A message from the Rochester Opera House, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization: Comedians, tribute acts, and pop artists are headed to New Hampshire for the summer of a lifetime! On July 18 at 7:30 p.m., Jimmy Dunn takes the stage at The Rochester Performance & Arts Center! Jimmy Dunn is a New Hampshire comedian…
ROCHESTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
News
Rochester Historical Society Acquires Rare Early 19th-Century Clock Crafted by James Cole
A message from the Rochester Historical Society and Museum: The object you are looking at in the photograph is approximately two hundred years old and was crafted by a young man from Rochester, N.H., whose name was James Charles Cole. James Cole was born in Boston in 1791 and subsequently relocated to Rochester, New Hampshire,…
Rochester Colonial Moments: Rochester Signs New Hampshire’s Declaration of Independence
In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, and in collaboration with the Office of Mayor Chuck Grassie, Rochester Colonial Moments, a historical series highlighting notable moments from Rochester’s past, is brought to you by Patrick O. Connelly, Rochester, New Hampshire, historian. Monday, July 6, 2026 “Importantly, as we…
Spaulding High School Class of 1986 Announces 40th Reunion Planning, Seeks Classmates
The Spaulding High School Class of 1986 Reunion Committee has officially begun planning for its upcoming 40th class reunion. The celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, at the Governor’s Inn in Rochester. The committee is actively searching for graduates, former classmates, and faculty members associated with the Class of 1986 to ensure a…
Ten Years Downtown: Progressive Esthetics Celebrates a Milestone Decade with “A Decade of Glow” Open House
When Val Dunn opened Progressive Esthetics on North Main Street in 2016, she had a vision: Rochester deserved a skincare boutique built on real expertise, real relationships, and no shortcuts. Ten years later, that vision has become a trusted presence in the heart of downtown Rochester. To mark the milestone, Progressive Esthetics is hosting “A…
Franklin Gallery to Feature Works by Artist Isaac Hadrych in July
The Franklin Gallery, located at 33 N. Main Street in Rochester, will host an exhibit during the month of July featuring the work of local artist Isaac Hadrych. Isaac J. W. Hadrych is a self-taught emerging visual artist based in Newmarket, New Hampshire. His work explores themes of loneliness, intimacy, romance, and queerness. His primary…
COAST Bus Observes Independence Day with Two-Day Holiday Closure
In recognition of the country’s 250th anniversary on Saturday, July 4, and the observed holiday on Friday, July 3, COAST will be closed on both days this week. “We hope that everyone gets to celebrate this milestone anniversary with their family and friends,” stated Rad Nichols, COAST Executive Director. “That includes our incredibly hard-working and…
Local Power Company Ready for Heat Wave as Electricity Demand Climbs
With extreme heat, excessive humidity, and the potential for isolated thunderstorms in the forecast across New England this week, Eversource continues to closely monitor the grid and is prepared as always to address any issues that may arise, particularly with significant increases in energy demand expected as customers crank up air conditioners and other appliances…
New Hampshire Residents Urged to Prepare for Higher Summer Electric Bills
As New Hampshire begins to experience summer’s heat, Eversource is reminding customers that their energy usage—and therefore their bills—will rise as air conditioners and fans work overtime to keep homes and businesses cool. During the summer months, New Hampshire customers use about 20% more electricity to stay cool when the mercury soars, and that increase…
Lilac Family Fun Festival and Annual Fireworks Returns 7/11
The City of Rochester invites the community to the Lilac Family Fun Festival, a celebration taking place at Spaulding High School and the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 4:00 to 9:00 PM. Rain Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026. This exciting event features FREE kiddie carnival rides for young…
COAST Announces $1 Million Challenge Grant to Accelerate Capital Campaign
Community Support Needed to Unlock Transformational Gift The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) is proud to announce a generous $1 million challenge grant in support of its ongoing capital campaign, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to raise funds for our new facility. The challenge grant, provided by The Thomas W. Haas…
Dismas Home Celebrates Opening of New Rochester Residential Facility
More than 100 supporters, elected officials, donors, community partners, and advocates gathered on June 24, 2026, to celebrate the opening of Dismas Home of New Hampshire’s new Rochester residential facility, a major expansion that will more than triple the organization’s capacity to serve justice-involved women recovering from substance use disorder and mental health challenges. The…
Rochester Colonial Moments: Early Mill Leases Powered a Growing Town
In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, and in collaboration with the Office of Mayor Chuck Grassie, Rochester Colonial Moments, a historical series highlighting notable moments from Rochester’s past, is brought to you by Patrick O. Connelly, Rochester, New Hampshire, historian. Monday, June 29, 2026 “While land was…
Greater Rochester Chamber Announces 52nd Annual Golf Tournament
The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its 52nd Annual Golf Tournament, proudly underwritten by Waste Management, taking place on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at The Oaks Golf Links. This long-standing Chamber tradition brings together local businesses and community members for a day of networking, friendly competition, and fun on the course….
