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Celebrating Creative Excellence: 2025 Arts Award Recipients Announced

Celebrating Creative Excellence: 2025 Arts Award Recipients Announced

The Commission for Arts and Culture, for the City of Rochester, is proud to present the recipients of the 2025 Rochester Arts Awards. These annual awards are an opportunity for the Commission to celebrate individuals, organizations, and events that make significant contributions to the vitality of our community. According to chairperson Ashley Desrochers, the 2025 […]

Library Craft Swap: Help Fill the Craft Tables! Donations Now Accepted

Library Craft Swap: Help Fill the Craft Tables! Donations Now Accepted

This August, the Rochester Public Library is accepting donations of new or gently used craft supplies for our annual GET CRAFTY Craft Swap in September. Bring your items to the Main Desk any time during Library open hours. Please bag small items: beads, buttons, small tools, or sets of items. Questions? Please call 603-332-1428 ext […]

Knights of Columbus to Host “Race to Serve” Charity Run and Family Day on 9/1

Knights of Columbus to Host “Race to Serve” Charity Run and Family Day on 9/1

The Knights of Columbus, Father McDonald Assembly, is excited to announce the upcoming Race to Serve, taking place on September 1, 2025, in the parking lot of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church. The Race to Serve is a charitable 5K and 10K run/walk, with proceeds benefiting the Michael’s Treasure 603 Foundation of Rochester, […]

“Cutting into Homelessness”: New Initiative Offers Interview-Ready Haircuts in Rochester

“Cutting into Homelessness”: New Initiative Offers Interview-Ready Haircuts in Rochester

Todd Marsh, the City of Rochester Welfare Director, has announced the launch of “Cutting into Homelessness,” a new initiative designed to provide interview-ready, professional haircuts for residents experiencing homelessness who have upcoming job interviews. Beginning August 15, 2025, the initiative will partner with multiple local barbershops and salons and is funded through an existing allocation […]

The Franklin Gallery to Showcase (Un)Mask Pride Art Exhibit in August

The Franklin Gallery to Showcase (Un)Mask Pride Art Exhibit in August

The Seacoast LGBTQ History Project and The Franklin Gallery are thrilled to announce the upcoming Pride art exhibition: (Un)Mask. This exhibit is a celebration of identity, courage, and self-expression that embodies the true spirit of Pride. (Un)Mask will be showcased at The Franklin Gallery throughout the month of August. During Rochester’s Pride Day on Saturday, […]

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Announces 51st Annual Golf Tournement and Clambake

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Announces 51st Annual Golf Tournement and Clambake

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce it will hold its 51st Annual Golf Tournament, underwritten by Waste Management, on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at The Oaks Golf Links.  The format for this tournament is a Scramble with a shotgun start time of 9:00 am. Players will enjoy a continental breakfast and […]

REMINDER: Rochester’s National Night Out returns to Spaulding High School on 8/5

REMINDER: 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 […]

Cue the Laughter: Rochester Opera House presents The Producers August 8-31

Cue the Laughter: Rochester Opera House presents The Producers August 8-31

The Rochester Opera House is pleased to present The Producers beginning Friday, August 8 and running until August 31, 2025. This wildly irreverent musical comedy, adapted by Mel Brooks from his 1967 film, premiered on Broadway in 2001 with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. The production became a sensation, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards—including […]

Greater Rochester Chamber Unveils New Community Guide Showcasing the Best of Rochester

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 […]

Making a Splash: See The Little Mermaid at the Rochester Opera House

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

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 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

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

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

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 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. – […]

Carnival Ride Setup for Lilac Family Fun Festival to Impact Parking and Traffic Friday 7/11

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 […]

REMINDER: Rochester’s National Night Out returns to Spaulding High School on 8/5

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

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 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

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 […]

Last Chance to Win $10,000 or a Harley – Fewer Than 100 Tickets Left for Barbie’s Dream Raffle!

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

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 […]

Lilac Family Fun Festival and Annual Fireworks Returns 7/12

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

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 […]