The Rochester Opera House is stepping up to ensure the continuation of Free Comic Book Day in downtown Rochester, preserving a beloved community tradition and economic driver for local businesses.

Jetpack Comics & Games recently announced that the 2024 Free Comic Book Day would be the last event they host downtown after 18 years. In response, Ralph DiBernardo, owner of Jetpack Comics, and Anthony Ejarque, Executive Producer of the Rochester Opera House, began discussing how the event could transition to a new home. The Opera House, known for its successful community events such as PorchFest, decided to take the lead.

Jenry Towle, Director of Education and Associate Artistic Director of the Opera House, will oversee the weekend-long celebration. “We are thrilled that the Opera House can keep this tradition alive in downtown Rochester! I look forward to continuing to partner with so many businesses, artists, and local organizations,” Towle said. “Having Ralph’s vast wealth of knowledge as a resource, alongside the support of Anthony and our Board, makes me even more excited to ‘nerd out’ this spring.”

Free Comic Book Day will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, as part of a nationwide celebration, offering free comics to visitors at participating comic shops. The downtown Rochester event, originally started by DiBernardo, has grown into a citywide celebration featuring multiple comic locations, discounts at businesses, a costume contest, and an artist alley. The Opera House plans to expand the festivities with live entertainment and partnerships with educational organizations to promote literacy and visual arts through the comic medium.

Reflecting on the transition, DiBernardo said, “Director Anthony Ejarque and his team continually bring new and refreshed culture to the City of Rochester. I am excited and honored to have Rochester’s premier entertainment and arts organization take the reins for the world’s largest Free Comic Book Day event.”

The Rochester Opera House will soon be seeking sponsors, vendors, artists, and volunteers for the event. More information about how to participate will be available on the Opera House website.

The Rochester Opera House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to educate, engage, empower, challenge, and inspire a community of all ages by presenting extraordinary and culturally diverse theatre, performance art, music, dance, and film on the city’s foremost performing arts stage.

For more information, visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com.