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.

Thursday, July 1

MUSIC: Are you one of Rochester's edgy young tastemakers? I know I am, and that's why I'm so often found at the Bug Jar's Thursday Night Shakedown. There's a lot of bars on hallowed Monroe Avenue, and they tend to blur together easily. However, the Bug Jar's Thursday-night shindig stands as a genuinely hip institution. Rochester's most urbane girls and boys congregate, drink, and bask in each other's glowing presences while DJs spin danceable indie jams. I'm totally over the whole dancing thing, but you can feel free to get down. The Shakedown takes place every Thursday at 11 p.m., and it's free for those over 21. If you're underage (but still 18+), $8 is the modest entry fee. The Bug Jar is located at 219 Monroe Ave. For more information, and for a schedule of all the venue's many upcoming concerts, visit bugjar.com. - JB

Friday, July 2

RECREATION: Start making a list of the Top 10 people you love to hate and invite them to a different sort of party -- the kind where you suit up with goggles and armor and paint-splat all of your pent-up aggression out on each other. At N'Vasion Paintball on University Avenue there will be plenty of spills and thrills as you divide into teams and face off in the 14,000-square-foot padded playing field. The venue is open for play Fridays-Sundays, but you can make a reservation anytime 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All the equipment you need is available for rental. Open play for individuals is also available. For more information call 473-7529 or visit nvp-proshop.com. -- EF

Saturday, July 3

THEATER: Get in the patriotic spirit by taking in "Red, White, and Tuna" at Bristol Valley Theater in Naples. The third installment of the so-called "Tuna trilogy" once again turns its gaze on the small, bizarre town of Tuna, Texas, which is stocked with zany characters and even nuttier situations, like beauty-queen rivalries, UFO sightings, and road-kill sculptures. The show runs June 24-July 4 (today's showing is at 8 p.m.), and tickets run $10-$30. It's just one of BVT's summer shows. The rest of the season includes Cole Porter's "Let's Misbehave," "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," "Boeing Boeing," "Murderers," and "Treasure Island." For more information and a full schedule visit bvtnaples.org. --ER

Sunday, July 4

SPECIAL EVENT: Celebrate July 4 a little differently this year by taking a step back in time and attending Independence Day: A Celebration Across Time at the Genesee Country Village and Museum in Mumford. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. you can partake in some rowdy, really old-fashioned fun by competing in pie-eating contests, tugs of war, watermelon seed-spitting, sack races, and egg tosses. Meanwhile you'll also learn how Americans celebrated July 4 over the years, specifically in 1826, 1876, and 1926. Admission to the event costs $12-$15, children under 3 attend free. For more details on this and GCVM's other summer special events visit gcv.org. -JH

Monday, July 5

RECREATION: In addition to all of the elephants, tigers, penguins, and more that routinely call it home, two gorgeous snow leopards have taken up residence in the Seneca Park Zoo. They are part of the zoo's Species Survival Plan, as a mere 7000 of their kind are estimated to exist in the wild worldwide. Red-Eye the alligator returns this summer, along with two more reptilian friends from St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park in Florida. There's lots to see and do this summer at the zoo, which is open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 2222 St. Paul St. Admission costs $6-$9. For more information on the zoo and its many programs call 336-7200 or visit senecaparkzoo.org. -EF

Tuesday, July 6

THEATER: If you like karaoke, if you like "Sex and the City," if you like grabbing your girlfriends and going out for a drunken night on the town to bitch about the horrible men in your lives, then Geva Theatre has the summer show for you. "Girls Night: The Musical" is pretty much exactly what it says it is: five friends have a night of debauchery and let out their pent-up frustration over their past, present, and future to the tune of female-empowering radio staples like "I Will Survive," "It's Raining Men," and more. Audience participation is highly encouraged. "Girls Night" runs on the Geva main stage July 6-August 1. Tickets cost $42-48. For more information or for a full schedule of performances call 232-GEVA or visit gevatheatre.org. -ER

