Rochester Pride will take place on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 12–3 PM at 2 Wakefield Street. The event will feature live speakers, music, vendors, food, and family-friendly activities. Attendees can also participate in the poetry contest, with submissions due by July 25, or help with the day of voting. For more information, contact [email protected].
ROCHESTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
News
Greater Rochester Chamber Unveils New Community Guide Showcasing the Best of Rochester
The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the release of the Rochester Community Magazine, designed to promote the quality of life and business opportunities in Rochester. This attractive publication highlights Rochester and the surrounding communities served by the Chamber. The Chamber is proud to publish Rochester’s Community Guide to showcase how Rochester […]
Hope on Haven Hill Hosts Community Open House: A Closer Look at Recovery Services for Women & Families
Hope on Haven Hill, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women and families in substance use recovery, will host an Open House on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at its facility located at 40 Charles Street in Rochester, NH. This free, family-friendly event invites community members, service providers, and local […]
Making a Splash: See The Little Mermaid at the Rochester Opera House
Disney’s The Little Mermaid sails onto the Rochester stage with beloved hits like “Kiss the Girl,” “Under the Sea,” and “Part of Your World.” This enchanting musical adaptation of the 1989 animated film premiered on Broadway in 2008, earning Tony Award nominations for Best Lighting Design of a Musical and Best Original Score. With a book […]
Rochester Public Library Offers Mindfulness Workshop to Promote Better Sleep
The Rochester Public Library invites community members to attend Restful Nights: A Mindfulness-Based Sleep Workshop on Tuesday, August 5th, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM in the Community Room. Quality sleep plays a vital role in maintaining mental health, yet many individuals struggle with getting the rest they need. This engaging workshop, led by Anja Schneider […]
Rochester Main Street Invites the Community Downtown This July!
Rochester Main Street is excited to welcome everyone downtown this July for a month filled with family-friendly events, local partnerships, and community spirit. 🦶 Bigfoot Scavenger Hunt (in collaboration with Maple Street Magnet School)Bigfoot is back — and he’s brought friends! Participants can search for cutouts, complete challenges, and earn raffle entries throughout the month. […]
Fall Fun is Already in the Works for Downtown Rochester
Although summer is just getting started, Rochester Main Street is already hard at work planning an exciting fall season — and the organization wants the community to be a part of it! The Reimagined Spooktacular & Downtown Pumpkin Patch will return this October, and Rochester Main Street is currently looking for: 🎪 Vendors interested in […]
Greater Rochester Chamber President Laura Ring to Retire After Years of Dedicated Service
In a recent newsletter, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Laura Ring announced that she will retire on December 31, 2025, after many years of dedicated leadership. Dear Members, After serving the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce for over 35 incredible years, with 33 years as your President/CEO, I have made the difficult […]
Governor Ayotte Presents Special Commendation to Chamber President/CEO Laura Ring
On Monday, July 14, 2025, at the annual State of the State forum, Governor Kelly Ayotte presented a special commendation to Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Laura Ring to celebrate her upcoming retirement, recognizing 36 years of dedicated service. WHEREAS, Laura Ring has served with distinction for 36 years with the Greater […]
Rochester Residents Invited to Cool Off, Public Pools Open for 2025 Season
Rochester Recreation & Arena officially opened the city’s public pools on Saturday, June 22, 2025. The following pools are now open for the summer season: East Rochester PoolLocated behind the former Nancy Loud School on Green Street, off Portland Avenue.Address: Green Street/Cocheco Ave, East Rochester, NH 03868Public swim hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 11:30 a.m. – […]
Rochester NH History Podcast: How Rochester’s Carnegie Library Shaped a Community
The Rochester Public Library is a historic gem located in the heart of the city, serving the Rochester community for more than 100 years. It is a Carnegie library, meaning it was built with funds donated by Andrew Carnegie, one of the wealthiest men of his time. Between 1883 and 1929, more than 2,500 Carnegie […]
Calling All Poets: What Does Pride Mean to You? Celebrate Through Poetry
Rochester Pride is holding a poetry contest. The theme is “What does Pride mean to you?” Participants can win a $50 Jetpack Comics gift card or two tickets to an Opera House production. Submit entries by email to [email protected]. The deadline is July 25th.
