The lowest recorded temperature in Rochester NY history was in February of 1934 during which temps dropped to a frightening negative 22 degrees Fahrenheit. Thankfully, winter averages typically span in the low 30s, which is plenty cold enough, but still not as dreadful! With that kind of history in tow (and as autumn descends upon us and winter looms ahead), many locals are wondering what types of activities and things to do in Rochester when the weather gets blistering frigid.
Well, this mid sized city, which is home to more than one million residents, boasts a lot of fun events in Rochester each autumn and winter. The following are a few Rochester NY events and ideas to keep you entertained until next Spring.
- Hockey, Hockey, Hockey!
- Cool Off at the Beach this Winter!
- A Night (or Day) at the Museum
- This Little Piggy Went to the Market
- More Outdoor Holiday Fun
The Rochester Blue Cross Arena is home turf to the hometown hockey team, the Rochester Americans. More commonly referred to as the Amerks, this American Hockey League team has been cheered on by locals for more than 50 years. The ticket prices are inexpensive, the concessions are cheap but good, and the excitement is palpable. When the Amerks are not in town, the venue also hosts many national and international music acts, too.
The annual Lakeside Winter Celebration, which takes place in Ontario Beach Park (along the chilly shores of Lake Ontario), is a festival with plenty of wintery activities for all. The day long festival has food trucks, wine tasting, a frigid polar plunge, chili challenge (from the best chili makers in town), and a snow sculpture contest and dogsled demonstration.
If the mercury does dip too low for outdoor Rochester events, do not forget about the Strong National Museum of Play. Open year round, the Museum of Play provides interactive exploration that will keep your children transfixed for hours. Exhibits include toys throughout history, the front porch of Sesame Street, a train, a replica of Wegmans grocery store (a beloved Rochester staple), and much more. Admission is not cheap, however, so if you go, be sure to make a day of it.
One of the most fun shopping related things to do in Rochester is a place many forget about. Open year round three days each week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays), the Rochester Public Market is a unique experience that has been serving Rochestarians for more than 100 years. Each week, a variety of vendors (produce, fresh flowers, homemade breads and preserves, and much more) line up to offer their wares at terrifically low prices. During the holidays, hours are often extended, so be sure to check out the Public Market online for more information.
Holiday related things to do in Rochester are abundant. Whether you are hunting for pumpkins, the perfect Christmas tree, or the sweetest maple syrup, the Rochester area offers an array of choices. In less than a 20 mile drive, you can stumble upon local farms that produce all of the above, and then some.
If you are wondering what fun Rochester New York events you can attend this winter, check out these gems! Find out more at this site.