There's so much to do in Rochester in the summer. So much, in fact, that just looking at pages and pages of endless listings can leave you, dear reader, nearly paralyzed by the sheer number of events that fill nearly every day of the next three months. So let us do the work for you.

City has played social planner, picking one activity for you to indulge in every single day of the summer, from the Summer Guide publication date (June 16) to Labor Day (September 6). Given those limitations it isn't a comprehensive listing of everything that's going on -- for that you should pick up City Newspaper every Wednesday for that week's events, or visit our online calendar at rochestercitynewspaper.com -- but it's a good mixture of festivals, special events, concerts, art exhibits, stage shows, and more that will practically guarantee that you make the most of the summer.

Sunday, August 1

FESTIVAL: This year marks the Puerto Rican Festival's 41st anniversary, making it the longest-running ethnic festival in Monroe County. The event begins Friday, July 30, and features three days full of live salsa music, amazing food, and cultural events. Be sure to check out the dance groups, domino tournament, and the introduction of Miss Puerto Rico of Rochester 2010. The festival is held at the Frontier Field VIP parking lot and begins at noon each day. General Admission costs $5-$9, kids aged 5 and under free. More information at prfestival.com. -JH

Monday, August 2

RECREATION: If sitting still in a kayak is too confining, rowing a boat too active, and keeping a canoe upright tests your sense of balance too rigorously, there is another option. Pedal boats are easy to maneuver and they're not really meant to go anywhere but there and back - "there" being relative. Actually, I feel they have been named inaccurately. I call them "paddle floats" as they have paddles underneath that propel them through the water like a paddle boat, and mostly I just let them float unless I want to change location, like from sun to shade and visa versa. Some places to check out are Erie Canal Boat Company in Fairport, Mid Lakes Erie Macedon Landing in Macedon, or Liberty Boat Tours in Seneca Falls. Rentals run $15 to $65, depending on the location, day, and length of time. Bring a picnic and head out against the current. It makes the return trip much easier. --DE

Tuesday, August 3

RECREATION: Photography, writing, drawing, and painting are highly encouraged during a visit to the historic Linwood Gardens. Creative workshops, retreats, and garden tours are also given during the summer months. These beautiful private gardens are known for their Japanese and American varieties of peony trees dating back to the early 1900's. Located 35 miles south of Rochester in Pavilion, Linwood is only open to the public on select dates. For 2010 those are Sunday, June 20; Wednesday, June 30; Thursday, July 8; Sunday, July 18; Saturday, July 24; Sunday, July 25; and Tuesday, August 3, all 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Reservations are required five days in advance of your visit, along with a $20 preservation fee. For more information call 584-3919 or visit linwoodgardens.org. --EF

Wednesday, August 4

MUSIC: As summer winds down and lingering thoughts of responsibility loom on the horizon, it might do a little good to sit back, relax, and let Mozart do the talking. Tonight nationally renowned conductor Jahja Ling will be at Hochstein Performance Hall with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra to guide you through the Mozart's overture to "The Marriage of Figaro" and Piano Concerto No. 17 before ending the night with DvoÅ�ák's Symphony No. 8. Accompanying Ling and the RPO on piano will be Ling's wife, Jessie Chang. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. For more information and tickets, and for a full schedule of the RPO's many summer shows, go to rpo.org. --NS

Thursday, August 5

THEATER: Things are going to get a little steamier inside Blackfriars Theatre this summer. For its first summer season in its new East Main Street digs Blackfriars is staging Hot Summer Nights, a series of five adult-oriented shows that will play in repertory throughout the season. Look for local ladies' improv act EstroFest, a look back at the Changing Scene Cabaret with Phyl Contestable and Alan Jones, the two-man baseball comedy "Rounding Third," and two bawdy shows, "Things You Shouldn't Say in Bed" (which closes on August 5), and "Debbie Does Dallas." I  seriously can't wait for that last one. Blackfriars is located at 795 E Main St. Tickets to all Hot Summer Nights shows cost $20. For more information or a full schedule call 454-1260 or visit blackfriars.org. -ER