Carnival Ride Setup for Lilac Family Fun Festival to Impact Parking and Traffic Friday 7/11
The City of Rochester, in collaboration with the School Department, is preparing the grounds of Spaulding High School and the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center for the upcoming Lilac Family Fun Festival on Saturday, July 12, 2025. According to Recreation & Arena Director Lauren Krans, carnival rides are expected to be delivered on the […]
Rochester’s National Night Out returns to Spaulding High School on 8/5
Rochester’s National Night Out will take place on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at the Spaulding High School Torr’s Park, also known as “the triangle”. Part of a nationwide celebration held throughout the United States, Rochester’s National Night Out aims to strengthen police-community relationships and promote crime prevention. This year’s event […]
Reminder: Lilac Family Fun Festival and Annual Fireworks Returns 7/12
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 12, 2025, from 4:00 to 9:00 PM. Rain Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025 This exciting event features FREE kiddie carnival rides for young […]
Rochester Recreation Department Announces 2025 Concert on the Common Music Series
Rochester Recreation & Arena is excited to announce the return of Concert on the Common, happening every Wednesday from July 9 through August 27, 2025, at the Rochester Common. This free, family-friendly concert series features a lineup of talented bands, with genres ranging from rock, pop, and jazz to blues, acoustic, and reggae, covering hits […]
Golden Dog Adventure Co. Partners with Cornerstone VNA to Support Pet Peace of Mind Program
A Community-Driven Effort to Support Hospice Patients and Their Animal Companions Golden Dog Adventure Co. and Cornerstone VNA are proud to announce a partnership to raise awareness and funding for the Pet Peace of Mind® (PPOM) program at Cornerstone VNA, a compassionate initiative that ensures hospice patients can keep their beloved pets by their side […]
Live the Dream: Win a Harley or $10K at the 2025 Chamber Raffle
Tickets are now on sale for the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce’s annual Chamber Raffle, where the winner will choose between a 2025 Harley-Davidson Street Bob motorcycle or $10,000 in cash! Underwritten by Deepa Reddy, DMD, PLLC, and D.F. Richard Energy, this year’s Chamber Raffle will take place on Friday, August 15, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. […]
Public Transit Changes Ahead: COAST Balances Budget, Rider Needs
COAST Announces Changes to Services: Underutilized fixed routes to be discontinued or service hours shortened; additional functional assessments and travel training for demand response applicants Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation, more commonly known as COAST, has announced its tentative plans to adjust several aspects of its services and procedures at the start of its next […]
Rochester Opera House Invites Audiences to ‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘The Producers’, and More
This summer, the Rochester Opera House is pleased to announce a season filled with laughter, music, and Broadway magic. From undersea adventures to outrageous comedy, the Rochester Opera House is the place to be this summer. Making a Splash: The Little MermaidOpening Friday, July 11 at 7:30 PM, Disney’s The Little Mermaid sails onto the […]
Lilac Family Fun Festival and Annual Fireworks Returns 7/12
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 12, 2025, from 4:00 to 9:00 PM. This exciting event features FREE kiddie carnival rides for young children, games, food trucks, local vendors, […]
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Announces Scholarship Recipients and Thanks Scholarship Champions
The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to congratulate and announce this year’s scholarship recipients. The three recipients, each receiving a $1,000 scholarship award toward their future academic endeavors, are: Madelyn Gagnon of Spaulding High School, Stella Mitropoulos of Spaulding High School, and Katelyn Whiteman of Somersworth High School. Madelyn Gagnon, a graduate of […]
Public Works: Temporary Road Closure on Pearl Street on 6/27
The Department of Public Works will be performing scheduled maintenance on the Pearl Street Groundwater Pump Station on Friday, June 27, 2025. To safely complete this work, Pearl Street will be closed to through traffic from Grove Street to Magic Avenue for the duration of the maintenance. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes and […]
