Rochester celebrates the seasons with a number of special events. Please note that due to the COVID-19 situation, several events have been cancelled, modified or rescheduled. Please be sure to check with the hosting organization of any of these events that may be of interest to you.
A Venue for All Seasons
Rochester Opera House
Located in the Rochester City Hall building, the Rochester Opera House is a performing arts organization providing entertainment to audiences for all ages through a variety of high quality artistic programming. Main Stage series, Arts & Education series and Summer Season shows. Call 335-1992 or visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com for information on upcoming performances.
SPRING
Rochester Pride Day
Rochester Pride Day is orchestrated by Rochester Recreation and Arena covering approximately 22 miles of road conducting sweeping, planting and pruning projects in the downtown area.
National Free Comic Day
Rochester Free Comic Book Day produced by Rochester Main Street. Comic book enthusiasts can stop by a number of downtown businesses including Jetpack Comics. Each venue will have something fun going on including special guests and characters while each business will have free comics. Visit www.jetpakcomics.com.
Memorial Day Parade
To honor our veterans, a Memorial Day Parade is produced by the Veteran's Council each year in downtown Rochester. For infomration, call 603-332-1073.
SUMMER
Concerts on the Common
Concerts on the Common are held in the summer by the Rochester Recreation and Arean with a variety of bands for residents and visitors to enjoy. Call 603-332-4100 or visit www.rochesternh.net/recreation-arena.
Summer Music Series
Summer Music Series in the Garden is provided at The Governor's Inn, complete with acoustic, rock, roots, bluegrass and more. Call 603-332-0107 or visit www.governorsinn.com.
Night Before the 4th of July
Rochester Main Street presents the Night Before the 4th of July celebration complete with family activities, vendors and fireworks. For information, visit www.rochestermainstreet.org.
Rochester Farmer's Market
Held every Tuesday at the Rochester Common from 3:30 to 6:30 PM from June to September. Call 603-817-6030 or visit rochesternhfarmersmarket.com.
Rochester Pride Day
Annual community event in August presented by the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, which looks to promote unity, visibility, inclusivity, equality and a positive image of the LGBT community. There is alos live music and food vendors. Visit http://www.rochestermainstreet.org/gay-pride-festival.html
FALL
Rochester Fair
The Rochester Fair, an agricultural fair complete with food and entertainment is held annually in September. The Rochester Fair is the oldest fair in New Hampshire and attracts approximately 150,000 people. This eight-day event features a complete midway of games, rides and attractions. An exhibition building showcases art, crafts, livestock, and a 4-Hon display. Call 603-332-6585 or visit www.rochesterfair.com.
Business & Community Expo
Presented by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, a trade show opportunity to meet and learn about the many businesses in the greater Rochester area. Call 603-332-5080 or visit www.rochesternh.org.
Trick-or-Treat On The Town/Zombie Walk
The annual Zombie Walk, produced by Rochester Main Street, is a popular event for teens and adults in costume. Students from local dance studios perform choreographed numbers several time along the route from Union Street to the Rochester Common. Participants are escorted through the downtown where they are treated to donuts and cider. The evening concludes with a "monster mash" where those who attend can enjoy live music and entertainment. Call 603-330-3208 or visit www.rochestermainstreet.org.
Halloween Party
Join other ghost and ghouls at the Rochester Recreation's Annual Family Halloween Party in the Community Center gym. The event is free for all and come dressed to impress! Lots of kid friendly activities including bounce house, music, face painting and more! For more information, call 603-332-4120 or visit www.rochesternh.net/recreation-arena.
WINTER
Holiday Tree Lighting
The Tree Lighting, produced by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce rings in the holiday season in downtown Rochester. Those attending enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, caroling and a reading of the story "The Night Before Christmas" by the City's mayor. The event concludes with the lighting of the downtown holiday tree. Call 603-332-5080 or visit www.rochesternh.org.
Festival of Trees
Produced by Rochester Main Street, the Festival of Trees takes place in downtown Rochester. For more information, call 603-330-3208 or visit www.rochestermainstreet.org.
Holiday Parade
Rochester's Holiday Parade, produced by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, fills the streets of downtown Rochester with youth, organization and commercial floats, VIPs, marching bands and more in celebration of the holiday season. Call 603-332-5080 or visit www.rochesternh.org.
Skate with Santa
Other holiday events include Skate with Santa, offered by Rochester Recreation & Arena. Call 603-332-4120 or visit www.rochesternh.net/recreation-arena.
