08/06/2026
Hi everyone,
Honestly, we can't believe it's August already (as evidenced by the late calendar drop -- too busy having fun!). We've only got one full month of summer left, and we're determined to make it a great one with all of the fun events we have lined up for the month.
We've also got a brand new drink for August, benefiting Grace of God Recovery House (an outreach of Spiritus Christi, an inclusive, welcoming, and progressive Catholic church here in Rochester). The drink is a fun twist on a classic Shirley Temple, called Rule 62 - featuring Wilfred’s Aperitif, Rochester's own Fiz Primo Gassosa (lemon lime), house made grenadine, and All the Bitter Cherry Coffee and New Orleans bitters. Rule 62 is an informal
Scroll down for the full lineup, and grab your tickets early for the events that catch your eye — a few tend to sell out fast.
We also have a few new products:
- the brand new Pandan Lime Lucky Frog (it's our favorite one yet!)
- Wyld CBD sparkling water
- Best Day Brewing Mango IPA
See you at the bar soon! 🥂
Cheers,
Meg & Bob
Don't Let August Slip Away...
👉 Check out our website for full event details, ticket info, and updates
Free Art Night is Back! Thursday, 8/6
We're so excited to have Free Art Night back, hosted by Free Art Collective. Join us from 6 to 8pm tomorrow to meet some new friends over coloring and crafts.
First Friday - 8/7 - PLUS a Q&A with the Artist!
Join us for First Friday from 6 to 10pm, featuring the art of Dominique Alexandria. Dominique is the owner of Caribago Designs. Her textile designs, mixed media work, and stylized nature photography celebrate culture, connection, and the beauty of the natural world. Meet the artist and learn about her new project - a documentary inspired by Caribbean cultural traditions.
We've also got a great Q&A with Dominique on our website with background about her work, her interests, and more.
Book Club - Saturday, 8/8
Join us on Saturday, August 8th from 3 to 5pm for book club with Emily is Overbooked! Ticket price includes one beverage of your choice and discussion around the book. This month, we'll be reading Starter Villian by John Scalzi. Read the book before you come (or not!) and come ready to talk all things fantasy this month.
This sci-fi/ fantasy book description from Goodreads is: "Inheriting your uncle's supervillain business is more complicated than you might think. Particularly when you discover who's running the place."
Q***r Social Night - Wednesday, 8/12
Meet a new friend. Try a new drink. AltBar's Q***r Social is a casual, welcoming gathering for Rochester's LGBTQ+ community and allies. Pride Month is the perfect time to come together, and this free social event is open to everyone who wants to connect. Doors open at 6:30 PM.
Noughty Party - Friday, 8/14
Join us for a FREE wine tasting on Friday from 6 to 8pm of Noughty non-alcoholic wines. These were the first wines we carried at AltBar, and we especially love their sparkling varietals.
Roc Book Crawl - MyBookery - Friday, 8/21
It's the Roc Book Crawl (https://www.rochesterbookcrawl.com/) ! MyBookery is popping up at AltBar from 6 to 8pm. She has fun bookish items like bookmarks, stickers, jewelry, blind date with a book, and more - plus, of course, lots and lots of books! Don't miss this book pop-up with special prizes if you also purchase a cocktail.
Free Chalk Art - Saturday, 8/22
We had to reschedule due to rain - but no fear, we're still doing it! Come make free chalk art out on our front patio with Free Art Collective. Kid-friendly and fun.
Speed Friending - Saturday, 8/22
Come for the chalk art, stay for the speed friending!
Ever wish making friends as an adult was easier? Speed Friending is exactly what it sounds like — a structured, playful event where you rotate through short one-on-one conversations to meet a room full of potential new pals. Hosted by Little Button Craft, this ticketed event costs $20 and runs from 4 to 6 PM. It's the perfect low-pressure way to expand your social circle.
Little Blue Thistle - Sunday, 8/23
Join Little Blue Thistle at AltBar on Sunday, August 23rd at 3 pm for a relaxing afternoon of flowers and creativity.
Create your own lush late-summer arrangement using a beautiful selection of fresh, seasonal blooms, many sourced from local flower farms. You’ll learn simple floristry techniques, tips for designing with seasonal flowers, and how to create a natural, garden-inspired arrangement to take home.
Open Mic Night - Wednesday, 8/26
Got something to share? A song, a poem, a joke you've been sitting on? Our bartender Lucas is hosting and the room is warm and welcoming. Free to attend, open to everyone.
Draw Club Every Thursday
Our friends Justyn Iannucci and Mike Turzanski, among others, have been leading a weekly draw club at AltBar at 7pm on Thursdays. Pull up a chair and come draw with a friendly group! All are welcome.
Chocolate Mindfulness - Saturday, 8/29
From 3 to 4 PM, join the Chocolate Mindfulness & Mocktails experience. Enjoy the rich flavors of chocolate while practicing mindfulness and sipping delicious mocktails crafted to complement your tasting journey. Come hang with Melissa Mueller-Douglas, founder of Chocolate Mindfulness, to refocus your mind and taste buds.
Roc Craft Club - Sunday, 8/30
Join us for an early afternoon of crafting with Roc Craft Club! Follow on Instagram for tickets - they will go on sale next week!
Click here for an update from AltBar!
