#City Newspaper RSS: Whole Site City Newspaper RSS: Special Sections Section City Newspaper RSS: Summer Guide City Newspaper RSS: Comments on Summer Guide alternate Switch to the mobile version of this page. Quantcast Twitter Facebook Instagram RSS Digital Issues Subscribe to Newsletter * Username / * View Profile / * Edit Profile / * Log Out * Log in / * Create Account _________________________ Search Search * All * in Articles & Posts * in Events * in Locations * in Slideshows City Newspaper * Home * News * Arts & Entertainment * Music * Restaurants * Events * Guides * Classifieds * Advertise * WXXI Browse * Home for Sale * Apartment Rentals * Rental Communities Browse News * Editor's Notebook * News * Urban Journal * Urban Action * Feedback * News & Opinion Archives Browse Music * Music Blog * Music Features * Classical * Music Reviews * Choice Concerts * Local Music Guide * Music Archives Browse Arts & Entertainment * Art * Culture * Dance * Literature * Movies * Theater * art/WORK * Arts & Entertainment Archives Browse Events * Event Listings * Choice Events * Choice Concerts * Submit an Event Browse Restaurants * Dining Reviews * Restaurant News Browse Guides * Holiday Guide 2018 * Fall Guide19 * Winter Guide 2019 * Annual Manual 2019 * Dish 2019 * Summer Guide 2019 * Jazz Festival 2018 * Jazz Festival 2019 * Rochester Fringe Festival 2018 * CITY U 2019 * Fall Guide 2018 * Rochester Fringe Festival 2019 * Holiday Guide 2019 Browse WXXI * Newsroom * Television * Radio * The Little * Education June 19, 2013 Special Sections » Summer Guide Tweet Pin It . Favorites Saving… Share GEEK EVENTS: Nerd up your summer May these geek events be with you By Adam Lubitow @adamlubitow Like many nerds, I have the tendency to remain indoors, permanently huddled in front of whichever glowing box happens to be displaying my currently desired form of entertainment. But now it's summer: the few months every year when Rochester is guaranteed at least some beautiful weather. So it seems a shame to waste it. It's important to occasionally disengage from The Grid, stumble blinkingly into the sunlight, and actually interact with other human beings. (I know, I don't like it any more than you do — but it's good for us.) Yes, many of these events do take place inside, but by attending, you'll be alongside your fellow nerds and that totally counts for something (besides, our kind have a tendency to burn easily, so you can never be too careful). Most of the events are close by and would make great day trips, but one does require a trip up north to Niagara Falls (but on the New York side, so there's no need to worry about incurring the wrath of any Wildlings by venturing beyond The Wall). There's bound to be something here to satisfy those from every shade of the nerd rainbow, and they also provide plenty of opportunities to dress up in sweet costumes, and that's just good wholesome fun. So get out there and enjoy yourself while the weather's fair, because this is Rochester, and winter is coming. Eventually. click to enlarge The original "Gauntlet" is one of many arcade games that make up the "Atari by Design" exhibit. - PHOTO COURTESY THE STRONG * PHOTO COURTESY THE STRONG * The original "Gauntlet" is one of many arcade games that make up the "Atari by Design" exhibit. Produced by The Strong's International Center for the History of Electronic Games (National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square Drive, museumofplay.org), the "Atari by Design: From Concept to Creation" special exhibit focuses on the creation process of several vintage arcade games. On display will be the original game cabinets, concept designs, drawings, sketches, and advertising materials for classic arcade games, including "Gauntlet," "Gran Trak 10," "Red Baron," "Gotcha," and "Street Fighter." And once you've made your way through the exhibit, you can stop in and enjoy "eGameRevolution," the museum's permanent arcade section, where nearly four dozen playable games (including several from the Atari exhibit) reside. "Atari by Design" is currently on display, and will continue through September 8. Admission is $13 for ages 2 and older. Tokens for the "eGameRevolution" games are not included in admission price. Museum hours are Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m. Drive-ins are fun and all, but let's be honest, they usually don't provide optimal viewing conditions. This is assuming, of course, that you're actually there to enjoy the films and not just waiting for the right moment to start getting handsy with your movie-going companion. Regardless, this summer the Dryden Theatre (900 East Ave., dryden.eastmanhouse.org) is here to help, giving movie buffs all the fun of the drive-in, but with the picture quality we've come to expect from the newly restored landmark theater. The line-up of films is chock full of some of nerd culture's favorite things: giant monsters, badass martial artists, zombies, and, uh, Burt Reynolds. The series kicks off July 5 with "The Giant Claw," a lesser-known selection from the 1950's