Things to Do in Rochester (2025)

The world’s oldest photography museum anchors Rochester’s image-making legacy; cinephiles flock to the Dryden for rare 35mm and nitrate screenings. Consistently recommended by national travel editors and film curators.

An Art Deco landmark for indie and international cinema since 1929, now run with WXXI. Expect smart series, live events, and a lively cafe—regularly spotlighted by local critics and preservation groups.

A playful powerhouse after its 2023 expansion, with the World Video Game Hall of Fame and the Hasbro Game Park. Frequently highlighted by Condé Nast Traveler as a top U.S. children’s museum.

Family-owned since 1879 on the Lake Ontario shore, with wooden coaster royalty (Jack Rabbit) and a breezy waterpark. A summer tradition; check the 2025 calendar for daily ride and water hours.

Tour the National Historic Landmark where Anthony lived, worked, and was arrested for voting in 1872. Guides connect Rochester’s reform history to today; widely recommended by historians and cultural press.

Bowling reimagined in a vintage radio factory—two cocktail bars, a Middle Eastern-leaning menu, lane-side fun, and regular markets. Named to a national Bars of the Year list and celebrated by local food writers.

A chef-led brewery with a serious cellar; crowned New York State Craft Brewery of the Year in 2022 and still medal‑winning. Expect wood-accented spaces, seasonal food, and inventive styles.

Part record megastore, part bar, part venue—this 50-year staple hosts free Wednesday happy-hour shows and pop-ups. Praised by local media for making a music store a true community living room.

Rochester’s flagship professional theater develops and stages new and classic works with national talent. The 2025 calendar features adaptations, premieres, and musicals—consistently acclaimed by regional arts critics.

A homegrown brewery with a lively beer garden and a steady slate of concerts, food trucks, and neighborhood festivals. Long favored by locals for fresh IPAs and community‑minded programming.

Ride a replica packet boat through Erie Canal Lock 32 with live narration, music nights, and 2025 bicentennial programming. A nonprofit local staple that connects canal history with today’s Rochester.