Friday, August 6

SPECIAL EVENT: The Rochester Public Market is one of our fair city's more beloved institutions, and for several years has offered up the Bands on Bricks concert series every summer. This year that's been expanded into something even more exciting. Starting on July 9, the Market will host a Night Market every Friday 5-9 p.m. A wide variety of vendors will be in attendance, including some new to the Market. Prepared food, wine, and beer will all be for sale. On top of that, the Market will be hosting live music each week. There's several exciting names lined up, including tonight's performance by Upstate favorites Donna The Buffalo, with openers The Lawnmowers and Ry Cummings. Between that and the weekly beer garden, the Public Market should be home to a Friday evening scene that will complement its typical early-morning bustle. More information can be found at cityofrochester.gov. -JB

Saturday, August 7

FESTIVAL: It's a well-known fact that Park Avenue is one of Rochester's prime neighborhoods for art, dining, and entertainment. So when the annual Park Ave Summer Art Fest kicks off on August 7 this year, more than 10 blocks will be shut down to allow the thousands of attendees a chance to shop for independent arts and crafts, pick up food from local dining favorites like Jines and Chester Cab Pizza, and enjoy live music and contests up and down the neighborhood. The festival runs August 7-8 and is a staple of the end-of-summer festivities offered in Rochester. For a complete guide to this year's Park Ave Fest, visit park-avenue.org. --NS

Sunday, August 8

FESTIVAL: If you're the type to combine summer fun with charity, then the Golden Benefit Charity Hot Air Balloon Festival, taking place August 6-8, is for you. The event includes an arts and crafts sale, car show, live bands, food, and - of course - hot-air balloons on the Onondaga Fields at SUNY College at Geneseo on Route 20A. Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Families of Muscular Disorders Foundation and The Neuromuscular Disease Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center. For more info, call 519-1917 or visit goldenbenefit.org. -- RR

Monday, August 9

SPORTS: After years of growing in popularity, Rochester's Saturn Twilight Criterium bike race has evolved into the Tour de New York, a five-day professional cycling stage race that will cover the Greater Rochester area and sections of the Finger Lakes August 7-11. Beginning in 2004 with the Criterium, Rochester cycling has seen exponential turnout and attention, even being placed on the prestigious International UCI Americas Tour in 2007. After the Criterium was expanded into the three-day Omnium race in 2008, the Tour de New York was set for 2009, but did not materialize due to sponsorship issues. Now with its financial backing squared away, the very first Tour de New York will be held this year. Head out to today to watch the road-race action. Visit tourdenewyork.com for a schedule and more information. --NS

Tuesday, August 10

RANDOM: Didn't get the timeshare in Aruba this year? Not to worry, just blow off work today and host an impromptu pool party on a shoestring budget. You'd be surprised at how much pool you can get for less than $50. Be sure to check the clearance sections of your local superstore for kiddie or more high-end inflatable pools. Visit dollar stores for any and all water toys and contraptions. Be sure you've got at least one level spot in the yard and then inflate and throw in the hose. Then lure all your sweaty friends to come cool off in your watery oasis. And remember, who needs a swim-up bar when ice cold cans of beer float on top of the water? --EF

Wednesday, August 11

SPECIAL EVENT: Maybe you haven't worn a toga since your crazy college days, so here is another, more sophisticated, opportunity to break out the bedsheets in public. Corn Hill Navigation, Pittsford Wines, and Via Girasole are hosting their 2010 Wine Tasting Cruise series all summer, and tonight's theme is "Toga! Toga! Toga!" Hop aboard the Sam Patch, donning an approximation of the Grecian fashion if you feel so inclined, and sample some Italian wines. Each cruise in the series features a different international theme in celebration of the World Canals Conference, coming to Rochester later this year. Cruises occur on select Wednesday evenings throughout the summer 6-7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25. Visit samandmary.org for reservations. -JH

Thursday, August 12

EXHIBIT: Food for thought: did you know that a wiggly bowl of lime Jell-O hooked up to an EEG machine mimics the brainwaves of adult men and women? Proving yet again you are both literally and figuratively what you eat. Learn interesting facts like this and more by taking a trip to the Jell-O Museum and Gallery in LeRoy. Be sure to check out the gift shop, where you can pick up a brain-shaped Jell-O mold. Don't forget the collector Jell-O shot glasses. You'll be a sure hit at any summer cocktail party. The museum is open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (opens at 1 p.m. Sundays), and admission is $1.50-$4. For more information on the Jell-O Museum call 768-7433 or visit jellogallery.org. -EF

