Roc the Riverway Weekend

A Celebration of the Genesee

Friday, October 4th - Sunday, October 6th

Learn More



Roc the Riverway Weekend is a celebration of the Genesee River and the ambitious initiative to transform the river corridor that began in 2018. This year’s Roc the Riverway Weekend will feature activities up and down the Genesee River from Lake Ontario to Genesee Valley Park. Hikes, bike rides, paddles, tours and more all focused on introducing folks to the beauty and history of our City and its waterways. The weekend will also highlight progress on the myriad of Roc the Riverway capital improvements and the efforts towards establishing a new State Park at High Falls. Visit the official website to plan your Genesee River experience!

 

Historic High Falls Walking Tour

Explore History

Saturday, October 5th

1 PM - 2 PM

State and Commercial Street



Join Dan Cody for a 1-mile walking tour of the historic High Falls/Brown's Race district. Explore one of the city's oldest areas and learn how early settlers harnessed the power of the mighty Genesee River to run the mills and factories that created the Flour City and put Rochester on the map as an American boomtown. Meet at the corner of State Street and Commercial Street. This event is presented by the RPL's Local History & Genealogy Division as part of the City of Rochester's Roc the Riverway weekend. 


Parking: High Falls Garage

 

Latin Dance Celebration

at The Central Library

Saturday, October 5th

3 PM - 4 PM

Kate Gleason Auditorium, Central Library


Grupo Cultural invites you to experience the rhythm, passion, and energy of Latin America at their Latin Dance Celebration! This family-friendly event is a joyous celebration of the rich dance traditions from across Latin America, featuring stunning performances in traditional dress, bilingual songs, and music that will make you want to dance. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to enjoy some lively entertainment, this celebration is for all ages and backgrounds. Bring your friends, family, and get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Latin America! 


Parking: Central Library Parking Info

 

Spooky Season

at The Little Theatre

All October 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! From classic horror to modern family-friendly fare, international frights to 90s-witchy-vibes, join The Little to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, here in the house of silent shadows!


Parking: Little Theatre Parking Info

 

Young Frankenstein

at Geva Theatre Center

Through Sunday, October 27th

Geva Theatre


Mel Brooks’ comedic genius meets black and white horror movies in this electrifying musical comedy! When Dr. Frederick Frankenstein inherits his infamous grandfather’s estate in Transylvania, little does he think he’ll be pulled into the family business – until he finds himself exclaiming “It’s alive!” as he creates a monster to rival his grandfather’s. This wildly inventive new production brings the hilarious antics of the screen sensation to life.


Parking: Geva Theatre Parking Info

 

Paint & Sip

at Red White and Brew Rochester

Thursday, October 3rd

7 PM - 9 PM

Red White and Brew


Enjoy an evening activity with Roc Paint and Sip! Roc Paint and Sip's instructor walks you through creating “Sugar Skull” paintings. This activity is all about the fun, giving you time to chat, drink, and paint. You'll get set up at 7pm with your canvas and paint. There will be time for you to order your beverage and any extra snacks, and you'll finish your new masterpiece by 9pm.


Parking: Red White and Brew Parking Info

 

Live Music Sunset Cruises

On Riverie

Every Friday in October

Boards at 5:30 PM

Corn Hill Landing



Enjoy live music from local artists while you cruise on the Genesee River. Take in stunning views of Rochester’s skyline and fall foliage along the Genesee as the sun sets. Each weekly cruise features a different live musical act. Grab a beverage, sit back, and enjoy the ride!


Parking: Corn Hill Landing, On-Street

 

Roc Artists Open Market

at Innovation Square

Every Sunday through October 20th

10 AM - 4 PM

Innovation Square



Roc Artists Open Market continues at Innovation Square every Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. An open-air market where creatives and entrepreneurs come together with community, Roc Artists Open Market features food, performances, and boutique shopping in the heart of downtown Rochester! 


Parking: Roc Artists Open Market Parking Information

 

Fashion Week of Rochester

at The Rochester Riverside Convention Center

October 24th - October 26th

6 PM Nightly

Rochester Riverside Convention Center



Get ready to be dazzled by the latest trends and designs at this year's Fashion Week of Rochester. This year Fashion Week celebrates its return to the heart of downtown Rochester. Come and be a part of the fashion elite at Fashion Week of Rochester: City Lights. Don't miss out on three unforgettable evenings of style! Proceeds benefit The Center for Youth.


Parking: Convention Center Parking Info

 

Community Trick-or-Treat

at The Central Library

Saturday, October 26th

1 PM - 4 PM

Central Library Children's Center



Get Ready for a Spooktacular Trick-or-Treat Event at the Central Library! This event is the perfect way for families to celebrate the season with a variety of activities, treats, and surprises around every corner. Explore the library and enjoy a magic show, pumpkin patch, crafts, and other interactive activities. This event is open to all ages and costumes are not required.


Parking: Central Library Parking Info

 

The Lucky Flea

at The Grove

Every Sunday through October 27th

10 AM - 4 PM

The Grove



A staple weekend destination for locals and visitors alike, The Lucky Flea is an open-air vintage market located 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. The Lucky Flea runs every Sunday in The Grove through October 27th, from 10AM to 4PM.


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

 

Sunday Football Block Party

in The East End

Sunday October 27th

12 PM Start, 4:05 PM Bills Game

East and Alexander



Get ready, Rochester! Sunday Football Block Party is bigger than ever! Head to the East End on October 27th at Noon for a day of football, music, food, merch, and fun. Cheer on the Buffalo Bills as they take on the Seattle Seahawks on two massive outdoor TV WALLS surrounded by fellow fans. Plus, event proceeds support local non-profits, so you’ll be making a positive impact while having a blast. $1 for every ticket sold will be donated to Wilmot cancer institute, with Tito’s handmade vodka matching the donation! 1:00 PM games will be shown, so come early and join for the pre-game! Bills game will start at 4:05 PM and will be featured outdoors as well as all supporting venues. You will be able to re-enter to allow you to support other venues outside of the event!


Parking: East End Garage, On-Street (Free on Weekends)

 

The Official Halloween Bar Crawl

at Twisted Tap

Saturday, October 26th

4 PM

Twisted Tap



Join the Official Halloween Bar Crawl downtown for a thrilling night of fun and frights! Dress up in your best costume and explore multiple participating bars with exclusive drink specials, costume contests, and more. Don't miss out on this spooktacular celebration of Halloween!


Parking: East End Garage, On-Street (Free on Weekends)

 

More Events This October

Around Downtown

First Friday: Various Downtown Locations

October 4th


Tuesday Pipes: Christ Church

Every Tuesday


Rochester Street Films: The Sprawl Effect

October 8th


Trivia with Geeks Who Drink: Dice Versa

Every Tuesday


Weekly Karaoke: Temple Bar and Grille

Every Thursday


Musical Performances: Eastman Theatre

Various Dates


Musical Performances: The Hochstein School

Various Dates


August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned: Geva Theatre

Opens October 15th

 

Four Corners DRI Planning Survey

Please complete a short survey regarding the Four Corners neighborhood of downtown and share what you see as the area's strengths, opportunities, and challenges. The City of Rochester is applying for a $10 million grant from New York State to help improve Four Corners. Your responses will help to create a proposal that is community informed. Please respond by October 10th, 2024 at 11:59 PM.


Click here for more project information.

 

LGBTQIA+ Housing Survey

Please complete this short survey from the Office of Assemblymember Harry Bronson and the City of Rochester to assess the housing needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals in our community.

 

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