Rochester Rotary Club Names Steve Dore ‘Rotarian of the Year’
Rochester Rotary Club #6327 is pleased to announce that Steve Dore has been selected as the club’s 2026 Rotarian of the Year. The Rotarian of the Year award honors a Rotary member who exemplifies “Service Above Self” through outstanding contributions to the club, community, and Rotary International initiatives. The award recognizes a member who has…
Rochester’s National Night Out Returns 8/4 with Community Partners, Family Activities, and Free Movie
Rochester’s National Night Out will be held on August 4 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Spaulding High School “triangle,” also known as Torr’s Park, and will feature an after-hours movie hosted by Guyer Travel Intl from 8:30 to 10:00 p.m. Rochester’s National Night Out is part of a nationwide celebration held throughout the…
’90s Rock Band Everclear Brings Hits to Rochester Opera House
EVERCLEAR, one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the ’90s, celebrated its 30th anniversary in recent years, and founder, vocalist, and guitarist Art Alexakis has made it clear that he has no plans to slow down. Everclear hits the Rochester Opera House stage on Sunday, July 26. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.,…
Tickets Now on Sale for 2026 Chamber Raffle Bash: “Race to Riches: Fast Track to the Last Ticket”
The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Chamber Raffle Bash, themed “Race to Riches: Fast Track to the Last Ticket.” One lucky winner will choose between a $10,000 cash prize or a 2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S motorcycle. This year’s Chamber Raffle is co-underwritten…
Dismas Home NH to Celebrate Opening of New Rochester Facility, More Than Tripling Capacity for Women in Recovery and Reentry
Dismas Home of New Hampshire will celebrate the opening of its new residential facility in Rochester with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Wednesday, June 24. The event marks a major expansion for the nonprofit, increasing its residential capacity from eight to 28 women and allowing it to serve significantly more justice-involved women recovering…
Strafford Wind Symphony Brings Unbroken to Rochester Opera House June 24
The Strafford Wind Symphony will present Unbroken: A Musical Journey of Acceptance, Love, and Perseverance on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rochester Opera House, located at 31 Wakefield Street in Rochester. The performance will feature an inspiring program centered on themes of acceptance, love, and perseverance. Tickets are $20 for adults,…
Rochester Main Street Announces Return of Kids Summer Series
Rochester Main Street is excited to announce the return of the Kids Summer Series, a free, family-friendly event series bringing games, activities, vendors, and downtown fun to Rochester throughout the summer. The 2026 Kids Summer Series is organized by Rochester Main Street and made possible through the generous support of community partners. Fidium Fiber is…
Rochester Colonial Moments: Rochester’s First Town Meeting Sets the Foundation
In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, and in collaboration with the Office of Mayor Chuck Grassie, Rochester Colonial Moments, a historical series highlighting notable moments from Rochester’s past, is brought to you by Patrick O. Connelly, Rochester, New Hampshire, historian. Monday, June 22, 2026 “As a legal…
Former Marine Band Trumpeter Kurt Dupuis Shares Remarkable Journey with Rochester Historical Society
A message from the Rochester Historical Society and Museum: On the evening of June 10, our museum certainly hosted a memorable event. Guest speaker Kurt Dupuis, a graduate of Spaulding High School in 1985, shared with us the lengthy story of his service in The President’s Own Marine Band, originally designated at its inception by…
Rochester Recreation Announces 2026 Concert on the Common Lineup
The City of Rochester Recreation Department will host the 2026 Concert on the Common Music Series at the Rochester Common on Route 108/South Main Street. The free concert series will take place on Wednesdays from July 15 through August 26. Concerts in July will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m., while August performances will…
