Final ROC the Block employment fair brings 168 employers and community resources to Parcel 5 Wednesday

Rochester, New York – Rochester residents looking for work or seeking help with their job search will have another opportunity to connect with employers and community organizations this week as the 2026 ROC the Block Community Employment Fair comes to downtown Rochester.

The final event of this year’s ROC the Block series is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Parcel 5, located at 285 E. Main St. The employment fair will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature 168 vendors, including employers and community resources.

ROC the Block is designed to make it easier for residents to meet potential employers close to home. Instead of requiring job seekers to travel to a traditional career fair or visit businesses individually, the program brings employers and recruiters directly into Rochester neighborhoods.

The initiative has held community employment fairs across the city’s four quadrants during the summer and early fall. The events use a block-party-style format, creating an informal setting where residents can speak with businesses, learn about available positions and connect with organizations that can provide additional assistance.

Wednesday’s gathering at Parcel 5 will serve as the closing event for the 2026 season. With a large number of employers and community organizations expected to participate, attendees will have the chance to explore different employment opportunities in one location.

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The event is also intended to help people who may need practical assistance before applying for a job. The City of Rochester’s Workforce Development Mobile Unit will be on site, providing Wi-Fi access and laptops for attendees.

Job seekers will be able to use the equipment to update their résumés and complete online job applications. Having those resources available at the fair could allow visitors to move directly from learning about an opportunity to taking the next step in the application process.

ROC the Block combines employment services with a community-focused approach, giving residents an opportunity to make connections with local businesses while also finding out about other resources available to them.

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The city is already looking ahead to next year’s events. Employers and organizations that are interested in taking part in the ROC the Block employment fairs in 2027 can contact the program by email at [email protected].

The Sept. 23 event at Parcel 5 marks the final stop in this year’s series and provides Rochester residents with another chance to meet employers, explore job openings and access tools that can support their search for work.