fun-filled events,” said Galin Brooks, President of RDDC and Executive Director of the Partnership for Downtown Rochester. “These events are an opportunity to bring people together, create new experiences, and foster a more dynamic and inclusive community. We invite everyone to join in the fun and discover the excitement of being part of a vibrant community that supports local businesses.”

“Downtown Definitely Events bring excitement and lively activity to our center city, helping establish downtown Rochester as a vibrant urban hub. The series, which has something for everyone, complements our efforts to launch a BID entity that will enhance downtown’s appeal and create a welcoming, active, and engaging space for all,” said Joseph Stefko, President and CEO, ROC2025, and Partnership for Downtown Rochester Board Chair.

The City of Rochester is partnering with Downtown Definitely Events on two events, RPO Under the Stars and Fall Festival.

“Events in Rochester put a special emphasis on our Downtown and these additions are no exception,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “The City of Rochester is proud to partner with the RDDC and build off of the success of last year’s events to once again offer free fun for the entire community.”

Downtown Definitely Events are produced for RDDC by Rochester’s Bella Events Group.

“As our city continues to grow and evolve, it’s exciting to see how people come together to share their love for downtown,” said Jenna Manetta-Knauf, owner of Bella Events Group. “Last season’s events were immensely popular and drew a diverse crowd, showcasing the heart of the city as a hub for community and connection. This year, we’re pleased to be working with the RDDC team once again to curate a season of free events that everyone can enjoy – from food trucks to family-friendly activities and concerts. Through these events, we hope to shine the spotlight on Rochester’s revitalization and establish our region as a top destination for families and tourism.”

The Downtown Definitely 2022 season drew over 15,000 people downtown. The series presented 12 events in downtown Rochester from June to December creating fun activities for area residents, visitors, and those who work downtown — Midday Bash, RPO Under the Stars, Movies With a Downtown View, Eat Up ROC, Market Place, Fall Fest, and Lantern Parade.

Watch the recap video from 2022 Downtown Definitely Events.

Midday Bash

Wednesday, June 7, Wednesday, June 21, Wednesday, July 12, Wednesday, July 26, Wednesday, August 9, Wednesday, August 23, Wednesday, September 6, Wednesday, September 20
Parcel 5, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Free!

Midday Bash is the perfect option for those looking for a quick and delicious meal during the week in downtown Rochester. Foodies can enjoy a variety of local food trucks, while also indulging relaxing in massage chairs, musical entertainment, games, giveaways and more. This year, Downtown Definitely has introduced a promotional partnership program aimed at featuring a rotation of local businesses at each Midday Bash event. Learn more by visiting: rochesterdowntown.com/event/midday-bash

Movies With a Downtown View

Friday, June 16 – Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Friday, July 21 – The Goonies
Friday, August 25 – Disney-Pixar’s Soul
Friday, September 8 – Top Gun: Maverick
Parcel 5
Events at 7 p.m., movie at dusk
Free!

Downtown Definitely is bringing back this popular summer event for four nights this summer. All screenings are free and family-friendly. You’ll be able to grab a bite from local food trucks and enjoy classic movie concession items. Learn more by visiting: rochesterdowntown.com/event/movies-with-a-downtown-view

RPO Under the Stars

Friday, July 7
Parcel 5, 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Free!

Co-produced with the City of Rochester, RPO Under the Stars is a memorable night of music under the open skies with the full Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. RPO Under the Stars is a free outdoor concert. Learn more by visiting: rochesterdowntown.com/event/rpo-under-the-stars

Play Day on the Riverway – New!

Saturday, August 5
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rundel Memorial Library North Terrace
Free!

This new free event takes place outdoors from the Rundel Memorial Library to the ROC City Skatepark and the Rundel Library North Terrace, overlooking the Genesee River. It is part of ROC the Riverway, and will feature a variety of family-friendly activities including a scavenger hunt, walking tour, storytelling, live music and food from local food trucks. Learn more by visiting: rochesterdowntown.com/event/play-day-on-the-riverway

Fall Fest

Saturday, October 14
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Parcel 5
Free!

Co-produced with the City of Rochester, Fall Fest is a destination for free Autumn festivities including pumpkin painting, games and inflatables, crafts for kids, giveaways and more seasonal activities to be announced closer to the event. Fall Fest will also feature the City of Rochester’s popular program “Little Kids and Big Rigs,” where kids can explore police cars, fire trucks, SWAT vehicles, an ambulance, dump trucks, garbage trucks, construction equipment, and much more. On this day, an annular solar eclipse will be visible and Fall Fest will incorporate an eclipse viewing experience. Learn more by visiting: rochesterdowntown.com/event/fall-fest

 

Sponsorship packages are now available. For more information visit rochesterdowntown.com or contact John Connors by emailing: jconnors@rddc.org.

For More Information

About Downtown Definitely Events

Downtown Definitely Events is a series of free events and activities founded in 2022 and produced by the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC). Downtown Definitely Events take place in downtown Rochester from June through October 2023 and include food, festivals, music, movies, and more shining the light on downtown to create great new experiences and help bring the community together again. Downtown Definitely is a joint initiative of NYS Empire State Development, ROC2025 and Greater ROC, Rochester Downtown Development Corporation, Partnership for Downtown Rochester, and the City of Rochester. Their shared mission is to grow economic vitality in downtown Rochester by bringing the community together and improving its street-level and riverfront experience.

About Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC)

RDDC is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization founded in 1977 whose mission is to drive economic vitality in Downtown Rochester. RDDC accelerates downtown development by positioning and marketing the assets that attract businesses and investment, and it catalyzes innovative ideas that make downtown a more vibrant and inclusive community. In 2020, RDDC built The Commissary, the region’s first and only food business incubator and shared kitchen.

About the Partnership for Downtown Rochester (PDR)

Established in 2021, the Partnership for Downtown Rochester (PDR) is a public-private partnership between Empire State Development, the City of Rochester, RDDC, and ROC2025. The Partnership was created to facilitate placemaking efforts, coordinate marketing and programming, and lead the promotion of activities throughout downtown Rochester and along the Genesee Riverway.

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