Friday, August 13

FILM: Who doesn't love the nostalgic feel of watching a double-feature at the drive-in on a hot summer night? Cuddle up with a popcorn and your sweetheart under starlit skies at Vintage Drive-In in East Avon. See two first-run films for the price of one, on one of three large outdoor screens, rain or shine. Now open weekdays, Vintage has all the charm you remember complete with an arcade, mini golf course, and expansive snack bar. For more information and showtimes call 226-9290 or visit vintagedrivein.com. -- EF

Saturday, August 14

KIDS: This weekend (August 14-15) Rochester Children's Theatre will present a musical version of Judith Viorst's "Alexander & The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." "Alexander" was one of my favorite books as a kid, probably speaking to my latent pessimism. Nonetheless, it's a great children's book, and the musical was written by Viorst herself. In addition to the RCT production there will be a family carnival accompanying the performance. There will be three shows over the course of the weekend at Nazareth College Arts Center (4245 East Ave). Tickets cost $10 ($8 for grandparents). For more information visit rochesterchildrenstheate.org. --NS

Sunday, August 15

SPECIAL EVENT: Founded in 2000, Bread & Water Theatre's self-described mission is to speak to the dramatically changing world by providing unique contemporary drama and innovative community outreach programs. One way B&W achieves this is with its Music and Art Fair held exclusively to support local up-and-coming artists and musicians. The Music and Art Fair, this year running August 14-15 2-8 p.m., will provide a venue for local musicians to perform, as well as for local artists to display and sell their work. The event will be held at New Life Presbyterian Church, 243 Rosedale St. For more information, volunteer opportunities, or to sign up as an artist or musician, or for info on BWT's summer stage shows, including a reprise of this spring's "Nijinsky's Last Dance" in July, visit breadandwatertheatre.org. --NS

Monday, August 16

ART: The impressively multi-tasking Genesee Center for the Arts & Education offers a lot: community outreach, darkrooms, pottery and print studios, classes and workshops, as well as photo, ceramics, and printmaking exhibitions. The recently renovated, handicapped-accessible building also houses a yoga studio and artists in residence who teach at the center. The current artists in residence, Ezra Stage and Samantha Stumpf, will exhibit the results of a year of work at the "Artists in Residence Exhibit" in the Firehouse Gallery at Genesee Pottery (713 Monroe Ave.) August 6-17, with a reception on August 6, 6-9 p.m. For more info, call 244-1730 or visit geneseearts.org. --RR

Tuesday, August 17

RECREATION: Biking in Rochester can be trying - and tiring - navigating the traffic, pedestrians, and potholes. And although downtown is relatively flat, getting there and back usually involves coasting down a hill that later becomes an upward climb. Taking a bike ride on the canal path leaves all those concerns behind so you can easily let your mind drift to enjoying the picturesque path. If you do come across another soul it's polite to stay to the right, and a "Behind you!" will avoid sneaking up and startling someone. Taking the path from Clover Street to Schoen Place for lunch is especially nice. If you don't have a bike, fortify yourself first and then rent one at Towpath. For a bike map of Rochester visit gtcmpo.org. --DE

Wednesday, August 18

LIT: If you've got a story to tell, whether quirky, profound, funny, or whatever comes to mind when you get on stage, Writers & Books (740 University Ave) has an event for you. The Monthly Story Slam is meant to bring out the Jack Kerouac in all of us...well, at least for the five minutes you can get up in front of the crowd. Emphasizing authentic storytelling and the sharing of life experiences, this event is free and open to the public. It runs7-9 p.m. and signup starts at 6:30 p.m. You can also signup by sending host Carol Roberts an email at crobert8@rochester.rr.com with "Monthly Sign Up" in the subject line. --NS