Wednesday, July 7

THEATER: "Much Ado About Nothing" is a quintessential Shakespearean comedy. The action is fueled mostly by mistaken identities and misunderstandings, and some plot twists that make almost no sense to modern audiences. But it's all charming, and as always, the language is brilliant. The Shakespeare Players of Rochester (a wing of the Rochester Community Players) bring the classic tale of love and hate to the Highland Bowl (off South Avenue) July 2-17 for the annual Shakespeare in the Park performance. We recommend bringing lawn chairs, plenty of bug spray, and a sumptuous feast fit for Don Pedro himself and kicking back for a night of outdoor entertainment. Best of all: it's totally free. For a full schedule of performances and more information on RCP or the Shakespeare Players visit rochestercommunityplayers.org. -ER

Thursday, July 8

MUSIC: "Young@Heart" is an endearing, entertaining 2008 documentary about New England's Young@Heart Chorus, a group of senior citizens who have found a second life performing pop songs by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Sonic Youth, The Ramones, and other out-of-left-field choices. If you liked the movie, here's your chance to see the real thing. The chorus is coming to Rochester for a concert titled "Alive & Well," full of the talent, daring song choices, and self-effacing humor featured in the film. Catch Y@H kicking out the jams at the Auditorium Theatre (885 E Main St) tonight at 7:30 p.m. as a fundraiser for Geva Theatre. Ticket prices for the show run $33-$53. For more information call 232-4382 or visit gevatheatre.org. -JB

Friday, July 9

DANCE: Don't know how to dance? It's OK. Watch the experts strut their stuff and learn for yourself at Groove Juice Swing's Dance and Movie Night. The event begins at 7 p.m. with an introductory swing-dance lesson and practice session. Once you're done trying to teach your two left feet how to swing, be ready to see some even fancier footwork during a presentation of vintage dance clips once shown on the silver screen. The clips showcase the talents of legendary swing dancers doing the Lindy Hop at a time when dance halls could span upwards of two city blocks.  Afterward, you'll be inspired -- and ready -- to dance to the sweet and hot rhythms of bands like Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. It may not be live, but the DJ spinning them will keep you dancing all night long. The event runs until 11 p.m. and costs $5. Groove Juice Swing holds monthly dances at Tango Café Dance Studio on Gregory Street. For more information visit groovejuiceswing.com. -JH

Saturday, July 10

RECREATION: Spend an afternoon exploring the great outdoors with your family by checking out "Tales & Trails" at Ganondagan, starting at 1:30 p.m. The event is part of the "Savor the Summer" outdoor recreation series that combines healthy, outdoor activities with Native-American lore. Children and parents alike will enjoy this adventure, which includes walking Ganondagan's easiest trail and hearing tales of our four-legged and winged friends from interpreter and storyteller Ronnie Reitter. All of the "Savor the Summer" programming will take place at Ganondagan State Historic Site, 1488 State Route 444, Victor. Costs for non-members are $5 for individuals or $15 for families. For full program descriptions and to guarantee your spot by pre-registering, visit ganondagan.org. -JH

Sunday, July 11

FESTIVAL: Small artist movements are springing up all over the area lately. Arts & crafts trade parties are hosted in people's homes. Non-traditional galleries are now new music venues. There's even a local noodle shop where you can sample local bands while you eat. Back in 1968, a group of resident artists hoped to save the historic Corn Hill neighborhood then threatened by the Urban Renewal Program. These days the Corn Hill Arts Festival has grown into a massive summertime staple, featuring countless quality artisans showcasing their work, and even an emerging artists expo. As you stroll up and down the streets of historic Corn Hill, snacking on your sack of kettle corn, be sure to marvel in the power of a precious few, and reflect on how art has made a positive change in the neighborhood. The Corn Hill festival runs July 10-11, and admission is free. For more information visit cornhillartsfestival.com. -EF

Monday, July 12

DANCE: A thrilling new weeklong festival will take place at Nazareth College July 10-17. The inaugural Nazareth College Arts Center Dance Festival will feature main stage performances in Callahan Theater from various internationally renowned companies, including STREB Extreme Action Company and Inlet Dance Theatre. Also included are free performances from local dance groups on an outdoor stage at Naz's beautiful campus, busking (street musician) performance parades throughout Rochester and Monroe County, and dance films and exhibitions. On Monday, July 12, featured events include performances by the Elizabeth Clark Dance Ensemble, Park Avenue Dance Company, Bharata Classical Indian Dance, and Borinquen Dance Theatre. Show times and ticket prices vary. For more info, call 389-2525 or visit naz.edu/artscenter. -RR

