International Plaza begins August Sunday Market Day series with a vibrant fourth annual Dominican Day celebration in Rochester

Rochester, New York – The summer rhythm at Rochester’s International Plaza is about to get a joyful new beat. On Sunday, August 10, the plaza at 828 N. Clinton Ave. will launch its August Sunday Market Day series with one of its most anticipated traditions — the fourth annual Dominican Day celebration. From noon to 6 p.m., the lively open-air space will be transformed into a colorful, music-filled gathering that honors the Dominican Republic’s rich cultural legacy while spotlighting the broader Latino community that calls Rochester home.

This free, family-friendly festival will feature live performances that promise to get the crowd moving. Audiences can expect the infectious energy of Zulinka y Miguel alongside the vibrant sounds of Los Hijos de Rubby Pérez y Su Orquesta. Together, they will deliver the merengue and bachata rhythms that have long been at the heart of Dominican music, filling the plaza with an unmistakable island flair.

But Dominican Day is more than just a concert. It’s a community showcase, where the smells of authentic Dominican cuisine drift through the air, the sharp click of domino tiles echoes from tournament tables, and traditional Carnaval performers parade through the plaza in bursts of color and dance. Visitors will also get to experience folklore presentations and creative displays that tell stories of Dominican entrepreneurship — narratives woven with determination, pride, and cultural identity.

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The event is part of a bigger vision for the International Plaza, a place designed to “bring the world to Rochester” by serving as a year-round stage for cultural exchange. From May through October, the plaza operates as a hub for local merchants and artisans, offering international cuisine, handcrafted goods, and artistic creations that reflect the city’s diverse immigrant communities. Its Market Day series, held most Sundays, has become a signature program, offering free celebrations that highlight traditions from across the globe through music, food, art, and live demonstrations.

While Dominican Day will be the highlight to kick off August, the month’s calendar is packed with variety. On August 17, the spotlight will turn to the DJ Big Reg Birthday Celebration, blending music and dance for another energetic afternoon. A week later, on August 24, the plaza will host International Salsa Day, inviting dancers and music lovers alike to celebrate one of Latin America’s most beloved musical genres. The month will wrap up on August 31 with The International Car Show, an event sure to draw enthusiasts eager to admire vehicles that combine style, engineering, and cultural significance.

In between, the plaza will host a special “Arts at the Plaza” program on Saturday, August 16, from 2 to 4 p.m., giving visitors yet another chance to engage with creative expression in a community-focused setting.

For those looking to participate beyond attending, the International Plaza offers accessible vending opportunities to local entrepreneurs, artisans, and community organizations. Tent stands are available for as little as $20 per event, making it possible for small businesses and cultural groups to share their goods, food, or art directly with the public.

The Market Day format has proved to be a winning formula — a mix of entertainment, cultural pride, and economic opportunity. Each celebration is designed not only to entertain, but to strengthen the bonds between Rochester’s diverse communities, honoring the traditions of the past while creating space for future connections.

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For the city’s Dominican community in particular, August 10 will be a day to celebrate roots, honor ancestors, and share their culture with neighbors from all backgrounds. From the high-energy beats of the music to the savory flavors of the food, Dominican Day embodies the warmth and generosity for which the community is known.

Full details, including the complete event calendar, can be found on the City of Rochester’s official International Plaza page at www.cityofrochester.gov/internationalplaza. Anyone interested in vending can also reach out directly by calling Erika J. Perez at 585-428-7282 or emailing [email protected]. Updates and announcements are shared regularly on Facebook and Instagram under the handle @internationalplazaroc.

As the music rises and the plaza fills with the sound of laughter, conversation, and clinking domino tiles, the August Sunday Market Day series will begin just as it should — with a celebration of culture, community, and the joy of sharing it all in the heart of Rochester.

http://www.cityofrochester.gov/internationalplaza