What's Happening in Downtown Rochester this October!

Spooky Season
at The Little Theatre

All Month Long

The Little Theatre


From crypts to cryptids, ghouls to ghastly gargoyles, The Little’s Spooky Season is here to fill your October with harrowing, haunting films and events! Join them to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, in the house of silent shadows!


Parking at The Little

The Play That Goes Wrong
at Geva Theatre

Through October 12th

Geva Theatre


A long-running commercial success on the West End and Broadway comes to Geva! There’s an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that won’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines)—and that’s only the first act. It’s nothing you want in a show—and everything you want in a comedy!


Parking at Geva Theatre

Sip and Shop
at The Daily Refresher

Thursday, October 2nd

5 PM - 8 PM

The Daily Refresher


The ultimate sip and shop! Join Second Look Boutique at The Daily Refresher for a sip and shop with specialty themed drinks, bites, and live music by Rozlyn. You can shop with beautiful views of the Rochester skyline as well on the outdoor patio!


Parking: Nearby Surface Lots, On-Street (Free after 6 PM)

Summer Breeze: Yacht Rock Classics

with the RPO

Fri. October 3rd - Sat. October 4th

7:30 PM

Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre


Set sail with your RPO on a musical journey where the smooth sounds of the ’70s and ’80s come to life in a unique orchestral experience. At the helm: “The Captain of Cool,” RPO Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik for a night of breezy, feel-good hits from the golden era of soft rock.


Parking at Eastman Theatre

Cider & Donut Cruises
aboard Riverie

Saturdays and Sundays in October

Corn Hill Navigation


Take in the beauty of autumn on the Genesee as you enjoy cider and donuts aboard Riverie for this 75-minute cruise. Cruises run select Saturdays and Sundays in October, book here.


Parking: Corn Hill Landing Lot, On-Street (Free Weekends)

ROC in the Ruins
at St. Joseph's Park

Saturday, October 4th
3 PM - 7 PM

St. Joesph's Park


ROC in the Ruins features live music, food, and activities for young and old alike. The historic church ruins at St. Joseph's Park will serve as the stage for musical performers from Rochester’s diverse communities—including an Americana ensemble, Latin fusion band and hip-hop artist. Plus, enjoy food trucks, games and fall crafts for attendees of all ages. Produced by Downtown ROCs, in partnership with The Local Sound Collaborative and RocGrowth. 


Parking: On-Street (Free Weekends), Nearby Garage Parking

Roc Artists Open Market

at Innovation Square

Every Sunday in October

10 AM - 4 PM

Innovation Square


Set against the backdrop of Rochester's vibrant culture, this market offers an eclectic mix of local music, captivating performances, dynamic dance showcases, and so much more. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out, there's something here for everyone to enjoy.


Parking at Innovation Square

The Lucky Flea

at The Grove

Every Sunday in October

10 AM - 4 PM

The Grove


The Lucky Flea is a weekly vintage market hosted within The Grove (266 E Broad Street) located right in the heart of downtown Rochester. The Flea is a space for local creatives, collectors and vintage curators to gather and sell while connecting with their local customers every week. 


Parking at The Lucky Flea

Sancocho Sunday

at Farmhouse Table Midtown

Sunday, October 5th

11 AM - 3 PM

Farmhouse Table Midtown


Farmhouse Table Midtown and the City of Rochester's Hispanic Heritage Committee wrap up their 4-part Hispanic Heritage Brunch Series with Sancocho Sunday with Chef La Flaca and free Salsa dance lessons with Suave Salero. Cast Members from Geva's upcoming play Sancocho will be on-site for a live preview. Brunch attendees can purchase discounted tickets to the show, opening October 14th.


Parking: Midtown Garage, On-Street (Free Weekends)

Fashion Week Rochester

at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center

Thur., October 9th - Sat., October 11th

7:30 PM

Riverside Convention Center


Fashion Week Rochester returns this fall for three nights of magic. Fashion Week Rochester launched in 2010 to engage the community in a three-day event that would spotlight local designers, boutiques, businesses and artists while shining a light on youth homelessness and raising funds to benefit The Center for Youth.


Parking: South Ave. Garage

Rochester Americans

at Blue Cross Arena

Home Opener - Friday, October 10th

Block Party: 4 PM, Game: 7:05 PM

Blue Cross Arena


The Rochester Americans are back to heat up the ice this fall! Catch the home opener Friday, October 10th as they take on the Toronto Marlies at Blue Cross Arena. Get there early for a block party on Broad Street starting at 4 PM!


Parking at Blue Cross Arena

The Commissary Presents: Taste & See

Celebrating Five Years

Friday, October 10th

6 - 9 PM

The Commissary


Join The Commissary for Taste & See: a milestone fundraising event, commemorating five incredible years of empowering food and beverage entrepreneurs at Rochester’s first shared commercial kitchen and food business incubator. Meet 20+ local start-up entrepreneurs, experience a wide variety of their delicious culinary creations, tour the kitchen, experience live demos, sip libations and hear from renowned NYC chef and restaurateur, Melba Wilson, owner of Melba’s Restaurant.