Tuesday, July 13

SPECIAL EVENT: Last summer, my man-friend informed me that Ontario Beach Park holds free weekly screenings of various films during July and August. I giggled at the genius of showing "Jaws" as part of its Movies on the Beach series, but while watching, I found myself stealing (foolishly) nervous glances at the dark waters beyond the screen. At least they didn't position us watching with the lake behind us! This year, "Jaws" will be shown July 13 at dusk. "Here's to swimmin' with bowlegged women!" For the full listing of films screened on the beach and at the Highland Bowl throughout the summer, visit monroecounty.gov. - RR

Wednesday, July 14

MUSIC: The Invictas were arguably Rochester's premier garage rock goons back in the 60's, and they're still playing rock ‘n' roll for adoring fans. The band no longer travels around in a black Cadillac hearse like it used to, but its members still crank out tunes like their hit dance song "The Hump." Yes, ladies and gentlemen, "The Hump." It's as great as it sounds. The Invictas will be performing as part of the Wegmans Concerts by the Shore series at Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte, an upbeat musical series with cheap food and a celebratory atmosphere every Wednesdays through August 25.  The concerts are free and begin at 7 p.m. For more information or for a complete schedule of this year's bands, call 256-4951 or visit charlottecca.org. -JB

Thursday, July 15

FESTIVAL: From Wednesday, July 14, to Sunday, July 18, the Monroe Country Fair will fill the fairgrounds in Henrietta with so many events, unique foods, shows, and rides that no attendee could possibly run out of things to do. Just to highlight the variety, consider that there will be pie-baking and poster-making competitions, school bus battle derbies, carnival rides, and enough arts and crafts vendors to fulfill the flea-market shopper in all of us. For a full list of all the events, contest eligibilities, directions, and ticket pricing, visit mcfair.com. -NS

Friday, July 16

MUSIC: Watkins and the Rapiers, a local bland that plays Americana and folk music, will be the stars of this week's installment of the 14 Fridays series at the Village Gate, hosted by the Bop Shop. On every Friday this summer get up and bust a move on the dance floor, or sit back and enjoy the tunes while eating at one of the Village Gate's many restaurants with outdoor seating. Be sure to come early and check out some of the specialty retail shops inside, which include jewelry stores, antiques, vintage clothing, collectibles, and art galleries. The concerts run 6-8 p.m. at 274 N. Goodman St. and are always free. For a full line-up or for more information check bopshop.com. -JH

Saturday, July 17

The air will be thick with glitter and the muscle shirts will abound as Rochester Pride 2010 brings the local gay community out in full force. At press time details about the annual celebration of all things LGBT were scant, but the Gay Alliance is reporting that events will run July 10-18, with major events taking place July 16-18, like the always-fabulous parade, which brings out every facet of the gay community, from drag queens to leather daddies to go-go boys to church and youth groups to politicians, community leaders, and business owners. European dance-hall diva Amber will be the headliner of this year's festival. For more information on Pride check gayalliance.org or pick up a copy of The Empty Closet. -ER

Sunday, July 18

MUSIC: BoulderFest is an annual summer music festival sponsored by and held at South Wedge coffee shop Boulder Coffee. Boulder is an earthy, welcoming establishment, and BoulderFest extends that atmosphere to a weekend-long concert setting. This year Ithaca reggae favorites John Brown's Body will be performing alongside other upstate musicians like songwriter Josh Netsky, jam band perennials The Buddhahood, and eclectic world music group One World Tribe. Those are just a few of the acts that will be appearing, with a variety of different genres dotting the schedule. The festival runs Friday, July 16-Sunday, July 18 at Boulder's Alexander Street location. A complete schedule and other details can be found at festival.bouldercoffeeco.com. -JB

