The Underrated Vibes
Fool’s Gold Saloon in Downtown Rochester Pays Tribute to the Old Wild West
Formerly occupied by Masons on Alexander, a new western-themed bar Fool’s Gold Saloon, has reimagined the space with a makeover from a classic dive bar to a watering hole that pays tribute to the old Wild West.
From Under the Spiegeltent, the Marvelous Rochester Fringe Festival Beckons
The marvelous Rochester Fringe Festival made its debut in Downtown Rochester in 2012, featuring 180 performances while attracting more than 30,000 attendees throughout the 5-day event. Today, Rochester Fringe has grown, expanding to 12 days and featuring over 600 events at more than 30 venues, attracting nearly 1,000,000 attendees to over 5,700 performances since the festival began.
A Far-Out Pastry Shop in Downtown Roc is Conjuring Up Extraordinary Confections
Opening their doors on June 28, 2025, the owners and pastry chefs at Pastrymancer began conjuring up some of the most uniquely creative pastries imaginable in Downtown Roc. Their confections are daring and bold, at times rough around the edges, but uniquely experimental, made with ingenuity, and designed to send your taste buds on an unparalleled adventure.
Blushed Cakery’s Artistic Mini Cakes are Handmade with Love
Blushed Cakery’s customizable flavors range from chocolate to strawberry, vanilla, and lemon, and are decorated with floral and vintage designs, and can be topped with fresh fruits, ribbons, and chocolate butterflies. All of which are delightfully crafted and yes, edible. The artist behind Blushed Cakery, Halle Flan, shares the belief that celebrations and special moments call for cake.
Mercury Coffee Co. in the South Wedge is Flying High
Building their foundation as a pop-up coffee cart, Mercury Coffee Co. spent many months slinging espresso drinks around the city of Rochester, collaborating on events with local businesses, and improving their recipes and latte art throughout the process. For fans, it has been a journey to behold watching this small coffee cart design and build out a sensational space in the South Wedge just off of Gregory Street and South Avenue.
Carl & The Strasenburgh Planetarium Laser Shows are a Wonder to Behold!
The Strasenburgh Planetarium has a series of shows dedicated to the advancement of science education, and some of the most iconic laser shows. The museum continues to add new shows, most recently, Laser Taylor Swift: Part 2 was announced, which features a full 49-minute set of Taylor’s versions of songs set to a spectacular laser performance.
Flotsam! River Circus is Rollin’ on the Erie Canal From Buffalo to NYC
In celebration of the 2025 Erie Canal Bicentennial, Flotsam! River Circus, a troupe featuring acrobats, musicians, choreographers, trapeze artists, and puppeteers from around the world, is rolling on the Erie Canal from Buffalo to New York City.
Braden Bodensteiner Closes Out a Serene Night at Abilene Bar and Lounge
Spectators at tonight’s show at Abilene Bar and Lounge, one of Rochester’s premier music venues, which features Americana, Folk, Indie, Rock, Jazz, and a variety of local, regional, and international touring acts, were enchanted by Braden Bodensteiner’s newest album release, Worry and Wonder.
Immerse Yourself in a Jazz Wonderland at Vanni’s Jazz Lounge
Enter Vanni’s Jazz Lounge, a new Rochester speakeasy, jazz room, and craft cocktail bar, delivering a wonderland of style and vibrant musical nights to the late-night bar scene in the city of Rochester.
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