Parking: St. Joseph's Garage

Battle of the Blind Tastings Round III
at Unwine'd

Friday, October 10th

6 PM - 8 PM

Unwine'd


5 Rounds. 15 Wines. 3 Contenders. 1 Champion! Wax on, wine off… and get ready to sip your way through the ultimate blind tasting showdown! Courtney from Angels’ Share Wines is defending her crown — but can Sonya or Eric take her down? Taste, vote, and decide who wins this 5-round wine battle.


Parking: Midtown Garage, On-Street Parking (Free Weekends)

Gateways Fall Festival
at The Eastman School of Music

Mon., October 13th - Thur. October 16

Eastman School of Music


The 2025 Gateways Fall Festival brings the soul of Black classical artistry back to Rochester, NY for intimate concerts, bold collaborations, and joyful connection. Experience Terence Blanchard’s unforgettable film scores, performed live with the Gateways Festival Orchestra. Feel the power of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Nonet in the hands of all-star chamber players. Be moved by pianist David Berry’s solo recital tracing the legacy of spirituals. Cheer on the next generation at the Young Musicians Institute.


Parking at The Eastman Theatre

Soundtrax Film Music Festival
Presented by Eastman School of Music at The University of Rochester

Thur., October 16th - Sat., October 18th

Eastman School of Music


Rochester, the birthplace of motion picture film and home to the renowned Eastman School of Music, will host the inaugural Soundtrax Film Music Festival. Presented by Eastman at the University of Rochester, the festival will feature concerts, conversations, and special events exploring how music and sound elevate storytelling and visual experiences.


Parking at The Eastman Theatre

Ria's Wine Dinner

at The Inn on Broadway

Wednesday, October 22nd
6:30 PM - 9 PM

The Inn on Broadway


Join The Inn on Broadway and the winemaker of Ria's Wines for a harvest inspired wine dinner. Experience this five-course pairing at the grand table in the ballroom, a communal setting designed to spark connection and savor every moment.


Parking: Inn on Broadway Valet

Candelight: Halloween Classics

at The Temple Theater

Thursday, October 23rd

7 PM - 8 PM

The Temple Theater


Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Rochester. Get your tickets now to discover music inspired by Halloween at Temple Theater under the gentle glow of candlelight.


Parking: Street Parking (Free after 6 PM), St. Joe's Garage

Halloween Silent Disco

at Montage Music Hall

Friday, October 24th

9 PM - 1 AM

Montage Music Hall


Are you ready for a Halloween experience like no other? Join Montage Music Hall for a Silent Disco that will have you dancing the night away with all the ghosts and goblins on the dance floor. Choose between three channels playing several genres, all while enjoying yummy drinks and spooky atmosphere. 


OrKIDStra: Monster Melodies

at the Hochstein Performance Hall

Sunday, October 26th

2 PM

Hochstein Performance Hall


With Halloween just around the corner, get ready for a spooktacular time with your RPO! Join them for a fang-tastic musical adventure that will have your little ghouls and goblins dancing in their seats. Costumes are strongly encouraged—even your RPO musicians dress up! Pre-concert activities begin one hour before showtime.


Parking at The Hochstein School

The Official Halloween Bar Crawl

in the East End

Fri. October 31st - Nov. 1st

4 PM - 'Til Late
Temple Bar and Grille


Get ready to celebrate Halloween like never before! On October 31st and November 1st, join in for a spooktacular TWO-DAY bar crawl featuring creepy cocktails, outrageous costumes, and an electrifying atmosphere.

Cut Me Up Genny Halloween

at The Daily Refresher

Friday, October 31st

7 PM - 'Til Late

The Daily Refresher


Cut Me Up Genny is back from the grave to haunt The Daily Refresher once again! Think eyeliner, scream-along anthems, and ghosts of every emo phase you thought you buried. Costumes encouraged - be there or forever regret it.

MONSTER BASH: Musical Masquerade

at Anthology

Friday, October 31st

7 PM - 'Til Late

Anthology


Join the annual "bands as other bands" Halloween show at Anthology! Get your tickets now and support your favorite local bands AS your favorite bands. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the action!

More Events This October

10/4 - Walk to End Alzheimer's
Innovative Field


10/4 - Building and Illustrating the Rochester Aqueduct: Central Library
Central Library


10/5 - Sensory-Friendly Concert
Hochstein Performance Hall


Weekly - Football Sundays at Temple
Temple Bar & Grille


10/14 - 11/23 - Sancocho
Geva Theatre


10/17 - Mass in Blue: Rochester Oratorio Society
The Hochstein School


10/18 - Walk With Willow
45 Exchange Blvd.


10/19 - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Innovative Field


10/20 - 10/23 - SPIE Optifab Conference
Rochester Riverside Convention Center


10/24 - Play Ball 2025
The Strong National Museum of Play


10/26 - Voices of Broadway: Nicole Henry
Geva Theatre


10/31 - JUICE BOX: Hallowqueen
Water Street Music Hall


10/31 - Retroween: Old School Halloween Party
Montage Music Hall

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