ROCHESTER, N.Y. — May 13, 2026 — Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC) announced the fifth annual Downtown Definitely Events series activating downtown spaces from June through September. This year's lineup features 15 free events including Midday Bash, Movies With a Downtown View, Yoga on the Riverway, RPO Under the Stars and Fall Fest. The 2026 series will also include a new event, Game Night on the Riverway, at Austin Steward Plaza along the Genesee Riverway.

Events will take place at Parcel 5 and Austin Steward Plaza, bringing programming to the heart of downtown and the riverfront. Movie titles for Movies With a Downtown View in June and September will be selected through a public vote, open now online at downtowndefinitely.com.

Over the past four years, Downtown Definitely Events has hosted 57 events and welcomed more than 67,000 attendees. The 2025 season drew 18,550 people to 14 events, continuing to build momentum as a signature summer series for residents, visitors and downtown employees.

“Downtown Definitely Events are back for the fifth and best season yet. As the fastest growing neighborhood in the region, downtown is adding more places to eat and drink, more things to do and see, and more people each day. We hope everyone takes a moment this summer to join in on the fun,” said Galin Brooks, president and CEO, Rochester Downtown Development Corporation.

The City of Rochester continues its partnership with Downtown Definitely Events, co-producing RPO Under the Stars and Fall Fest.

“We’re proud to be part of the Downtown Definitely Events series again this year,” said Jenna Manetta-Knauf, owner of Bella Events Group. “It’s incredible to see how these events bring people together year after year. We’re excited to bring back the favorites the community has embraced and introduce Game Night on the Riverway as a new way for people to connect downtown.”

Downtown Definitely Events are produced for RDDC by Rochester-based Bella Events Group.

Call for Vendors

Vendors interested in participating in the 2026 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

Midday Bash

Wednesday, June 10

Wednesday, July 8

Wednesday, August 5

Wednesday, September 9

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 30

Tuesday, July 21

Tuesday, August 11

Noon to 1 p.m.

Austin Steward Plaza, Genesee Riverway Trail

Rochester

Free!

Yoga on the Riverway 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.

New! Game Night on the Riverway

Thursday, June 11

Thursday, August 27

Thursday, September 17

5 to 7 p.m.

Austin Steward Plaza, Genesee Riverway Trail

Rochester

Free!

Introducing Game Night on the Riverway at Austin Steward Plaza, featuring tabletop games and friendly competition in partnership with Game Night Rochester. Each event will also include food trucks, beverages and live entertainment.

Movies With a Downtown View

Friday, June 12 – Public vote for movie

Friday, July 17 – The Minecraft Movie

Friday, September 25 – Public vote for movie

7 to 10 p.m.

Parcel 5, 285 E. Main St., Rochester

Free!

Movies With a Downtown View will feature popular films, local food trucks and classic concession snacks. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Movie titles for the June and September screenings will be selected through a public vote, giving the community a chance to help choose this year’s lineup. Voting is open through Friday, May 22, at rochesterdowntown.com.

Before the July 17 screening of The Minecraft Movie, families and children can take part in hands-on art, architecture and creativity activities presented by the Rochester Architecture Foundation.

RPO Under the Stars

Friday, July 10

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 26

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 2026 Downtown Definitely Events series is presented in partnership with Empire State Development, Greater ROC, OneROC, COMIDA, the City of Rochester, Rochester Downtown Development Corp and Partnership for Downtown Rochester. Sponsors include the University of Rochester, RG&E and MVP Health Care. Media partners are 13WHAM, CITY Magazine, WXXI, The Little Theatre, News8 WROC, Democrat & Chronicle, News10NBC and iHeartMedia.

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 - 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 an entrance on Andrews 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 2026 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.