2026 ROC the Block community employment fairs kick off Wednesday June 17 with hundreds of job opportunities and major employers participating across Rochester neighborhoods

Rochester, New York – Rochester is preparing for another busy summer of hiring activity as the 2026 ROC the Block Community Employment Fairs officially return on Wednesday, June 17. The initiative, now a familiar part of the city’s seasonal workforce outreach, is designed to connect residents directly with employers in a relaxed, community-centered setting.

The opening event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Paul Bianchi Park, located at 945 Emerson Street. Organizers say the location sets the tone for what ROC the Block aims to be each year — accessible, local, and focused on bringing opportunity directly into neighborhood spaces.

ROC the Block is more than a traditional job fair. It is structured as a rotating, block-party-style hiring series that moves across Rochester’s four quadrants throughout the summer and early fall. The goal is simple but wide-reaching: make it easier for job seekers and employers to meet face-to-face without formal barriers or long processes.

This year’s kickoff is expected to draw strong participation. More than 120 employers are already registered, representing a broad mix of industries and hiring needs. Among them are major regional and national names such as the University of Rochester, Wegmans, Coca-Cola, RTS Rochester, Kodak, and Bausch and Lomb. Additional employers are also expected to participate, offering opportunities across manufacturing, healthcare, retail, transportation, and administrative fields.

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City officials say the range of employers reflects the diversity of the local economy, giving job seekers multiple entry points depending on experience, education, and career goals.

Alongside employer booths, the City of Rochester will also deploy its Workforce Development Mobile Unit. The unit will provide free Wi-Fi access and laptops, allowing attendees to update résumés, search for jobs, and complete applications on the spot. For many participants, this support removes common barriers such as lack of technology or internet access.

The summer schedule includes several additional ROC the Block events following the June kickoff. Each will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays at different locations across the city. Upcoming dates include July 15 at the Rochester Public Market, August 19 at the Salvation Army on West Avenue, and September 24 at Parcel 5 on East Main Street.

Organizers encourage residents to attend multiple events if needed, as different employers may appear at different locations throughout the season. The rotating format is designed to reach more neighborhoods and create consistent opportunities over several months rather than a single-day hiring push.

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Employers or organizations interested in joining future ROC the Block fairs can contact the city directly by email at [email protected].

As Rochester continues to invest in workforce development, ROC the Block remains a central effort to bring hiring opportunities directly into the community, turning public spaces into active hubs for employment connections throughout the summer.