Step back in time as you cruise along the historic Erie Canal. Live narration brings to life the bold vision that transformed a hare-brained idea into an engineering marvel that opened the American West. Travel through a working lock, soak in the scenery, and relax as history unfolds around you.

Thursday, October 15 - Saturday, October 17, 2026: Seneca Park Zoo's annual Halloween tradition is back - bigger and wilder than ever! We’ll have creepy crawly Ambassador Animal meet & greets, Halloween crafts, spooky storytimes, games, pumpkin carving demonstrations, our bone graveyard, performances by our Buggie Boogie Band, and more! Come in costume, explore the zoo, and enjoy a family-friendly Halloween experience like never before.

Experience the power, passion, and unmistakable sound of the Queen of Soul as the RPO and powerhouse vocalist Sheléa bring the timeless music of Aretha Franklin to the stage.

Savor the lush landscapes of the Genesee River as you cruise south past the University of Rochester, through Genesee Valley Park, and onto the Erie Canal. As you relax on the water, live narration will reveal the stories of how these historic waterways shaped our community. Your journey ends with a spectacular view of Rochester’s skyline as you’ve never seen it. Lunch is optional.

Enjoy a cruise narrated live by our Captain with live instrumental music departing from Fairport 8-miles to Lock E32 in Pittsford, then experience locking up and down approximately 25 feet while our Captain explains the process, next enjoy great live instrumental music AND vocals too as we cruise 8-miles back to Fairport. These cruise also offer fantastic LIVE MUSIC performed by talented local musicians with a different solo/duo/trio performing each week.

Families interested in a new learning environment for the 2026-27 academic year are invited to attend virtual information sessions to learn more about ASU Preparatory Academy.

See folk music icon John McCutcheon live on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at Greece Baptist Church in Rochester. A seven-time Grammy nominee, McCutcheon is celebrated as one of America's finest folk musicians, known for his extraordinary mastery of traditional instruments—including the hammer dulcimer—as well as his acclaimed songwriting, storytelling, and warm stage presence. His concerts blend timeless folk songs, humor, history, and heartfelt originals, creating an unforgettable evening for audiences of all ages. Advance tickets are recommended and discounted, with special pricing available for Golden Link members, students, and children.

The first weekend of our Piano Festival launches with two nights of Romantic firepower from legendary pianists. Andreas Delfs leads the orchestra in two unique programs spotlighting towering works by Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky.

Special showings through end of February: Elton John has sold over 300 million records over 6 decades in show business, making him one of the biggest selling artists of all time. Laser Elton John celebrates his larger than life persona, bringing the Rocket Man’s powerful music to life in gorgeous laser light.

Sat, Oct 24 & Sun, Oct 24: Go Trick-Or-Treating in our 19th-century village! Make your way to eight different historic porches where kids in costume can gather sweet treats, plus enjoy an assortment of other fall-fun activities! Please note: bring your own candy containers!

A great way for families to enjoy the colors of an upstate autumn is from the windows of a vintage electric trolley car at the New York Museum of Transportation in Rush, NY. Rides operate Sundays only, October 4, 11, 25 and are included free with admission to the museum. The 20-minute rides depart at 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. No reservations needed.

Wednesday, Oct 14, 12:10pm: The Hochstein School’s Live from Hochstein concert series returns this fall with a new lineup of free noontime performances beginning Wednesday, October 14, 2026, and continuing weekly through December 16, 2026. Concerts take place from 12:10–12:50 p.m. in the Hochstein Performance Hall and are open to the public at no charge.

Saturday, Sept 26, 6pm: Join Genesee Country Village's historical cooks as they serve an authentic 19th-century meal in historic Hosmer’s Inn, located in our Historic Village. Guests will play parlor games, and enjoy a full seven-course dinner (served family style). Guests are welcome to bring one bottle of wine of their choice.

Week 2 of our Piano Festival continues with two programs devoted to the commanding brilliance and deep expressive power of Beethoven and Brahms.

November 5–8, 2026: Lights. Camera. Canines! Forget everything you think you know about dog acts. The Canine Stars is a high-energy theatrical spectacular starring some of the world’s most talented canine athletes — all rescue or adopted dogs. Get ready for freestyle dancing, jaw-dropping disc tricks, high-flying jumps, and the world’s only ball pit for dogs! It’s big-time entertainment with a big-hearted message: every dog deserves a chance to shine. And while these dogs may be stars, they’re family pets first, performers second. Their trainers use positive-reinforcement methods and industry-leading safety equipment, and the organization is USDA licensed and committed to strict animal-welfare standards. Best of all, these stars don’t disappear backstage after the final curtain. Meet them, pet them, and snap a photo together! Come for the wows. Stay for the woofs. Leave inspired.

Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra presents Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ Live in Concert featuring John Williams’ GRAMMY Award winning score performed live to the film.

Saturday, November 7th is the 29th Annual Rochester Children and Teens Book Festival at Monroe Community College. This fun, free celebration of literacy and learning will take place from 10:00AM-4:00PM, with presentations for all ages in three different rooms every half hour. Our craft room will keep your kids entertained making book-related crafts. Best of all, your family can interact with 50 authors and illustrators of books for kids and teens, and get your books signed!

Step into the Kingdom of Sweets with Rochester City Ballet’s Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy and Friends! This beloved holiday event sells out every year, bringing children and families together for a magical celebration at the beautiful Partners + Napier offices in Rochester.

A musical theatrical performance offered by Rochester Institute of Technology's School of Performing Arts. This beautiful score by Stephen Sondheim features well-known songs such as “Sunday," “Putting it Together," and “Children and Art."

November 13-15, at Stages at the West Herr Auditorium 3rd floor theater: Based on the DreamWorks Animation hit, How to Train Your Dragon JR. brings fire-breathing action, epic adventure and big laughs to the stage. ​Hiccup is a young Viking who defies tradition and befriends one of his deadliest foes – a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, the unlikely heroes fight against the odds to save both their worlds in this wonderful theatrical adaptation. Tickets are available now for this all ages show

In this workshop learn about 19th century embroidery and the basic stitches that were used then as well as now to create textile art. Participants will go home with a partially completed project, a hoop, needle, a selection of embroidery threads, and a guide covering all the stitches learned in class. All participants must be age 14+; all participants under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a paid adult ticketholder. Tickets for this event will go on sale in July 2026.

Learn about the various stitches and patterns that 19th century quilters used to create works of textile art. Participants will go home with a partially completed project, a hoop, needle, thread, and a guide covering all the stitches learned in class. All participants must be age 14+; all participants under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a paid adult ticketholder. Tickets for this event will go on sale in July 2026.

November 25 - December 27, 2026: A Tale of Hope, Humor, and Heart. Rochester’s favorite holiday tradition returns with an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story that begins with a wish made by young Tim Cratchit. Over the course of one night, notorious grump Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by four ghosts. Will their intervention prompt him to change his “humbug” ways? A Christmas Carol reminds us that it is never too late to have a change of heart. Geva welcomes theatregoers age 5 and up.