America 250 Official Celebration for Rochester & Monroe County Announced Today — The Free Event on July 12 Will Present Music, Activities for All Ages & Fireworks

May 6

Community Organizations Invited to Participate

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—May 6, 2026—Leadership from Visit Rochester, Monroe County, and the City of Rochester gathered at ESL Ballpark today to unveil plans to bring the community together for the “America 250 Celebration,” a free, once-in-a-generation communitywide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

The festivities, sponsored by COMIDA, will take place on Sunday, July 12, from 5 to 9 p.m. at ESL Ballpark, presenting something for everyone, including live music, food and drinks, community exhibits, sports and skills games, interactive all-ages activities, and a spectacular fireworks finale, creating a can’t-miss experience for residents and visitors alike.

Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello, Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans, Visit Rochester Vice President of Communications Rachel Laber Pulvino, and Rochester Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason participated in the announcement.

“Whether it be our deep Indigenous roots, groundbreaking civil rights leadership, or remarkable contributions to science, industry, and arts and culture, Monroe County has always contributed in a meaningful way to America’s story. America’s 250th is a moment that deserves a proper celebration, and Monroe County is proud to support multiple events paying homage to this monumental year,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “Let’s celebrate together, alongside neighbors, whether it be at our central, premier event at ESL Ballpark on July 12, or at the local events happening in the County’s towns and villages throughout the summer."

"America 250 is more than a commemoration of our nation’s history; it is an opportunity to reflect on the spirit that has carried Rochester forward for generations: innovation, resilience, and continued progress,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “That spirit is still who we are today, and it is why the City is proud to be part of this milestone celebration, not only commemorating history but engaging our community — creating opportunities for residents, families, and neighborhoods to connect with our past and see themselves in the future we are building together: the Rochester way."

"Visit Rochester is delighted to present this free, family-friendly celebration to our community to mark this milestone anniversary for our country,” said Don Jeffries, President & CEO, Visit Rochester. “America’s 250th is a time to both celebrate our history as a nation as well as the many contributions of Monroe County, and its people, to shaping the United States into the country it is today. From being America's first boomtown to fostering the legacies of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, Monroe County is poised to celebrate and honor all its significant historical contributions to American history."

"Professional baseball has existed in Rochester for almost 150 years and over that time we are so proud to have been woven into the fabric of this community that we love so much. Baseball is America’s pastime and we look forward to hosting this amazing celebration of our country’s 250th birthday here at ESL Ballpark on July 12. It’s the perfect gathering space for numerous generations in our community to collectively celebrate this momentous occasion," said Naomi Silver, president, chief executive officer and chief operating officer of the Rochester Red Wings.

The America 250 Celebration at ESL Ballpark is free and open to the public. No tickets are required. The event is sponsored by COMIDA and Monroe County. It is presented by Van Bortel Ford. Other partners include Wegmans and Rohrbach Brewing Co.

Community organizations, nonprofits and businesses are invited to participate in the celebration through vendor spaces, activations, giveaways and programming partnerships. For details on participation and to apply, visit: visitrochester.com/250th.

Highlights of the July 12 event include:

Inflatable and large-scale attractions featuring interactive challenges, climbing elements, obstacle-style activities, oversized games and high-energy experiences designed for all ages.
Sports and skill-based activities featuring interactive games and competitive challenges inspired by baseball, golf, basketball and classic backyard favorites.
Live music throughout the evening, including performances by The Uptown Groove, Prime Time Brass Band, Controversy and Ampla-Fire
A variety of food and beverage options for purchase from the stadium concessions featuring local favorites and classic ballpark fare
Community partner activations, exhibits and engagement opportunities throughout the ballpark
Face painting, temporary tattoos and balloon artists
The first 250 attendees will receive a free ice cream and a commemorative poster
The first 250 children will receive a commemorative coloring book
A fireworks finale at dusk

The event is still accepting vendors and organizations who are interested in participating. There is no fee to participate, but applications are due by May 30, 2026. Complete an online application by visiting: america250rochester.com/vendor-application.

The July 12 event will serve as the centerpiece of a broad series of regional programs and initiatives planned throughout 2026 to mark the 250th anniversary.

Those efforts are expected to include partnerships with local municipalities, cultural institutions, and community organizations, along with educational and public engagement initiatives across Monroe County, including:

Webster Arboretum’s America 250th on June 24, an event paying homage to the history of our area and country. The Ganondagan will present stories for the children and Tales of the Senecas, the Webster Museum will provide historical games and tools, and there will be a tribute to classically-American musical styles like barbershop harmony and Dixieland.
Independence Day Celebration at Genesee Country Village & Museum on July 4, featuring a full day of patriotic fun, immersive experiences, and good old-fashioned revelry, including a 19th-century parade, pie-eating contest, and more! This year will include a naturalization ceremony for new American citizens.
Churchville Summerfest: Stars and Stripes 250! on August 14-15 at Churchville Park, hosted by the Churchville-Riga Chamber of Commerce. The event will include a community picnic, a Red, White, & Blue-themed fashion show, historical trivia, and fireworks.
Monroe County Parks’ Movies in the Parks series will have a patriotic theme this summer. Movie locations change throughout the series and include the Zoo, Highland Park, Ontario Beach Park, and ESL Ballpark.
Programming at museums and cultural institutions across the region
Events and initiatives at local libraries and community centers
A regional heritage map and historical passport experience, encouraging exploration of significant sites
Historical interpretation and performances, including portrayals of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass
Additional community celebrations tied to Independence Day and other key moments throughout the year

To find other events related to the 250th anniversary or to submit your own community event to the region-wide calendar, Visit Rochester’s official 250th website at visitrochester.com/250th.

Photos for Visit Rochester by Renée Veniskey

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About America’s 250th in Monroe County

In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Monroe County and Visit Rochester are joining communities nationwide in marking this historic milestone through a series of events, programs, and initiatives that celebrate the region’s rich history and cultural contributions. From its legacy as one of America’s first boomtowns to its role in advancing social change through leaders such as Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, Rochester offers a compelling backdrop to reflect on the nation’s past and look ahead to its future. Visit Rochester will continue to share updates on local celebrations and opportunities to engage residents and visitors as the community prepares to be part of this once-in-a-generation national commemoration.

Amanda Antinore