Thursday, August 19

MUSIC: Steel drums just sound like the summer. Their bright pinging and rolling notes recall the tropics, and make everything seem a little more laid-back. That makes the selection of the Alfred St. John's Trinidad Tobago Steelband a no-brainer for tonight's concert in the annual Garden Vibes series at the George Eastman House. Hang out in the Eastman House's remarkable gardens and take in some great music from artists in a variety of genres, and engage in some excellent people watching. Concerts take place 6-8 p.m. every-other Thursday throughout July and August and cost $5-$10; check eastmanhouse.org for a full schedule. While you're there make sure to check out the museum's summer show, the very seasonally appropriate "Colorama." -- ER

Friday, August 20

KIDS: The human brain is a fascinating thing: an "organic computer" that controls every motion, emotion, and thought in the body. At the Rochester Museum and Science Center, "BRAIN: The World Inside Your Head" is a full-scale interactive exhibit designed to help kids fully understand that notion. With spectacularly immersive displays, from replicating Phantom Limb Syndrome to simulating the excising of a tumor, "BRAIN" should be able to teach even grown-ups something new. The exhibit continues through September 6. The RMSC is located at 657 East Ave, and is open Mondays-Saturdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays starting at 11 a.m. Admission costs $10-$12. For more information, including a list of special events for the summer, visit rmsc.org. -- NS

Saturday, August 21

SPORTS: Even if you're not a soccer fan, chances are you're aware of the 2010 World Cup being held in South Africa this summer. Chances are also good that you, like many of us in the States, don't have the time or resources to fly to Johannesburg and catch one of the big matches live. So between watching the clash of the titans go down on your television, you can enjoy a live game of professional soccer right here in town. The Rochester Rhinos, whose home field on Oak Street is now called Marina Dodge Stadium, are still heavy contenders in minor-league soccer and have a summer packed with match-ups, including tonight's game against Miami FC. Tickets cost $20 or less. For more information, a full schedule, and directions visit rhinossoccer.com. --NS

Sunday, August 22

RECREATION: Feeling the need for speed this summer? Cruise the gang down to CountryLine Raceway on Route 31 in Macedon and go go-karting. It's worth the trip to Wayne County for $5 rides. Feel the wind in your hair as you speed around the oval slick track. Double-seater go-karts are available for parents to take little tykes around either of the two tracks. You can also find skee ball, arcade games, snacks, and ice cream inside. For more information call 315-986-5876 or visit countylinegokarts.com. --EF

Monday, August 23

RANDOM: Rochester is a long time in coming in catching up to the gelato trend. But our town is beginning to keep pace and now there is a smattering of places to get the creamy Italian dessert, including Roman Holiday on Park Avenue, Gusto on Alexander, the George Eastman House Café, and Royal Gelato Café in Fairport. What's the difference between gelato and ice cream, you ask? Gelato has a lower content of sugar, butterfat, and air, which makes it more condensed and creamy. Plus it's made in way more flavors. Another important difference is the way it is served. Instead of the measly practice of one scoop/one flavor, with gelato you are invited to "marry" your scoops. Even a "small" serving can have a variety of flavors. Ask your server for suggestions about complementary flavors. -- DE

Tuesday, August 24

ART: Glass is one of the most important and fascinating scientific productions in history, and is used to do everything from keep us safe while driving to illuminating the screens of our cell phones. But glass is hardly ever thought of in such grand terms, which is why the Corning Museum of Glass is dedicated to exploring the substance's unique history. This summer the museum hosts the rotating exhibit "Medieval Glass for Popes, Princes, and Peasants" (through January 2011) in addition to its regular show pieces and hands-on glass making/designing activities. It's a good place to take kids too, with the weekly Little Gather series, which uses storytelling and magic shows to present the museum to children 3 and up, and children 19 and under get in free. The museum is open daily 9 a.m.-8 p.m. For a full list of events, admission prices, and hours, visit cmog.org. - NS

Wednesday, August 25

MUSIC: Following a string of classical music concerts in more expected settings, the Canandaigua LakeMusic Fest offers a chance for younger and more casual listeners to enjoy the genre in a relaxed environment, and even sit down to a barbecue dinner with the musicians. The second of the two so-called "Blue Jeans" events of this year's festival takes place August 25 and features the family of RPO violinist Juliana Athayde. With her parents and three siblings, all accomplished jazz and classical musicians, Athayde will perform at Steamboat Landing in Canandaigua at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $40 for adults and $15 for students, and include a barbecue dinner. The festival as a whole runs August 18-29. For more information, tickets, and a full list of LakeMusic Fest events, visit lakemusicfestival.org. -- NS

