We were proud to celebrate the close of Caribbean American Heritage Month alongside our community partners, honoring outstanding leaders and recognizing former City employee Malachi Abraham Williams on his 100th birthday!

Hot temperatures are on the way, and Rochester's beaches are open for the season! Grab your sunscreen, pack a towel, and make plans to cool off by the water this week. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/beach

The Pont de Rennes, spanning the Genesee River Gorge from Browns Race to Cataract Street, is now open to pedestrian traffic following a temporary closure to replace the bridge deck coating.

Keep Rochester moving! From plow trucks to public safety vehicles, City mechanics keep the equipment that serves our neighborhoods running every day. We're hiring at every experience level with competitive pay, great benefits, and room to grow. Apply: cityofrochester.gov/mechanic

It's Free Dog Friday at Rochester Animal Services! As we prepare for upcoming shelter renovations, every adoption helps create space for animals in need. Stop by 184 Verona St. between noon and 4 p.m. and meet your new companion!

The Rochester Juneteenth Freedom Parade filled downtown with music, pride, and community spirit! Marching groups, performers, families, neighbors, and more came together to honor the legacy of Juneteenth and celebrate the ongoing pursuit of freedom and equality.

A Rochester legend honored. Mayor Evans presented the Key to the City to jazz icon Ron Carter, recognizing his extraordinary musical legacy and deep ties to Rochester as an Eastman graduate, trailblazing performer, and global ambassador for the arts.

June is CPR Awareness Month! Knowing Hands-Only CPR gives you the ability to act during a cardiac emergency and potentially save a life. Learning the basics takes just a few minutes and could make all the difference when every second counts. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/heartsafe

Every day is an adventure at R-Camps! Registration is open for summer camps at Lake Riley Lodge, Genesee Valley Field House, and the new Maplewood Nature Center. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/summercamps

Don't miss downtown’s dazzling display! Rochester's 4th of July fireworks spectacular is back as we celebrate America's 250th birthday next Saturday. Bring your friends, family, a chair, and join us! Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/fireworks

Today's Mayor on the Block started at the Transit Center and stretched through downtown Rochester! These neighborhood tours give leaders an opportunity to see challenges and opportunities firsthand, and help ensure every block in Rochester continues moving forward together.

Rochester Animal Services is hosting an open house on Thursday for prospective foster caregivers. Meet staff, learn about the process, and help make a difference. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/news/rochester-animal-services-hosts-roc-shelter-open-house-prospective-foster-caregivers

The International Plaza is launching a new monthly Happy Hour series this Thursday, June 25, from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring live music by Frankie's Latin Jazz Trio, food, games, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/plazahappyhour

Bring your appetite to the Public Market tomorrow night! The Food Truck Rodeo returns from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring dozens of food trucks, local brews, and live music from Junkyard Field Trip. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/foodtruckrodeo

Three decades of recognizing Rochester's young leaders! Our Do The Right Thing program celebrated its 30th anniversary at Seabreeze, honoring students who demonstrate leadership, service, courage, and compassion.

The world's game is coming to Rochester! Join us for free Soccer Watch Parties on Thursday and Friday at the Public Market, featuring live match broadcasts, food, music, activities, and a festive atmosphere for fans of all ages. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/soccer

The Genesee Valley Park Sports Complex outdoor pool is now open for the season! Grab your swimsuit and cool off with open swim, lap swim, free weekend swims, and new early bird lap swim hours. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/locations/genesee-valley-park-sports-complex-ice-rink-swimming-pool

Rochester Community University returns this week for summer sessions with classes on topics ranging from local history and civic engagement to arts, wellness, and more. Find a class and learn more: cityofrochester.gov/news/rochester-community-university-summer-sessions-announced

Last week, we joined community partners at the Public Market to celebrate the opening of the new Doula Lounge, connecting birthing families with resources, education, and support. Because every family deserves compassionate, respectful care.

Happy Father's Day from the City of Rochester! Today, we celebrate all the fathers and father figures whose care, strength, and support help make our community stronger. Thank you for all you do!

Happy Juneteenth, Rochester! Today, we commemorate freedom and reflect on the ongoing journey toward justice and equity. We hope everyone celebrating enjoys a meaningful day and a great weekend with family and loved ones.

Juneteenth kicked off today at City Hall, where Mayor Evans presented Jimmie Highsmith Jr. with a Key to the City in recognition of his contributions to Rochester's rich musical legacy. The celebration continues with the Juneteenth Festival! Learn more: racf.org/juneteenth

We gathered at City Hall to celebrate the launch of Michel Molaire's newest edition of African American Who's Who, Past & Present, Greater Rochester Area. Documenting Black leaders from our region preserves our history and inspires future generations.

Mayor Evans was honored with the COAE Community Partner Award at the 2026 Annual Meeting for his leadership of the ROC Resilience Roundtable, bringing together 40+ agencies to strengthen collaboration across Rochester and the region. We are stronger when we work together to support our community.

Big day in the Rochester region! Antiques Roadshow made a stop at Genesee Country Village & Museum, bringing thousands of visitors and a behind-the-scenes look at one of public television’s most iconic programs.

