City of Rochester prepares a full year of community events to honor the 50th anniversary of the Rochester City Mark in 2026

Rochester, New York – Rochester’s familiar city mark, the symbol that shows up on everything from public signs to local artwork, is about to reach a major milestone. As the emblem approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026, the City of Rochester is preparing a full year of activities to honor its history, creativity, and lasting presence in local identity. Mayor Malik D. Evans unveiled the first wave of plans this week, setting the stage for a celebration that will stretch from early spring to late fall.

At the center of the announcement was a change that many residents may find surprising: Rochester is finally preparing to update its official city flag. Although the city mark is widely recognized and used informally, it has never appeared on the official flag—something the Mayor noted with a mixture of humor and determination.

“We are the only municipality with such an iconic and beloved trademark, and we are excited to celebrate its longevity and continued popularity,” said Mayor Evans. “As for the flag, few people are even aware that the official flag does not already bear the city mark. This change will be considered during December’s City Council meeting and will be a great way to kick off the mark’s 50th anniversary year.”

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Rochester’s current flag dates back more than a century. The tricolor design, featuring blue, white, and yellow panels, was created in 1910 and received formal adoption in 1934. It carries the coat of arms of Nathaniel Rochester’s family—a crane, a black bar, and three rising crescent moons—all arranged over the word “ROCHESTER” in bold capital letters. Over time, many residents and local artists have suggested replacing the older symbolism with the now-famous city mark, which has become a visual shorthand for the modern Rochester identity. Small pushes for such a change have appeared here and there over the years, but until now, no official action had been taken.

The upcoming anniversary created the perfect moment to bring the conversation back to the forefront. The City plans to use 2026 as a platform not only to revisit the flag but also to highlight the legacy and ongoing influence of the city mark itself. The mark was originally designed in 1975 and later copyrighted and approved by City Council in 1976. It emerged from the Federal Design Improvement Program, a nationwide effort to refresh government branding and make public communication clearer and more modern. Lee Green, Rochester’s first graphic designer, created the emblem to reflect both sides of the city’s history. In one form, the mark recalls the Flour City’s historic water wheel; in another, it resembles the five-petaled lilac that symbolizes the Flower City. That dual identity helped the design take hold quickly, and over the decades it has become a cultural landmark of its own.

In 2026, Rochester will honor that creative legacy through a sequence of special moments spread throughout the year. City officials emphasized that these events are not limited to a single date or ceremony, but instead form a chain of experiences meant to connect residents, visitors, and creators to the city’s visual story.

The schedule begins in spring, when the City will host the premiere of a documentary tracing the mark’s origins, evolution, and continued relevance. Later, the Sister Cities Bridge will receive a new permanent art sculpture inspired by the familiar design, adding a fresh landmark to the downtown landscape. June will bring “Flower Fest,” a celebration dedicated to artisans and craftspeople who use the mark in their work. The City said more details for vendors will be shared in early 2026, but the festival aims to highlight the creativity of makers who have incorporated the emblem into everything from handmade decor to local apparel.

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Rochester’s arts community will also join the celebration through a city-mark-themed section of the annual 6×6 exhibition at the Rochester Contemporary Art Center. In addition, new murals will appear in selected downtown locations, giving the anniversary a bright and visible presence throughout the urban core. The Friends of the Public Library will contribute as well, offering a commemorative book for sale during the year to capture the story of the design and its impact.

With these plans in motion, 2026 is shaping up to be a year in which the familiar symbol receives renewed recognition and appreciation. Whether through art, history, or community celebration, Rochester is preparing to honor a design that has become much more than a graphic—it has become a shared identity. The city mark’s 50th anniversary offers residents the chance to look back at how one small emblem grew into one of Rochester’s most enduring and beloved icons.