creature-feature genre (starring a monster that has to be seen to be believed), followed by George Romero's original zombie classic "Night of the Living Dead" on July 12, then the Bruce Lee masterpiece "Enter the Dragon" on July 19, and concluding with "Smokey and the Bandit" on July 26. Just keep your hands to yourself, buddy. All screenings begin at 8 p.m. General admission price is $8, or $6 for students and members. click to enlarge Jousting knights are just one of many attractions that await you at the Sterling Renaissance Festival. - FILE PHOTO * FILE PHOTO * Jousting knights are just one of many attractions that await you at the Sterling Renaissance Festival. For all the fun of medieval living without all the worry of that pesky Bubonic plague, head out to the annual Sterling Renaissance Festival (15385 Farden Road, Sterling, sterlingfestival.org), where every weekend from July 6 to August 18, more than 100 stage and street performers, musicians, and comedians come together to recreate an English Renaissance village. It's a well-known fact that chowing down on a turkey leg while cheering on your favorite knight as he beats the heck out of his opponents in a jousting tournament is the best possible way to spend a summer afternoon. The festival also holds themed event weekends throughout the summer, like the Wine, Chocolate, and Romance Rendezvous on July 13-14 and a Pirate Invasion weekend on July 27 and 28. From otaku to hardcore games (whether it be tabletop, third-person shooters, role-playing games, or others), there's something for you at Ryu-Kon Anime and Gaming Convention (101 Old Falls St., Niagara Falls, ryu-kon.com), held this year in its new location at the Conference and Event Center of Niagara Falls. The event kicks off July 26 and 27 with panels, workshops, game tournaments, anime screenings, an artist alley, comedians, and special guest appearances, including Alexis Tipton (FUNimation, "Full Metal Alchemist: The Star of Milos"), Lizbeth R. Jimenez ("Sacred"), and Benny Bohannon (Epic TV Saga). Then on July 28, the con invades the greater Niagara Falls area for a special event day featuring the Ryu-Kon Extreme Treasure Hunt, in which teams of one to four people race to find items and complete tasks on both sides of the border. The theme for this year's convention is steampunk, so there will also be plenty of extra activities geared toward the genre, including a formal steampunk ball. click to enlarge You can get in touch with your inner pirate at the Palmyra Pirate Festival this summer. - PHOTO BY MATT DETURCK * PHOTO BY MATT DETURCK * You can get in touch with your inner pirate at the Palmyra Pirate Festival this summer. Who doesn't love a good pirate festival? Any excuse to brandish a sword and talk freely about plundering booty will always be A-OK in my book. Palmyra's Pirates of the Erie Canal invade the village and port of Palmyra for the 7th Annual Palmyra Pirate Weekend (132 Market St., Palmyra, palmyrany.com/pirates/2013/home.htm). The festivities kick off Friday, August 9, with an outdoor screening of "The Goonies" in the Palmyra Village Park. Saturday's activities include bed races, canal walks, museum tours, a treasure hunt, a Pirate Kazoo Band parade, and a 5k race benefiting the Palmyra-Macedon High School. These are just a few of the many geek-friendly events taking place around Rochester this summer. Keep an eye on City's website (rochestercitynewspaper.com) for more events that are worth leaving the comfort of the couch. In This Guide... * Summer Guide 2013 Summer Guide Summer Guide 2013 Regional Music Festivals, Upstate NY Breweries, Life on the Lake, Festival Calendar, and more! Jun 19, 2013 Cover Story * MUSIC: Pitching a tent Summer Guide MUSIC: Pitching a tent A tour of Upstate New York's summer music festivals Looking to catch some concerts this summer outside your own back yard? Want to make that concert a road trip? By Roman Divezur Jun 19, 2013 Music festivals Rochester Buffalo Syracuse camping summer summer festivals * MUSIC: Regional Concerts Summer Guide MUSIC: Regional Concerts Ameribeat Festival of the Arts July 4-7. Four nights of camping and music includes shows by Max Creek, The Z3 (tribute to Frank Zappa), The Primate Fiasco. Jun 19, 2013 * THEATER: Summer's servings on the stage Summer Guide THEATER: Summer's servings on the stage A look at regional theater productions For some institutions, summer may be the slow season. But Rochester's theater scene is coming off extremely lively fall, winter, and spring seasons, continuing the momentum right through the summer months. By David Raymond Jun 19, 2013 Theater Rochester musical performance Shakespeare theatre festival * THEATER: Theater Events Summer Guide THEATER: Theater Events Blackfriars Theatre July 19-28: "Rent." Blackfriars Theatre, 795 E. Main St. 454-1260, bftix.com. Jun 19, 2013 * ART: Roc and Seek Summer Guide ART: Roc and Seek A public art scavenger hunt I'd like to play a game, Rochester. And since the weather's been lovely (knock on ALL the wood), let's take this game outdoors. By