Monday, July 19

SPECIAL EVENT: You probably think you're pretty smart, don't you? Why don't you put your knowledge of useless facts to good use at trivia night at one of the local bars. There are several well known games about town, including at The Old Toad (Mondays at 9:30 p.m. at 277 Alexander St, theoldtoad.com). But I can often be found at the more low-key affair at 140 Alex Bar & Grill (Mondays at 9 p.m. at 140 Alexander St, 140alex.com), a primarily, but not exclusively, gay hangout. The trivia games are largely informal - you can play in teams of one to eight people - and the subjects range from obscure pop-culture trivia to animal facts to British tourism spots. It's free to play, and the winning team gets drink chips or cheap swag from booze companies, and the most important thing: bragging rights. For more information call 256-1000. --ER

Tuesday, July 20

RANDOM: Summertime is the best time of year to support your local farms. Many are only a short drive away, and you can pick your own fruits and veggies. With two locations in both Greece and Hilton, Green Acre Farms offers a wide variety to choose from. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines, prunes, and 22 varieties of apples are available at various points throughout the summer and into the fall. When the consumer becomes a part of the harvesting process everyone benefits from a sweet deal. For more information on Green Acres call 234-0252 or visit greenacreupick.com. --EF

Wednesday, July 21

MUSIC: Plan to be in downtown Rochester July 17-24 to experience MusicFest's new five-night, multi-venue format, where you can hear live gospel, Motown, and this Wednesday's "Sax in the City" smooth jazz show at the Riverside Festival Site located at Court Street and Exchange Boulevard. Show time is at 7 p.m., and admission is $25-$35. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and a limited number are available at Mad Flavors Clothing, 185 Lyell Ave. There are lots of changes to the MusicFest set-up this year, so for a full schedule and details head to cityofrochester.gov. -JH

Thursday, July 22

ART: Perhaps you attend the major exhibitions at the Memorial Art Gallery, but are unfamiliar with the nearly 11,000 works of art in the permanent collection. This summer, travel through the museum and back in time with three newly renovated galleries that opened to the public late last year. On the first floor you'll encounter the arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Journey upstairs to the Helen H. Berkeley Gallery of Ancient Art, filled with art objects and artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. "At the Crossroads" showcases works from the ancient Middle East and the Islamic world, and includes pieces never before on view. And don't overlook the loads of Asian, European, and contemporary art, too. The MAG is located at 500 University Ave. Gallery admission costs $5-$10. Hours are Wednesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays until 9 p.m. For more info, call 276-8900 or visit mag.rochester.edu. -- RR

Friday, July 23

MUSIC: In the second half of 2009, The Flaming Lips released their double album "Embryonic" and remade Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon." For a group that will be celebrating its 27th birthday this year, that's quite the feat. To further prove that the band is not slowing down anytime soon, these Oklahoma experimental rockers are hitting seemingly every spot up and down the United States this summer, which includes the CMAC in Canandaigua for a show on July 23, with blues-rock duo the Black Keys as special guest. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show run $37. This is just one of the huge concerts taking place at CMAC this summer; others include Phish (June 29), Weezer (July 11), Willie Nelson (July 29), and Maroon 5 (August 7). For more information and tickers, visit cmacevents.com. -- NS

Saturday, July 24

FESTIVAL: What do 10 ugly men do when they get together? Throw a festival, apparently. The 10 Ugly Men Festival turns 21 this year and is celebrating, as usual, with huge party and donating all proceeds to Rochester charities. A general admission ticket costs $30 in advance and includes an "ugly mug," unlimited soda, water, and food, and five tickets for beer and wine. Or, go VIP for $125 and get access to the VIP tent, unlimited drinks, and a specialty drink, lunch and dinner menu. While you're there, prove your manliness by participating in the kickball, bocce, dodgeball, KanJam, and volleyball tournaments, or the 5K race. Ages 13-20 can attend for $10, and kids 12 and under are free. The festival takes place at Genesee Valley Park. For more information go to tenuglymen.com.  -JH

