Downtown Definitely Events Returns WithFourth Annual Series of 17 Free Events
Two New Events Highlight Renovated Austin Steward Plaza on the Genesee Riverfront
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — May 6, 2025 — Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC) announced the fourth annual Downtown Definitely Events series, featuring 17 free events, including Midday Bash, Movies With a Downtown View, RPO Under the Stars, Fall Fest, and new additions, Yoga on the Riverway and Sunset Sips. The 2025 series kicks off Wednesday, June 4, at Parcel 5 and continues through September.
Yoga on the Riverway and Sunset Sips will take place at the new Austin Steward Plaza on the Genesee Riverway Trail, activating a riverfront space in the heart of the city. Movie titles for Movies With a Downtown View will be announced after a public vote to determine this year’s screening lineup.
The 2024 Downtown Definitely season attracted about 20,000 people to 14 events, offering entertainment for residents, visitors and downtown employees. In total, Downtown Definitely Events have brought together more than 50,000 people since 2022.
"This summer, Downtown Definitely Events will bring back old favorites and feature new happenings right on the riverway in the heart of downtown," said Galin Brooks, president and CEO of RDDC and executive director of the Partnership for Downtown Rochester. “Downtown Rochester is a place for everyone, and each year, these fun and festive community events bring people together from every part of downtown and beyond."
"I'm excited to see the Downtown Definitely Events series return for its fourth year and offer another amazing slate of free events and activities showcasing all that downtown has to offer,” said Steve M. Dubnik, chair of the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation and president and CEO of The Strong National Museum of Play. “Downtown Definitely highlights our diverse food, culture, and small business scene—and helps bring the community together.”
The City of Rochester continues its partnership with Downtown Definitely Events, co-producing RPO Under the Stars and Fall Fest.
"We’re proud to partner with the RDDC to bring Downtown Definitely Events to the newly renovated Austin Steward Plaza," said Mayor Malik D. Evans. "Together, we are creating lasting memories and vibrant experiences that strengthen community bonds and bring new energy to the heart of Rochester. I’m excited to see this collaboration continue to grow as we activate even more public spaces and build a dynamic, welcoming downtown for everyone."
“We are very excited about the completion of the beautiful new Austin Steward Plaza. It’s a thoughtful transformation that brings new energy to the space along the river,” said Dominique and Paul Christopher, owners of Christopher’s Restaurant & Custom Catering. “It’s encouraging to see how activities like these can make a positive impact on small downtown businesses. After more than 40 years in the heart of downtown, we’re proud to be part of everyone coming together in such a meaningful way. Come join us for fun by the river at Christopher’s!”
"There’s a real buzz when you can stroll over to a Midday Bash and bump into friends grabbing lunch from a local food truck, or when the city's iconic buildings become the backdrop for an outdoor community movie night," said Lily Loveless, project manager for 43 North Real Estate and a downtown resident. "These aren't just calendar entries; they’re the moments where the pulse of downtown quickens, connecting us all in a lively and tangible way. For me, these experiences underscore the vital role of our shared spaces, and they’re a huge part of why I love calling downtown home. That feeling of shared excitement and community spirit is simply infectious."
“We’re honored to collaborate with RDDC once again to deliver this exciting series of free events,” said Jenna Manetta-Knauf, owner of Bella Events Group. “It’s incredible to see the community come together to celebrate downtown Rochester’s energy and growth.”
Downtown Definitely Events are produced for RDDC by Rochester’s Bella Events Group.
Call for Vendors
Vendors interested in participating in the 2025 Downtown Definitely Event Series are invited to apply now. Each approved vendor will receive a 10-by-10-foot space and must supply their own tent, tables and chairs. There is no fee to apply or participate. To apply, fill out the vendor interest form at: rochesterdowntown.com/vendor-application-dde
2025 Downtown Definitely Events
Midday Bash
Wednesday, June 4
Wednesday, July 9
Wednesday, August 6
Wednesday, September 10
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Parcel 5, 285 E. Main St., Rochester
Free!
Midday Bash provides a lively lunch-hour experience with local food trucks, lawn games, live music, massage chairs, pop-up vendors and giveaways.
Yoga on the Riverway
Tuesday, June 10
Tuesday, July 8
Tuesday, August 12
Tuesday, September 16
Noon to 1 p.m.
Austin Steward Plaza, Genesee Riverway Trail
Rochester
Free!
Yoga on the Riverway, a new addition to Downtown Definitely Events, offers a rejuvenating outdoor yoga session in the heart of downtown featuring friendly goats. Healthy grab-and-go refreshments will be available. Sign-ups are encouraged in advance and the first 25 registrants will receive a complimentary yoga mat.
Sunset Sips
Thursday, June 12
Thursday, July 17
Thursday, August 21
Thursday, September 11
5 to 7 p.m.
Austin Steward Plaza
Free!