Rochester's own Danielle Ponder headlines the 2026 Juneteenth Festival at MLK Park! Live music, food vendors, family activities, cultural experiences, and more — all weekend long. Learn more: racf.org/juneteenth

The last ROC Cinema screening of City Mark: A Rochester Icon is tonight at 6 p.m., and there's still time to reserve your free seat! Can't make it? More free screenings are planned throughout the summer! Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/citymarkmovie

Rain won't stop the celebration! Due to the forecast, tomorrow's Juneteenth Block Party has been moved from Austin Steward Plaza to Rochester City Hall.

Join us June 24 at 5:30 p.m. at Olmsted Lodge in Highland Park to learn about the Highland and Cobbs Hill Reservoir LT2 Compliance Project. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/lt2compliance

Congratulations to the RCSD Class of 2026 Senior Scholars and valedictorians! Their achievements are now on display at the Central Library, where the community can celebrate the dedication and excellence of these remarkable students all summer long. Way to go, Class of 2026!

Congratulations to this year's graduates of the RPD Workforce Development Program! Their hard work and commitment have prepared them for the next step: joining the Rochester Police Academy and beginning their careers in service to our community.

UPDATE: Due to forecasted rain, tomorrow's Juneteenth Block Party has been moved indoors to Rochester City Hall.

Welcome home! Park Square II is officially complete, preserving 200 affordable apartments and creating 40 new family homes in the heart of downtown. This project is the result of partners working together to expand housing opportunities and ensure Rochester's growth benefits everyone.

A new chapter at Maplewood Community Library! Following a major expansion and renovation, this neighborhood hub is back open with new spaces to learn, gather, and play. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/news/maplewood-community-library-reopens-following-major-expansion-renovation

Summer starts at the shore! Harborfest returns to Ontario Beach Park this weekend with tall ship tours, water ski shows, the Boat Parade of Lights, sand sculpting, family activities, food, and more. Learn more: ontariobeachentertainment.org/harborfest

Get ready, Rochester — the Jazz Festival starts Friday! Downtown comes alive for nine days with 300+ shows, 19 venues, and 110+ free performances. From legends to rising stars, there's something for everyone. Learn more: rochesterjazz.com

Kick off Rochester's Juneteenth weekend with us at Austin Steward Plaza! Join us on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for our annual Juneteenth Block Party featuring food, music, community, and more as we celebrate freedom, culture, and connection together. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/juneteenth

The RPO is coming to a neighborhood near you! The FREE Around the Town concert series returns this summer, bringing pop-up ensemble performances to neighborhoods across Rochester. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/aroundthetown

Rochester's alleyways are full of possibilities! Neighbors gathered in Bohrer Alley this weekend for "Liven Up the Alley," with mural painting, a bike rodeo, and a celebration of the community connections these spaces can inspire.

Proud to honor Martin Pedraza for a lifetime of service to Rochester. From leading neighborhood cleanups and mentoring young gardeners to strengthening the Marketview Heights community, Martin's dedication has made a lasting impact on generations of Rochester residents.

Looking for your next opportunity? ROC the Block is bringing employers, resources, and support directly to Rochester neighborhoods this summer. Join us on Wednesday at Paul Bianchi Park for the first ROC the Block Employment Fair of the season. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/RocTheBlock

Rochester is making waves on the Great Lakes! This season, the Port of Rochester will welcome seven visits from American Cruise Lines, bringing hundreds of travelers to experience our restaurants, attractions, waterfront, and hospitality.

Every child deserves the opportunity to build a brighter future. The new R-Future Fund is Rochester's first Children's Savings Account pilot program, helping eligible families take an early step toward future education and career success. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/futurefund

The City is hiring mechanics at all experience levels — from entry-level positions to master technicians. Competitive pay, great benefits, opportunities for training and advancement, and work that makes a difference every day. Apply today: cityofrochester.gov/mechanic

Join us for Free Dog Friday tomorrow and learn how fostering can make a life-changing difference for pets in our care while construction is underway at our shelter. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/news/rochester-animal-services-prepares-renovations-free-dog-friday-and-foster-information-session

Summer never sounded so good! Rochester Summer Grooves offers a little something for everyone — from national stars and local favorites to pop-up concerts and full orchestra performances. Learn more: CityofRochester.gov/SummerGrooves

The Great New York State Flea is back at the Public Market this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This month's Field Day theme brings summer fun, unique vendors, and plenty of treasures to discover — we'll see you there! Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/marketflea

Today, we commemorated the 127th anniversary of the Frederick Douglass Monument — the first civic monument in the nation dedicated to an African American. As we honor Douglass' legacy, we celebrate Rochester's place in the ongoing pursuit of freedom, equality, and justice.

Summer nights. Live music. Rochester vibes. Bands on the Bricks returns to the Public Market with six Friday night concerts and three new Wednesday shows featuring local favorites, national acts, food vendors, and more. Admission is free! Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/bandsonthebricks

Rochester 2034 is more than a plan — it's a community vision in action. Our latest progress report shows how resident-driven priorities are shaping investments in neighborhoods, housing, parks, transportation, arts and culture, and more across Rochester. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/2034