A Little Something Extra for November 21

Lagniappe Returns Join the merchants of Downtown Rochester on Monday, November 21, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. when they offer their customers Lagniappe (Creole for “a little something extra”) in appreciation for their support throughout the year. Lagniappe 2017 and opening night for The Big, Bright Light Show - photo by Michael Dwyer The Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA) also will offer Lagniappe with the debut of The Big, Bright Light Show. The program will begin at 6:20 p.m. … [Read more...]

Shop and Win with Mad Money March in Downtown Rochester

Come April 3, there will be four lucky winners, all with Shopping Sprees in Downtown Rochester. How? Shoppers who spend $100 at one or more participating businesses during the month of March can enter for a chance to win a $1,000 Shopping Spree, a $500 Shopping Spree or one of two $250 Shopping Sprees. “Mad Money March has become a really exciting promotion in downtown Rochester,” said Stephanie Hellebuyck, Rochester Downtown Development Authority events coordinator. “By March, everyone is … [Read more...]

Experience the European Essence of the Kris Kringle Market in Downtown Rochester

Downtown Rochester’s annual Kris Kringle Market returns this holiday season on Friday, December 2, 4:00 - 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 3, noon - 10:00 p.m. The market will be located on W. Fourth Street between Main and Walnut and will coincide with The Big, Bright Light Show. The Kris Kringle Market, presented by Lincoln of Troy, is inspired by the 700 year-old tradition of the European Christmas markets. Visitors can enjoy the food, shopping, entertainment and ambience of an open-air … [Read more...]

Festival of Trees Inspirations Workshop in Downtown Rochester

Plans are well underway for the third Annual Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees, November 18-20. The Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees is a holiday spectacular unlike any other, featuring trees, wreaths, stockings, centerpieces, tablescapes and more designed and donated by the Metro Detroit community. We are seeking businesses, organizations, individuals and families to donate their time and talents to this year’s event. The Festival of Trees Inspirations Workshop on Monday, August … [Read more...]

Ready for Deck Art 2016

This year, over 400 artists from all over metro Detroit, Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania as well as nearly 50 downtown Rochester businesses are participating in Deck Art 2016. In its sixth installment, Deck Art 2016 is a skateboard art competition and exhibition. Artists submit one-of-a-kind artwork using skateboard decks as a canvas. These decks will be on display in downtown Rochester businesses beginning May 19, and will be celebrated with a two-day event on May 19 & 20. The … [Read more...]

Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market Opening Day

Searching for a sure sign of spring? Head to the Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market on Opening Day, Saturday, May 7. Celebrating its 17th season, the Farmers’ Market is a frequent stop for area residents to enjoy the vibrant colors, aromas and flavors of southeast Michigan’s growing season. Located at the corner of E. Third and Water Street, just one block east of Main Street, the market is open every Saturday, May 7 through October 29, from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. "The Downtown … [Read more...]

Do a Good Deeds Day is April 10 in Rochester

Join us on Sunday, April 10 as we participate in Good Deeds Day. Good Deeds Day is an international event with millions of participants in 70+ countries paying it forward through good deeds both large and small on this day. For Rochester’s Good Deed, we are collecting food for the Rochester Community House Food Pantry and Benny’s Kitchen. Rochester’s Good Deeds Day will be held at the Rochester Fire Department at 277 E. Second Street, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The day will also include kids’ … [Read more...]

Rochester Recognized as a National Main Street Community

Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) recently conducted an Annual Program Assessment Visit and named Rochester as a 2015 Nationally Certified Main Street Community. This is the 11th consecutive year of certification for Rochester. The Rochester DDA has been a member of Main Street Oakland County since 2000. "Downtown Rochester continues to do an excellent job of comprehensive, ongoing, community involved downtown management using the National Main Street Philosophy", commented Bob Donohue, … [Read more...]

Rochester Seeks DDA Candidates

City Seeking Candidates for Downtown Development Authority - Apply by February 12th The City of Rochester is seeking candidates for two (2) open seats on the Downtown Development Authority. Special Qualifications are established by the City Code, Article II, Sec. 16-35. Applicants for these open seats must have interest in property located in the downtown district. These seats have terms that will expire on May 31, 2019. The City will be accepting applications until February 12, … [Read more...]

First Parking Platform Opens in Downtown Rochester

On Time and Under Budget It took 171 days from groundbreaking to ribbon cutting for the first of two parking platforms to open in downtown Rochester. The East Platform, located east of Main Street between Fourth Street and University Drive, opened on June 25 to a large crowd of officials, reporters, and local business owners. Mayor Jeffrey T. Cuthbertson said it was a landmark project, which came in under time and under budget. “The opening of the East Street Parking Platform, just … [Read more...]