First Midday Bash is June 7 Kicking Off 2nd Annual Downtown Definitely Events Series
Rochester, New York, May 31, 2023 – The first Downtown Definitely Midday Bash kicks off Wednesday, June 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Parcel 5. Midday Bash in downtown Rochester offers a delicious and easy lunch option during the week and features different local food trucks, lawn and tabletop games, music, massage chairs and giveaways.
Midday Bash is part of the second annual Downtown Definitely Events series of 15 free downtown Rochester events. All events are free to attend, including Midday Bash, four Movies with a Downtown View, an RPO Under the Starsconcert, and Fall Fest, all of which will take place at Parcel 5. New this year, Play Day on the Riverway, will debut at the Rundel Library North Terrace.
New this year, Downtown Definitely Events will feature a rotation of local businesses at each of the eight Midday Bashes. This new partnership program will showcase local downtown businesses, including Wilder Room on June 7.
"These are exciting events that turn the dial up in downtown Rochester. Riding that excitement, our staff will be set up at each event to share and talk with the community about the effort for a potential Business Improvement District (BID) in downtown Rochester. We will be there to listen and learn about what the community wants, and how we can work together to imagine an even more vibrant downtown Rochester. Come visit and chat with us," said Galin Brooks, President of RDDC & Executive Director of the Partnership for Downtown Rochester.
The 2023 Downtown Definitely Events series is sponsored by RG&E, Buckingham Properties, Gallina Development, VIDA and SWBR. Two of the events, RPO Under the Stars and Fall Fest are co-produced with the City of Rochester.
Downtown Definitely Events are produced for RDDC by Rochester’s Bella Events Group.
There are several opportunities for Rochester community members to learn more about the effort for a potential BID in downtown Rochester. Community members can learn more about the Partnership’s many additional engagement efforts and upcoming events by visiting: partnershipfordowntown.org.
WHERE
Parcel 5
285 E Main St, Rochester, New York 14604
WHEN
Wednesday, June 7, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, June 21, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 12, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 26, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, August 9, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, August 23, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, September 6, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, September 20, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHO & WHAT – JUNE 7
Food trucks – Chef’s Catering, Cookie Coma, The Meatball Truck, Melt Food Truck & Catering, Neno’s Gourmet Mexican, Roll'n Deep ROC, Uncle Buck’s Catering Company
Music – Rochester native, DJ City, is an open-format deejay who plays all different genres
Relaxation station – free chair massage
Games – BruBag
Vendors – BeerPass, Glenna's CBD
Promotional Partner – Flower City Kicks
2023 Downtown Definitely Events
Movies With a Downtown View
Friday, June 16 – Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Friday, July 21 – The Goonies
Friday, August 25 – Disney-Pixar's Soul
Friday, September 8 – Top Gun: Maverick
Parcel 5
Events at 7 p.m., movie at dusk
Free!
Downtown Definitely is bringing back this popular summer event for four nights this summer. All screenings are free and family-friendly. You'll be able to grab a bite from local food trucks and enjoy classic movie concession items. Learn more by visiting: rochesterdowntown.com/event/movies-with-a-downtown-view
RPO Under the Stars
Friday, July 7
Parcel 5, 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Free!
Co-produced with the City of Rochester, RPO Under the Stars is a memorable night of music under the open skies with the full Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. RPO Under the Stars is a free outdoor concert. Learn more by visiting: rochesterdowntown.com/event/rpo-under-the-stars
Play Day on the Riverway – New!
Saturday, August 5
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rundel Memorial Library North Terrace
Free!
This new free event takes place outdoors from the Rundel Memorial Library to the ROC City Skatepark and the Rundel Library North Terrace, overlooking the Genesee River. It is part of ROC the Riverway, and will feature a variety of family-friendly activities including a scavenger hunt, walking tour, storytelling, live music and food from local food trucks. Learn more by visiting: rochesterdowntown.com/event/play-day-on-the-riverway
Fall Fest
Saturday, October 14
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Parcel 5
Free!
Co-produced with the City of Rochester, Fall Fest is a destination for free Autumn festivities including pumpkin painting, games and inflatables, crafts for kids, giveaways and more seasonal activities to be announced closer to the event. Fall Fest will also feature the City of Rochester’s popular program “Little Kids and Big Rigs,” where kids can explore police cars, fire trucks, SWAT vehicles, an ambulance, dump trucks, garbage trucks, construction equipment, and much more. On this day, an annular solar eclipse will be visible and Fall Fest will incorporate an eclipse viewing experience. Fall Fest is proudly presented by MVP Heath Care. Learn more by visiting: rochesterdowntown.com/event/fall-fest
Sponsorship packages are now available. For more information visit rochesterdowntown.com or contact John Connors by emailing: jconnors@rddc.org.
For More Information
For the latest on Downtown Definitely Events, visit downtowndefinitely.com
Sign up for the free Downtown Definitely e-newsletter at downtowndefinitely.com
Email us at info@downtowndefinitely.com
By phone (585) 546-6920
About Downtown Definitely Events
Downtown Definitely Events is a series of free events and activities founded in 2022 and produced by the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC). Downtown Definitely Events take place in downtown Rochester from June through October 2023 and include food, festivals, music, movies, and more shining the light on downtown to create great new experiences and help bring the community together again. Downtown Definitely is a joint initiative of NYS Empire State Development, ROC2025 and Greater ROC, Rochester Downtown Development Corporation, Partnership for Downtown Rochester, and the City of Rochester. Their shared mission is to grow economic vitality in downtown Rochester by bringing the community together and improving its street-level and riverfront experience.
About Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC)
RDDC is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization founded in 1977 whose mission is to drive economic vitality in Downtown Rochester. RDDC accelerates downtown development by positioning and marketing the assets that attract businesses and investment, and it catalyzes innovative ideas that make downtown a more vibrant and inclusive community. In 2020, RDDC built The Commissary, the region’s first and only food business incubator and shared kitchen.
About the Partnership for Downtown Rochester (PDR)
Established in 2021, the Partnership for Downtown Rochester (PDR) is a public-private partnership between Empire State Development, the City of Rochester, RDDC, and ROC2025. The Partnership was created to facilitate placemaking efforts, coordinate marketing and programming, and lead the promotion of activities throughout downtown Rochester and along the Genesee Riverway.
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