Rochester Main Street: Sign Up for News, Events, and Volunteer Opportunities
A message from Rochester Main Street: A lot of what happens downtown is possible because people stay connected and involved. Events, cleanup projects, beautification efforts, business support initiatives, and seasonal activities all depend on community participation. If you’d like to stay informed about what’s happening with Rochester Main Street, you can sign up for our…
LILA Productions Announces 2026 Festival Guest Choreographer: Andrew Skeels
Andrew Skeels’ choreographic work will headline the 2026 LILA Dance Festival in Rochester, New Hampshire, at Rochester Common Park on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Dancers ages 18 and older with a strong dance background and availability for rehearsals are encouraged to apply for a live audition or submit an audition video. Live auditions will take…
Community Partnership Raises $730 for Spaulding High School Class of 2026 Fund
In a heartwarming collaboration, Maggie Marcotte-Tewell from New England Marketing and Print, Inc. joined forces with the Spaulding High School senior class to raise $730.00 for the Class of 2026 fund. The funds were presented to senior class president Sydney Daly, and the moment was captured in a photo that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of…
Rochester Main Street Recognizes Mandie Smith as Volunteer of the Month
A message from Rochester Main Street: This month, Rochester Main Street is recognizing Mandie Smith as our Volunteer of the Month. Although Mandie is one of our newer board members, she immediately stepped up to serve as Chair of the Promotions Committee. In just a few short months, she has already brought new energy, ideas,…
Rochester Colonial Moments: Early Road System Shaped Future Town Development
In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, and in collaboration with the Office of Mayor Chuck Grassie, Rochester Colonial Moments, a historical series highlighting notable moments from Rochester’s past, is brought to you by Patrick O. Connelly, Rochester, New Hampshire, historian. Monday, June 16, 2026 As the “laying…
Rochester Celebrates “Gig Town” Designation with Fidium Fiber Expansion and Ribbon Cutting
Community leaders, local partners, and residents gathered to celebrate the City of Rochester’s official designation as a Fidium “Gig Town,” marking the community’s connection to Fidium’s high-speed fiber network. The recognition, celebrated during a ceremonial ribbon-cutting with the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, highlights the arrival of reliable, future-ready connectivity. The network brings multi-gig internet…
New Hampshire State Council on the Arts Seeks Proposals for Rochester Circuit Courthouse Artwork
The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, through its Percent for Art program, is seeking proposals for existing and newly commissioned art and craft work for public spaces at the new Rochester Circuit Courthouse. Established by the New Hampshire Legislature in 1979, the Percent for Art program was created to ensure that visual arts…
Rochester Pride Scheduled for 8/1, Vendor Applications Now Open
The Rochester Pride Organizing Group (RPOG) is announcing that Rochester Pride will be held on Saturday, August 1, with a rain date of Sunday, August 2, from 12 to 4 p.m. Applications are currently being accepted for those interested in registering for a vendor space. The Rochester Pride Vendor Application can be found here: https://forms.gle/ngbAaniuaYjX6jGV9…
Energy Company Closely Monitoring Electric System and Offering Ways to Keep Cool Without Breaking the Bank
As a result of its year-round efforts to maintain and strengthen the electric system to make it more resilient to extreme weather, Eversource is ready for this week’s forecasted high heat and humidity and continues to closely monitor the grid so it can immediately address any issues that may arise. With the combination of rising…





