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Welcomes 603 Technology Solutions to Greater Rochester Business Community
The Chamber was pleased to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome 603 Technology Solutions, LLC, to its membership. 603 Technology Solutions, LLC is a managed IT services company based in the Lakes Region, specializing in small to medium-sized businesses. With a client base stretching from Moultonborough to Manchester, the growing demand has enabled the company […]
Rochester Public Library Teen Room Offers Required Summer Reading Titles
The Rochester Public Library’s Teen Room is pleased to announce that, in collaboration with the Spaulding High School English Department, required summer reading titles are available to borrow all summer long. “This is the third summer in a row that the library has worked with the English Department at Spaulding to provide required reading titles […]
Splash Into Summer: Rochester Public Pools Now Open for 2025 Season
Rochester Recreation & Arena officially opened the city’s public pools on Saturday, June 22, 2025. The following pools are now open for the summer season: East Rochester PoolLocated behind the former Nancy Loud School on Green Street, off Portland Avenue.Address: Green Street/Cocheco Ave, East Rochester, NH 03868Public swim hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 11:30 a.m. – […]
REMINDER: Union Street Parking Lot Project to Begin 6/23
On Monday, June 9, 2025, the Department of Economic Development hosted an informational meeting regarding the upcoming refurbishment and upgrade of the municipal parking lot on Union Street. The session provided details about the construction process and timeline, including a presentation by SUR Construction. Municipal staff were also available to answer questions and address concerns […]
Rochester Public Library Hosts Ribbon Cutting for New Children’s Space known as “The Nook”
The Rochester Public Library recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil The Nook, a new dedicated space within the Children’s Room tailored for children aged 5–12. The space is thoughtfully designed to support the developmental needs and interests of school-age children, encouraging exploration, creativity, and social interaction. “Over the last year, we have seen an […]
Groen Construction Celebrates 25 Years of Commercial Building Excellence
Groen Construction, a leading commercial general contractor and early adopter of Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) technology, proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary, highlighting a legacy grounded in faith, innovation, and family values. Founded in a basement office of the Groen family home in Rochester, NH, the company began as Groen Builders with a single green Dodge […]
Chamber Raffle Offers $10,000 Cash or a 2025 Harley Davidson, Only 350 Tickets Available
The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce plans for its annual Chamber Raffle, co-underwritten by Deepa Reddy, DMD, PLLC, and D.F. Richard Energy. This year’s theme is “Barbie’s Dream Raffle.” The Raffle Bash event, featuring an exciting reverse raffle throughout the evening, is scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025, from 6:00–9:00 PM […]
Public Library presents works by accomplished local artist Karen Busch Holman
The Rochester Public Library is pleased to present the work of artist and children’s book illustrator Karen Busch Holman during the month of June on the First Floor of the Library. Karen Busch Holman is an accomplished illustrator and designer whose work spans children’s literature, educational publications, public murals, and fine art exhibitions. She has […]
Golfers Brave the Elements to Drive Opportunity for Students at Monarch School of New England
Unfazed by chilly temperatures and intermittent rain, more than 120 golfers teed off at Rochester Country Club on May 22 for the Monarch School of New England’s annual Golf Tournament. As the school’s largest fundraiser, the day raised vital funds that empower Monarch students, ages 5 to 22, with significant developmental and physical disabilities to […]
Rochester Recreation Department Offering Summer Indoor Lacrosse Program
This summer, the Rochester Recreation Department is pleased to offer a six-week indoor lacrosse program at the Rochester Arena, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels. The program is designed for athletes ranging from incoming freshmen to graduating seniors who are looking to stay active and get in their final reps of the season. […]