Even in the colder months, there's still plenty to do in Rochester! Read on for events and activities that you can safely enjoy, organized by many of Rochester's top attractions. For more ideas on what to do for Valentine's Day in Rochester see our blog post here.
Ain't Misbehavin': The Fats Waller Musical Show at Geva
Through February 9 | Geva Theatre Center
Ain’t Misbehavin’ is a vibrant celebration of jazz pioneer Fats Waller’s extraordinary career. Jeffrey L. Page (a Broadway director and longtime choreographer for Beyoncé) brings a radical new approach to the show which reveals the masks Fats Waller and his musicians assumed while performing for white audiences – as they created the music of a new era.
Striking Power: Iconoclasm in Ancient Egypt
Through March 5 | Memorial Art Gallery
Striking Power: Iconoclasm in Ancient Egypt is an exploration of a little-known aspect of Egyptian sculpture: the deliberate damage inflicted upon images for political and religious power. The exhibition takes as its starting point the question that many museum visitors ask when they see ancient sculpture: “Why are the noses broken on Egyptian statues?” Viewed through the lens of spiritual and ritual practices, Striking Power, which showcases 40 powerful works from the Brooklyn Museum of Art, examines the patterns of damage to images from these organized campaigns of destruction.
Black & White Invitational
Through February 18 | Image City Photography Gallery
Black History Month at RMSC
Weekends in February | RMSC
The RMSC is hosting programming, activities, and events every weekend in February to celebrate Black History Month.
- Saturday, February 4 - Sunday, February 5: Celebrating Freedom Seekers & Abolitionists
- Saturday, February 11 - Sunday, February 12: Rochester's Champions of Civil Rights
- Saturday, February 18 - Sunday, February 19: Black Excellence in Arts & Culture
- Saturday, February 25 - Sunday, February 26: Black Excellence in STEM
Owl Moon
February 3-4, 10-11 | Genesee Country Village & Museum
Enjoy a guided wintertime night hike under the full moon! Your guide will help you understand the natural world the way owls do by leading fun activities along the hike. A chance to experience the museum’s trails in a unique way. Owls are mysterious nocturnal creatures, getting to meet them in person is rare and exciting. Meet some of these fabled birds up-close during a presentation from Wild Wings, Inc. Advance registration required.
NordicFest
February 4-5 & 11-12 | Cumming Nature Center
Warm up your winter at NordicFest! Join Cumming Nature Center to celebrate winter recreation in all of its forms. Enjoy a host of family-friendly outdoor activities and craft your perfect snow day.
Pancake Sundays
February 5, 12, 19, 26 | Kettle Ridge Farm
The family-friendly event features a maple-drenched menu—not only pancakes but also egg sammies, yogurt parfaits topped with maple granola, braised beef hash, maple sugar donuts, and hot chocolate.
Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman Film Screening
February 6 | The Little
Join WXXI for a special free preview screening with selections from Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom and Becoming Frederick Douglass.
Black History Month DeTour
February 9 | Memorial Art Gallery
The origins of Black History Month date back to the summer of 1915 in Chicago, however, it took another 61 years before it became officially recognized in the United States. On this MAGsocial DeTOUR, we are celebrating Black History Month by highlighting some of the Black artists in our collection. Join us with Calvin Eaton from 540 WMain as we look at Black History in America and learn more about Black arts and culture.
Black History Month Recital
February 9 | Eastman School of Music
Dr. Crystal Sellers Battle, Associate Dean of Equity & Inclusion, Student leaders of the Black Student Union at Eastman. -Guest performance by award-winning violinist and Eastman alumna Kelly Hall-Tompkins ‘93E.
Dutch Connection
February 10- February 26 | George Eastman Museum
Get an early peek at spring this February at the museum’s annual Dutch Connection floral display. A welcome treat in the midst of winter, the show features thousands of colorful tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, amaryllis, freesias, and spring annuals filling areas of George Eastman’s historic mansion.
Hyatt Regency Rochester Valentine's Day Dinner
February 10 | Hyatt Regency Rochester
Package includes your choice of overnight accommodation guestroom (based on availability), breakfast for 2, as well as champagne and chocolates on your day of arrival. Available Fri, Feb 10, 2023 - Wed, Feb 14, 2023.
Valentine's Soul Jam
February 10 | RBTL
Featuring The Whispers, Heat Wave, and Howard Hewett.