Sunset Sips is a new after-work gathering that features live music, drinks, tastings and opportunities for sipping and socializing in a beautiful downtown setting. Attendees can unwind after a long day with a variety of beverages, enjoy the lively atmosphere and connect with friends and colleagues in the heart of the city.
Movies With a Downtown View
Friday, June 13
Friday, July 18
Friday, August 29
7 to 10 p.m.
Parcel 5, 285 E. Main St., Rochester
Free!
Enjoy outdoor movie nights featuring popular films, local food trucks and classic concession snacks. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Movie titles will be announced after a public vote to determine this year’s lineup.
RPO Under the Stars
Friday, July 11
6 to 10 p.m.
Parcel 5, 285 E. Main St., Rochester
Free!
Co-produced with the City of Rochester, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra will perform outdoors under the open sky. The evening’s program of featured songs will be announced later. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for a comfortable listening experience.
Fall Fest
Saturday, September 27
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Parcel 5, 285 E. Main St., Rochester
Free!
A seasonal celebration featuring pumpkin painting, games, crafts, giveaways, and the City of Rochester’s “Little Kids and Big Rigs” program, where children can explore police cars, fire trucks, SWAT vehicles, construction equipment, and more.
The 2025 Downtown Definitely Events series is supported by the University of Rochester, Rochester Gas and Electric, MVP Health Care, VIDA, Partners + Napier, Tipping Point Communications, with support from media partners 13WHAM, CITY Magazine, WXXI, The Little Theatre, iHeartMedia, Democrat & Chronicle, and News10NBC. Two of the events are co-produced with the City of Rochester.
Sponsorship packages are now available. For more information, contact Amy Olds by emailing: aolds@rddc.org.
Getting to Parcel 5
Bike Racks - Bicycle racks are available near Parcel 5. Attendees are encouraged to secure their bikes with a lock.
E-bike and Scooter Share - Veo’s shared micromobility program offers e-bikes and scooters for easy travel throughout downtown. To download the Veo app and for more information, visit: veoride.com/riding-in-rochester.
Bus Routes - Regional Transit Service - Regional Transit Service Parcel 5 is accessible via multiple RTS routes. The RTS Transit Center on St. Paul St. is a short walk from the event space. Visit myRTS.com for schedules and real-time bus tracking.
Parking - There are several surface lots and parking garages near Parcel 5. Metered on-street parking is enforced weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drivers can use the Flowbird app to pay for on-street metered parking via mobile app. Midtown Garage (Clinton and Broad St.) offers convenient access with a stairwell leading to Parcel 5. Parking rates for Midday Bash events are $2 for the first two hours and $2 for each additional hour or fraction. Evening event rates are a flat $7. All major credit cards accepted.
Getting to Austin Steward Plaza
Austin Steward Plaza is located along the Genesee Riverway Trail in downtown Rochester. The plaza sits on the west bank of the Genesee River, between Main and Andrews streets. Visitors can access the plaza from entrances near the riverfront at Main and Andrews streets, as well as from State St. The site is part of the broader ROC the Riverway initiative and offers scenic river views, pedestrian pathways and public gathering spaces.
Bike Racks - Bicycle racks are available near Austin Steward Plaza. Attendees are encouraged to secure their bikes with a lock.
E-bike and Scooter Share - Veo’s shared micromobility program offers e-bikes and scooters for easy travel throughout downtown. To download the Veo app and for more information, visit: veoride.com/riding-in-rochester.
Bus Routes - Austin Steward Plaza is accessible via multiple RTS routes, with a stop at State and Church. The RTS Transit Center on St. Paul Street is a short walk from the event space via the Sister Cities Bridge. Visit myRTS.com for schedules and real-time bus tracking.
Parking - There are several surface lots and parking garages near Austin Steward Plaza. The closest garage is the Genesee Crossroads Garage, with entrances on Andrews Street and Corinthian Street, offering rates of $2 for the first hour and $2 for each additional hour. Additional nearby options include the Sister Cities Garage at 28 N. Fitzhugh St., also with rates of $2 for the first hour and $2 for each additional hour. Other privately operated surface lots are also available; rates vary. Metered on-street parking is enforced weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drivers can use the Flowbird app to pay for metered parking from a mobile device.
For more information, visit downtowndefinitely.com, email info@downtowndefinitely.com, or call 585-546-6920.
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About Downtown Definitely Events
Downtown Definitely Events is a series of free events and activities launched in 2022 and produced by the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC). Downtown Definitely Events take place in downtown Rochester from June through September 2025 and include food, festivals, music, movies, and more, shining a light on downtown to create new experiences and help bring the community together. Downtown Definitely is a joint initiative of NYS Empire State Development, OneROC, Greater ROC, Rochester Downtown Development Corporation 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 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 1977. Its mission is to drive economic vitality in downtown Rochester. RDDC accelerates downtown development by positioning and marketing 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.