Sunday, July 25

FESTIVAL: Canandaigua Lake is one of the most beautiful sights in upstate New York, especially in the summer, with cool breezes and beautiful sunshine to be had. The Waterfront Art Festival is a perfect opportunity to spend some time on its shores, and to check out some local arts & crafts by approximately 180 exhibitors. The event runs July 24-25 at Kershaw Park on Lake Shore drive, in Canandaigua. For more information, visit waterfrontartfestival.com. --JB

Monday, July 26

KIDS: Blow off work today and take the family to the Strong National Museum of Play, a consistent hit with both young and old Rochester residents. In between letting the kids run while in the "Sesame Street" exhibit, the simulated Wegmans experience, and the butterfly conservatory, have some fun for yourself by touring through the massive number of display cases housing antique toys, or get into a fierce "Dance Dance Revolution" battle in the "Fields of Play" room. There's honestly almost too much to do in a day, including this summer's special exhibit, the puzzling "Mindbender Mansion." The National Museum of Play is open daily, and admission costs $9-$11. For more information visit museumofplay.org. --ER

Tuesday, July 27

MUSIC: If you missed the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival earlier this summer, or just want to keep your love of the genre alive well into the year, the Penfield Amphitheater hosts its Cool Jazz Tuesday Series for four weeks straight starting July 13. Rochester native Gap Mangione, just one of four artists in the series, will hit the stage on July 27 to perform with his New Blues Band quartet. Like all of the Penfield Amphitheater events, this one is free and open to the public. For more information on Cool Jazz Tuesdays and a complete list of events at the Penfield Amphitheater this summer, visit penfield.org. --NS

Wednesday, July 28

MUSIC: Steve Earle is considered one of the best roots rock musicians in America, and Hot Tuna has been playing blues and rock and roll since the 60's. The two acts converge tonight for a concert at Water Street Music Hall. This summer the music hall offers some of the best local, national, and international acts in an eclectic space. Other acts include Minus the Bear (July 5), Steve Hackett (July 2), Project Pitchfork (June 22), and Interpol (June 21). The Earle/Hot Tuna show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets cost $30-$35. For more information visit waterstreetmusic.com. -JH

Thursday, July 29

MUSIC: If you only see one show in the 2010 Party in the Park series, make it this one. Court Yard Hounds - the new band featuring Emily Robison and Martie Maguire from the Dixie Chicks - is something of a coup for the local concert series. The band may be new, but this side project features the gorgeous harmonies and serious musical chops the sisters perfected in years as members of the Chicks. It should be a fantastic show. Other notable PitP dates this year include Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad (July 1), Galactic w/Cyril Neville (August 5), and Dark Star Orchestra (August 12), although the series puts on a show every Thursday 5-10 p.m. at the Riverside Festival Site, corner of Exchange Boulevard and Court Street. All shows free. For more information check cityofrochester.gov. --ER

Friday, July 30

MUSIC: Following their Grammy-nominated 2008 release "Only by the Night," the Kings of Leon are undoubtedly one of the biggest names in modern rock right now. If you're a die-hard fan, you don't need me to tell you they're coming to Darien Lake on July 30. But if you've ever given them a listen and like their unique mix of Southern rock and pop, admission is relatively low ($36.50 for general) and they put on a phenomenal live performance. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and the opening acts are Built to Spill and The Still. It's just one of the big shows coming to the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center this summer. Other big acts include Tim McGraw w/Lady Antebellum (August 6), KISS (August 13), Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (August 28), and  John Mayer (August 10). Visit livenation.com for more details. --NS

Saturday, July 31

SPECIAL EVENT: Is your knowledge of Rochester's history and lore lacking? We know all about George Eastman, but who was Rattlesnake Pete? Bring the family down to the river for the free High Falls Laser Show. It's especially important to show your love for this event, since funding is flagging. The show can be viewed from the Pont De Rennes pedestrian bridge (off State Street) in High Falls 10-10:30 p.m., rain or shine, every Saturday through the summer. Enjoy spectacular laser animation projected on the gorge wall, fireworks, and music (including a song by local ukulele star Julia Nunes). For more info, call 428-5990 or visit cityofrochester.gov. -RR