Thursday, August 26

MUSIC: The Big Pay Back Series from ACT: LIVE, a local voice primarily for hip-hop artists, goes down at the Dub Land Underground every last Thursday of the month from June until October. The series brings up-and-coming hip-hop artists to Rochester and gives them a chance to promote themselves by opening for nationally recognized artists. Bronx artist Infinit Evol is just one of the acts involved in this summer series, and you can check him out at 9 p.m. tonight at Dub Land on Alexander Street in the East End. For more information on Infinit Evol and details on the Big Pay Back Series, visit actlivemusic.com. -- NS

Friday, August 27

ART: Artistic expression collides with historical perspective inside the 60,000-square-feet of ARTISANworks. Pack a lunch and expect to spend the entire day if you want to see it all, as there is plenty to experience. Ideal to visit during the summer months are the rooftop sculpture garden and the courtyard. Working artists themselves are sometimes nestled within the halls, ready to chat you up on their favorite pieces. The venue has countless little nooks and crannies, with each room devoted to a different artistic theme or movement. Great place for a date, too. ARTISANworks is located at 565 Blossom Road. For more information call 288-7170 or visit artisanworks.net. -EF

Saturday, August 28

FESTIVAL: It's a bit of a haul, but you'd be remiss to not head to Syracuse for a day at the Great New York State Fair. Nothing compares to the magnitude of the State Fair. Massive exhibit buildings, huge midways, hundreds of food vendors, all manner of agriculture shows, and entertainment by A-list music acts are only some of the draws. This year's edition runs August 26-September 6. If you head over today, expect big lines. It's a weekend, and R&B mega-star Rihanna will take the grandstand at 7:30 p.m. (tickets $45-$55; other acts performing throughout this year's fair include Aerosmith on August 26, Tim McGraw on September 3, and Justin Bieber on August 29). The fairgrounds are located off Route 690 outside of Syracuse. For more information visit nysfair.org. - ER

Sunday, August 29

SPECIAL EVENT: Grab your Epi-Pen and head out to the Cumming Nature Center Honey Harvest, where attendees can learn about the wonders of honeybees and the art of beekeeping. The event runs 1-4 p.m., and at 2 p.m. you can witness the process of extracting honey from the hives, which sounds both fascinating and terrifying. While you're there, explore Cumming Nature Center, a 900-acre preserve run by the Rochester Museum & Science Center located off Gulick Road in Naples. The center features groomed trails for hiking through woods and wetlands year-round, and many special events throughout the summer months. Admission to Honey Harvest is free for RMSC members and $3 for non-members. For more information visit rmsc.org. -JH

Monday, August 30

RECREATION: Since the state budget crisis closed the gates of several New York State parks this summer, make it a point to visit some of our county-run wilderness areas this year, especially the largest in the county, Mendon Ponds Park. You can experience the wonders of the Sensory Garden, hike trails formed by glaciers of the past, hold out your seed-filled hands for a tiny chickadee to hop into for a little snack along the swamplands of Bird Song Trail, or just settle on the banks of the many ponds and lookout points. Experience this peaceful place and its inhabitants, which are indeed a local treasure. Mendon Ponds Park is located on Douglas Road in Honeoye Falls. For more information on the park call 753-PARK or visit monroecounty.gov/parks-mendonponds.php. - EF

Tuesday, August 31

RECREATION: We don't live close enough to the ocean to spend our summer days seaside, but you can experience the next the best thing near Bristol Mountain in Canandaigua. Roseland Water Park features a 27,000-sq.-ft. ocean simulator. Six different wave patterns crash five feet high. If waves aren't your thing you can cool down in the Splash Factory, race down the Speed Slides, or float down the Adventure River. Beachside volleyball is also available at the marina free of charge. To celebrate its 10th season the park is hosting 80 free special events this summer, including a Young and Fit Forever demonstration, WOWEE Animal exhibit, and a family-friendly Renaissance Day. For more information on Roseland, including hours, admission, and directions, call 396-2000 or visit roselandwaterpark.com. -- ER