I'm so thrilled summer is over. Not because I'm glad to see the sun, the beaches, or the long days go away. But because there are so many exciting things happening in Rochester this fall, I could hardly wait for it to start.

This is truly a historic time for the Rochester arts scene. In the next month we'll see a prominent local theater group relocate to its new space, further cementing the concept of a local Theater Row on East Main Street. We'll see the re-opening of the massively renovated Nazareth Arts Center, which has been completely overhauled so that its physical structure better reflects its growing national reputation as one of Western New York's premier spaces for dance and theater arts. And the Eastman Theatre, arguably the crown jewel of our local performance venues, will show off the first phase of its massive makeover, transforming into the Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre in the process.

Beyond that, it's a fall loaded with major concerts, art exhibits, theater productions, and more. Inside Fall Guide you'll find City Newspaper's cultural critics offering their opinions on the must-see shows of the season. Of course, there is plenty to do outside too, so check our beginner's guide to experiencing fall foliage, and consult the special events calendar for tons of seasonal activities to keep you busy. The days may be shorter come autumn, but with a schedule like this they'll be no less packed.