ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The sights, sounds and flavors of Puerto Rico are set to return to downtown Rochester next week.
The 56th annual Puerto Rican Festival runs Thursday, July 30 through Saturday, August 1, at Parcel 5 on East Main Street.
Organizers say the three-day celebration will feature live music, authentic food, cultural performances, family-friendly activities and dozens of vendors.
Last year, the City of Rochester issued a letter telling businesses along North Clinton Avenue to close early following the festival that year.
In the letter, the city said it was enforcing that to “ensure neighborhood safety and security,” saying it would allow law enforcement to better secure the area and prepare for a “peaceful environment.”
During a press conference Thursday, News10NBC’s Erin Mahon asked Mayor Malik Evans about the city’s plans for this year’s festival. Evans said the city will announce more on its plans next week, but said it will look similar to last year’s plans.
Festivities run from 5 to 11 p.m. each day of the festival. To learn more, click here.
MORE RELATED STORIES:
- Business owners voice concerns to city council over closures during Puerto Rican Festival (Sept. 18, 2025)
- Businesses forced to close early as police shut down North Clinton Avenue after Puerto Rican Festival (Aug. 3, 2025)
- Puerto Rican Festival wraps up on Saturday with parade and live music (Aug. 2, 2025)
- North Clinton Avenue Business leaders speak out Friday on city’s early closure order (Aug. 1, 2025)
- Neighbors react to city’s order for businesses to close early (Aug. 1, 2025)
- ‘You feel safe’: Festivalgoers praise security, new venue at 54th Puerto Rican Festival (Aug. 4, 2024)
- Puerto Rican Festival kicks off Thursday at new location, Parcel 5 (July 31, 2024)
The post 56th annual Puerto Rican Festival returns to Rochester next week appeared first on WHEC.com.


