Top Seven Summer Events in Rochester, NY

With gas prices skyrocketing, travel this summer is nothing short of expensive. Fortunately if you live in western New York and in particular Rochester, there is no shortage of things to do close to home. There is no need to go out of state. There are many exciting events this summer including the Corn Hill Arts Festival and the Sterling Renaissance Fair.

Rochester Jewish Film Festival

The Rochester Jewish Film Festival has been going for eight years strong and has been known for showcasing critically acclaimed movies dealing with Jewish content and Israel. Opening night for this festival starts July 13^th at the Dryden Theatre and rotates between that theater as well as the Little Theatre and JCC Hart Theatre. This event runs through July 21^st and tickets are $10 each. More information about the festival can be found here.

The Big Rib BBQ And Blues Festival

For those who love great ribs and barbeque Rochester's Highland Park will be hosting the Big Rib BBQ and Blues Festival between July 10^th and 13^th. Admission is free during lunch time (11:30-4 Thursday through Saturday and 12-3 on Sunday) while the rest of the time it is $5 for adults and kids are free. There will be live entertainment and just about everything associated with BBQ.

Summer Movies

There are two places in the Rochester area to enjoy free outdoor movies. Highland Park's Movies In The bowl hosts children's movies free of charge every Thursday night from July 3^rd through August 14^th. Meanwhile Ontario Beach Park (near the Port of Rochester) hosts movies on the same date but with a mix of more adult films as well as children's films. The complete schedule for both parks can be viewed here

County Fairs

Summer is the season for county fairs across New York. There are several in July and it really just depends on how far you want to drive. The Monroe County Fair is July 9^th through the 13^th in Henrietta. The Genesee County Fair in Batavia as well as the Ontario County Fair in Canandaigua go from the 15^th through the 19^th.

Sterling Renaissance Festival

The Sterling Renaissance Festival is a little bit of a drive if you live in western New York but it is most definitely worth it. Held in Sterling, NY (north of Syracuse), the festival portrays everything that is the renaissance from food to entertainment to gifts. Tickets are a little steep ($22 at the gate $18.95 in advance) but they are worth it. The festival runs on the weekends from July 12^th through August 17^th.

Finger Lakes Wine Festival

The Finger Lakes Wine Festival is held at Watkins Glen so it is a little bit of a trip but still worth the mileage. The event runs the 18^th through the 20^th of July. There are wine samplings of over five hundred different New York State wines. Many ticket packages but generally are $30 per day per adult.

Corn Hill Art Festival

Generally held the weekend following Fourth of July weekend, The Corn Hill Art Festival attracts an average of 250,000 per year. Artisans from across the country come to showcase anything from sculptures to woodworking to jewelry. Admission is free and there is complimentary shuttle buses for attendees.