Rebecca Rafferty Jun 19, 2013 Art Rochester Public Art Sculpture Murals Graffiti Monuments Labor History * ART: Exhibits / Events Summer Guide ART: Exhibits / Events Art Exhibits Did we miss something? Jun 19, 2013 * ANTIQUING: Sailing through garages Summer Guide ANTIQUING: Sailing through garages Rochester's local picking and antiquing scene The rainy weather of April and May sends plenty of Rochestarians into their garages, attics, and overflowing closets for a little spring cleaning. That cleaning leads to piles of goodies, tenderly set out on lawns and in public spaces. By Kathy Laluk Jun 19, 2013 Rochester shopping thrifting garage sales antiques antiquing flea markets * ANTIQUING: Flea Markets & Garage Sales Summer Guide ANTIQUING: Flea Markets & Garage Sales Flea Markets & Garage Sales Did we miss something? Jun 19, 2013 * PHOTO FEATURE: Living on the Lake Summer Guide PHOTO FEATURE: Living on the Lake Two photographers share shots of summer The Greater Rochester area is blessed with miles of Lake Ontario shoreline. The communities that line the lake become especially attractive during the summer. By MARK CHAMBERLIN and Matt DeTurck Jun 19, 2013 Slideshow * OUTDOORS: Sports & Recreation Events Summer Guide OUTDOORS: Sports & Recreation Events 2013 PGA Championship August 8-11. One of the biggest golf championships in the world, and the last of the golf season, comes to Rochester. Jun 19, 2013 * BREWERIES: Have yourself a beer Summer Guide BREWERIES: Have yourself a beer Where to get your summer drink on in Upstate New York In Rochester, memories of this year's interminable winter weather dissipate quickly once the sun begins to shine again and the summer beer season begins. And summer certainly does seem to be prime beer season in Upstate New York. By Lillian Dickerson Jun 19, 2013 Slideshow * BREWERIES: Brewery Events Summer Guide BREWERIES: Brewery Events Annual Ironman Race Barbeque Sun July 28. Beer and barbeque outside of the brewery all day in celebration of the Lake Placid Ironman. Jun 19, 2013 * FOOD: Summer's exclusive festival foods Summer Guide FOOD: Summer's exclusive festival foods Funnel cakes, fried dough, and some super doughnuts Rochester's summer will be filled with places to see, events to attend, and perhaps most importantly, food to eat. From now until September, there is a festival to be found nearly every weekend. By Alexandra Carmichael Jun 19, 2013 Rochester food festivals festival food Oreos fried dough doughnut burger State Fair New York State Fair * FOOD: Festivals & Events Summer Guide FOOD: Festivals & Events Festivals & Special Events Did we miss something? Jun 19, 2013 Tags: Summer Guide, Rochester, nerd, geek, Atari, cosplay, pirates, festival, Renaissance, drive in, movies, events More Summer Guide » * * Tweet * Speaking of... * Council approves vacancy study legislation Council approves vacancy study legislation Dec 17, 2019 * Rochester poverty czar to step down Rochester poverty czar to step down Dec 12, 2019 * PAB hits first milestone as applicants pour in PAB hits first milestone as applicants pour in Dec 11, 2019 * More » Comments __________________________________________________________________ Comments are closed. Latest in Summer Guide * Don't bug out Don't bug out Jun 5, 2019 * We're past the 'Endgame' now We're past the 'Endgame' now Jun 5, 2019 * Rockin' the house, indoors and out Rockin' the house, indoors and out Jun 5, 2019 * More » More by Adam Lubitow * The 15 best films of 2019 The 15 best films of 2019 Dec 24, 2019 * Bombed out Bombed out Dec 18, 2019 * Hero under fire Hero under fire Dec 11, 2019 * More » Readers also liked… * Dances with canoes Dances with canoes Jun 5, 2019 Browse Listings Events Music [Sunday, December 29__] [-All Categories-_________________] [-All Neighborhoods-_______] __________________ go Submit an event [Sunday, December 29__] [-All Categories-______] [-All Neighborhoods-_______] __________________ go Submit an event Upcoming Events Sun 29 Mon 30 Tue 31 Wed 1 Thu 2 Fri 3 Sat 4 "Blazing Saddles" (1974) @ Dryden Theatre Broadway Master Class: The Lion King @ Air Business Park Broadway Master Class: The Lion King @ Air Business Park “The Lion King” is the world’s #1 musical. Now, kids ages 8-12... Hot Cocoa & Snowshoe Hike @ Montezuma Audubon Center View all of today's events » » SUBMIT AN EVENT « Guides & Special Issues Holiday Guide 2019 Other Recent Guides: * Best of Rochester 2019 * Fall Guide19 * Rochester Fringe Festival 2019 * CITY U 2019 * Jazz Festival 2019 * Summer Guide 2019 This Week's Issue December 25- 7, 2020 View PDF Issue Cover Cover Story: The Rochester 10 CITY's annual look at 10 movers and shakers whose contributions make greater Rochester a better and more interesting place to live, work, and play. read more ... Cover Gallery » [Browse Issue by Date] Tweets @RocCityNews Tweets by @roccitynews * Article Archives | * Issue Archives | * PDF Archives | * Contact Us | * Privacy Policy | * Subscribe to our Email Newsletter | * Work with Us © 2019 City Newspaper. Website powered by Foundation.