SEPTEMBER

Tuesday, September 1

[ RECREATION ] Summer is quickly slipping away. Get your flower fix today at Lamberton Conservatory in Highland Park. The truth is, the conservatory is a good place for an exotic adventure any day, or even a nice little urban oasis in the middle of the bustling city. You can explore various desert plants, tropical plants, and house plants, visit a large koi pond in the courtyard, and more. The Conservatory, which was recently renovated, is open all year long 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Admission is $3. For more information visit monroecounty.gov.

Wednesday, September 2

[ RECREATION ] Skip the gym tonight and instead head out to the Adult Skate at Horizon FX Skating Rink on Ling Road. Remember when you were a kid and used to go to birthday parties at the roller rink with your friends? Why don't we do that anymore? Now's your chance: rent a pair of skates or some blades and enjoy a few hours of fun music for adults only. That means no annoying kids for you to "accidentally" run over. According to The American Heart Association, roller skating is a complete aerobic workout, so you've got that going for you. And it's air conditioned. Really, you'd be irresponsible not to go. Adult Skate starts at 8 p.m.; admission costs $6. For more info check horizonfunfx.com.

Thursday, September 3

[ FESTIVAL ] You've provably never seen a gigantic "Purple People Eater" soaring across the sky. You've most likely never been flown through the air by a rainbow-colored bubble of hot air. However, these things are commonplace at the New York State Festival of Balloons in Dansville. Finish off your summer by camping out and seeing these massive works of art fly through the air, and maybe even take a ride yourself. The festival continues through Monday, September 7. For more information visit nysfob.com.

Friday, September 4

[ ART ] At this point the fall arts and cultural season is just around the corner. Catch up with the local art scene by taking part in the First Friday Gallery Night. Up to two dozen local art galleries will be open late to the public; it's the perfect opportunity to get out and tour non-profit, university, and commercial art venues. Plus you can score some free wine and cheese at some of the receptions. Support the local art scene and enjoy as much art as you can fit in to one night every first Friday of the month starting at 6 p.m. For a list of participating venues and more information check firstfridayrochester.org.

Saturday, September 5

[ SPECIAL EVENT ] Don't let your summer fizzle out. Head to tonight's Fireworks Extravaganza at Genesee Country Village & Museum and end your summer with a blast. The extravaganza is an annual event at the historical museum, and this year it will choreograph a story in the sky for visitors. The theme is "Building a Nation," and it comes complete with a musical score and traditional fireworks that show American history from the first settlers to our expansion west. GCVM is located in Mumford and offers a whole host of activities all summer long. For hours, rates, and a full schedule of events visit gcv.org.

Sunday, September 6

[ SPECIAL EVENT ] Get some rhythm and coordination at your life at the Drum Corps Association Championships, which return to Rochester September 4-6 at Rhinos Stadium (formerly PAETEC Park). DCA competitions feature some of the most talented drum and bugle corps in the United States and Canada. This is a primo chance to witness the flurry of colors, sounds, and on-field performances from these impossibly precise teams as they go head-to-head before the judges. For ticket information and more check dcacorps.org.

Monday, September 7

[ SPECIAL EVENT ] Celebrate the end of summer by taking in the Labor Day Parade that travels down East Avenue starting around 10 a.m. Or you can spend the day planning for fall. Summer may be over, but there's still plenty to do in Rochester once the heat turns off, so start your social calendar now. Might we suggest the Memorial Art Gallery's Clothesline Festival, or the Mendon Station Festival, both of which take place the following weekend (September 12-13)? For more ideas be sure to check out City Newspaper's Fall Guide, which will include a comprehensive preview of the new arts seasons. We'll see you when the leaves start to change.