ROCHESTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A message from the Rochester Historical Society and Museum: For the past several weeks, on Monday evenings, members and friends from the public have been meeting at 6 p.m. at our museum to view an acclaimed documentary about the founding of our country. The meeting on July 27 had a few additional attendees, which was…
The Thank a Rochester Cop Committee is once again inviting the community to “paint the city blue” as preparations begin for National Thank a Police Officer Day, to be observed on Saturday, September 19. Throughout August and September, residents, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to show their appreciation for the Rochester Police Department by displaying…
On Thursday, June 30, Waterstone Properties Group welcomed community leaders, project partners, and local officials to celebrate the groundbreaking of Cedar Landing at the Ridge, a planned $400 million mixed-use development on Route 11. The 26.5-acre project will include more than 220 residential units, retail stores, restaurants, entertainment venues, healthcare services, banking, a fitness center,…
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, August 3, 2026 “In the period…
Rochester Main Street and Holidays on the Hill have partnered to launch Guilty of Giving, a community fundraiser supporting local events, downtown programming, and holiday traditions in Rochester. The lighthearted campaign features local leaders, business owners, volunteers, and community supporters getting “locked up” and raising “bail” for the cause. Proceeds will be split equally between…
The Rochester Pride Organizing Group (RPOG) invites the community to Rochester Pride 2026, scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026 (rain date: August 2), from 12 to 4 p.m. The event will be held in downtown Rochester at Central Square (2 Wakefield Street) and Hanson Street. This community-focused event will feature inclusive vendors, speakers, live music,…
The deadline to register for the last session of swim lessons has been extended to Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 12 pm. Session 3 runs weekdays from July 27th to August 7th. Cost is $60/residents and $80/nonresidents. Register at https://rochesterrec.recdesk.com/Community/Home. Please note that all toddler lessons are full for this session.
The Seacoast LGBT History Project is gearing up for its tenth annual exhibit at The Franklin Gallery this August. The Seacoast NH LGBT History Project is proud to present stories and artifacts that illustrate the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people while highlighting their contributions to the rich history and thriving present…
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 27, 2026 “By 1770, inhabitants…
The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that its annual Business Referral Directory is going digital and invites non-member businesses to join the Chamber and be included. Businesses that join the Chamber by August 31, 2026, are guaranteed to be included in this valuable publication with a complimentary business listing. The Chamber’s…
A message from Rochester Main Street, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization: Rochester Main Street is proud to recognize Kris Connor as our Volunteer of the Month. This one is a bit different because, although she officially volunteers with us for only a couple of events each year, this woman never stops giving back. Kris…
North America’s leading environmental solutions provider and largest recycler, has added a fourth rule to its Recycle Right® list of items that should never go in recycling and trash bins – batteries – as batteries can pose a fire risk that could injure workers or impact facilities. Batteries include alkaline batteries, the most common household batteries,…
The Spaulding High School Class of 1957 will hold its 69th class reunion on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Granite Steak House, 11 Farmington Road, Rochester. For more information, contact Donnie Allen at (702) 645-0873.
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…
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 20, 2026 “The final draws…
Today, the American Red Cross is alerting the public to an emergency blood shortage after the nation’s blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. The shortage comes during the height of trauma season, when hospitals frequently see increased demand for blood due to serious injuries and other medical emergencies. A steep decline in blood donations…
After proposing a new fare structure earlier this year, hosting eight public input sessions throughout the region, and accepting written and oral comments through May 29, the COAST Board of Directors has approved new fares that will take effect on September 1, 2026. The new fares reflect rising operating costs and are consistent with fare…
The sixth annual LILA Dance Festival, New Hampshire’s largest dance festival, will take place on Saturday, August 29, from noon to 8 p.m. at Rochester Commons Park, with a rain date of Sunday, August 30. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the festival and activities throughout the…
The City of Rochester is pleased to announce the opening of a permanent exhibit featuring historic portraits of the men and women who have served as Mayor since Rochester became a city in the late 19th century. The exhibit, located in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 31 Wakefield Street, includes portraits spanning from Charles…
East Rochester is a neighborhood within the City of Rochester. Affectionately known as the East Side by many of its residents, it is located on the banks of the Salmon Falls River, which divides New Hampshire from Maine, about three miles east of downtown Rochester. Many from the East Side have asked for an episode…
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 13, 2026 “The second division…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…