Eastman Presents: Batman in Concert
February 10 | Eastman School of Music
Featuring Tim Burton’s 1989 film starring Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, and Kim Basinger, alongside a live orchestra playing the iconic music of gothic genius, Danny Elfman.
Silent Disco
February 11 | Red, White & Brew
Silent Disco's are the best! When you put the headset on you can let the music take you a way and dance it out. You control the volume and channel.
RMSC Sensory Sunday
February 12 | RMSC Museum & Science Center
Sensory Sunday at the RMSC is an opportunity for people of all ages with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, or other developmental disabilities to access a more sensory-friendly experience at the RMSC Museum & Science Center! Features will include dimmed lighting of fluorescent bulbs, social stories emailed ahead of time, designated quiet areas, and sensory-friendly activities.
Valentine's Brunch
February 12 | Genesee Country Village & Museum
Join GCV&M for a sweet way to celebrate Valentine's Day with loved ones!
Valentine's Brunch is a wonderful way to celebrate with family and friends on this special weekend. With a made-to-order omelet station, maple glazed ham, blueberry stuffed french toast, cash bar, and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Savor a delicious chef-inspired meal made in-house, then head over to the Nature Center to hike wintry trails, or walk through the snowy Historic Village!
Beetlejuice
February 14 - February 19 | RBTL
It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!
Susan B. Anthony Birthday Gala
February 15 | The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House
Supporters of the mission for equal rights and voting rights for all have been celebrating Susan B. Anthony’s birthday since her own lifetime. This 203rd birthday party and fundraiser for the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House will take place February 15, 2023, at the Joseph A. Floreano Riverside Convention Center, 123 E. Main Street, Rochester, NY, at 6pm. The gathering this year remembers the 150 years that have passed since Susan B. herself dared to vote, but more importantly, looks toward the next 100 years and imagines all that we might do with our “wonderful power” of the vote.
Annual NY Ice Wine and Culinary Festival
February 18 | Casa Larga Vineyard
Join Casa Larga Vineyard for the annual NY Ice Wine & Culinary Festival—a celebration of traditional ice wines made in New York state. Learn how New York ice wines are handpicked when frozen on the vine and then pressed.
This is the largest ice wine tasting festival and celebration of ice wine produced in New York State. Authentic Ice Wines are a challenge to produce, which makes them rare and special.
Black History Month Celebration
February 19 | Memorial Art Gallery
Several times each year, the Memorial Art Gallery opens its doors and offers Rochester area families and community members the opportunity to learn more about specific cultures.
Kids Day with the Rochester Amerks
February 19 | Blue Cross Arena
Come join the Rochester Amerks as they take on Syracuse Crunch!
Jurassic Quest
February 24-26 | Floreano Riverside Convention Center
Jurassic Quest is roaring into the Joseph from (dates)! Jurassic Quest is North America’s largest, most popular dino event with unique and exciting experiences for the whole family.
Eastman Chorale
February 26 | Eastman School of Music
The Eastman Chorale is a select ensemble of singers from the Eastman School of Music performing the finest choral repertoire from the past five centuries.
Eastman Presents: Septura
February 27 | Eastman School of Music
Making its Eastman debut, Septura performs its own arrangements of some of the world’s most beloved classical works.
George Eastman Museum
- 900 East Avenue
- (585) 327-4800
The George Eastman Museum is located in Rochester, New York, on the estate of George Eastman, the…
National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House
- 17 Madison Street
- (585) 235-6124
Come and see the place Susan B. Anthony called home during the most politically active period of her…
Seneca Park Zoo
- 2222 St. Paul Street
- (585) 336-7200
Be transported around the world as you come face to face with Masai giraffes, red pandas, African…
Memorial Art Gallery
- 500 University Avenue
- (585) 276-8900
Journey through 5,000 years of human creativity: from the treasures of antiquity to 21st - Century…
Genesee Country Village & Museum
- 1410 Flint Hill Road
- (585) 538-6822
History comes alive at the largest living history museum in New York. GCV&M invites your family to…
RMSC Museum & Science Center
- 657 East Avenue
- (585) 271-4320
We are Rochester’s hub for lifelong science learning. Come experience the thrill of invention and…
The Strong Museum
- One Manhattan Square
- (585) 263-2700
The Strong is the ultimate play destination for all ages! Explore upstate New York’s largest…