Rochester Public Market to host record breaking ROC the Block Community Employment Fair this July

Rochester, New York – Job seekers in Rochester will have an opportunity to connect with employers, workforce specialists, and community organizations as the 2026 ROC the Block Community Employment Fair returns this week with its biggest event to date.

The employment fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, at the Rochester Public Market, located at 280 N. Union St.

According to the City of Rochester, the event will feature 144 vendors, including businesses looking to hire and organizations offering valuable community services. Officials said this marks the largest ROC the Block event since the hiring initiative began six years ago.

Mayor Malik D. Evans encouraged residents looking for employment to take advantage of the resources available during the event.

“Opportunity is out there, and we’re here to help you find it at our ROC the Block Employment Fairs,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Meet employers, get help with your résumé and applications, or learn about supportive services from housing to childcare that you may need to be able to work. We’ve created a true one-stop-shop for jobseekers.”

Employers and community resources available in one location

ROC the Block was created as a community-focused hiring initiative that brings employers and recruiters into neighborhoods across Rochester during the summer and early fall. The events are designed in a welcoming, block-party atmosphere where residents can learn about job openings while connecting with organizations that provide additional support.

This year’s Public Market event will include employers from a wide range of industries. Registered participants include the Regional Transit Service (RTS), Spectrum, Trillium Health, Qualitrol, American Medical Response (AMR), along with many other employers seeking new workers.

The City of Rochester will also have its Workforce Development Mobile Unit on-site. The mobile unit will provide free Wi-Fi access and laptops, allowing attendees to update their résumés, complete online job applications, and prepare materials while meeting with employers.

City officials hope the combination of hiring opportunities and workforce assistance will make it easier for residents to begin or continue their job search in one convenient location.

Additional ROC the Block Community Employment Fairs are already scheduled later this year. The next events will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 19 at the Salvation Army, located at 100 West Ave., and on Sept. 23 at Parcel 5, located at 285 E. Main St.

Organizations and employers interested in participating in future ROC the Block events are encouraged to contact the City of Rochester by email to learn more about joining upcoming employment fairs.