Rochester is the place to be during the fall. The city’s proximity to impressive hiking trails and local farms helps residents connect with the changing seasons. Not to mention, the abundance of harvest festivals celebrating regional produce and artisans means there’s always something to do on the weekend.
We’ve polled our staff, residents, and partners to create a comprehensive list of the best fall activities in Rochester, NY, including 11 must-do fall festivities and 8 fall festivals.
Looking for more things to do in Rochester, NY? Check out our list of summer festivals and winter holiday events to get started!
Our Top Highlights:
- If you aren’t visiting a farm, you don’t know what’s up. Rochester farms are known for their incredible local produce—especially when it comes to all things apple and pumpkin! Stokoe Farms, Schute’s Farm, Power’s Farm, and Wickham Farms are the top local spots. Around Halloween, many run haunted attractions.
- Rochester is a central hub for hiking through gorgeous foliage. Mt. Hope Cemetery and Cobbs Hill Park are some of the most popular viewing areas. But Rochester is only a short drive from several scenic spots like Letchworth State Park, the Sky Rides at Bristol Mountain, and the rail bikes near Keuka Lake.
- There is no shortage of fall festivals, harvest delights, and Halloween events in Rochester. The Fringe Festival is the largest event, while the Foodlink Festival is the tastiest. But nothing beats the continuous historic fall events hosted weekly by the Genesee Country Village & Museum!
10 Exciting Rochester Fall Activities
1. Go Pumpkin Picking at Stokoe Farms
Dates: September 21 to October 27
Location: 656 South Road, Scottsville, NY 14546
While any local Rochester farm is sure to provide a great pumpkin-picking time, the best experience, in our humble opinion, is Stokoe Farms. The family-owned operation focuses on sustainable and regenerative farming practices to ensure top-notch produce.
But it’s the 40+ family-friendly activities offered as part of their Harvest Fest that keep visitors coming back for days. Guests can enjoy the hayrides, apple and candy cannons, corn mazes, paintball range, and ropes course. Stokoe Farms also boasts the largest petting zoo in the Greater Rochester Area!
2. Pick Apples at Wickham Farms
Dates: September 2 to winter
Location: 1315 Sweets Corners Rd, Penfield, NY 14526
Similarly, Wickham Farms excels at apple picking in Rochester, NY thanks to their diverse apple selection and eye-catching attractions. The pumpkin bridge, pumpkin house, and corn maze are perfect for family photos. And the hillside slide, mini golf course, and corn-a-copia corn pit are sure to keep you entertained!
Simply put: they are the amusement park of apple picking (perfect for dates)!
If apple picking, check the apple picking calendar to see which varieties are ready to harvest. Choose between Zestar, Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Jonagold, the Northern Spy, and more. Complete your visit with a fresh apple cider donut (or fritter!) and an ice-cold apple cider slush.
3. Experience 19th Century Rochester at the Genesee Country Village & Museum
Dates: Year-round
Location: 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY 14511
The Genesee Country Village & Museum (GCV&M) is New York’s largest living history museum dedicated to 19th-century life in Greater Rochester. It’s an immersive experience showcasing how settlers came to the fertile Genesee Valley, the self-sustaining farming lifestyle during the pioneer period, and the industrial changes that came with the Civil War.
The beautifully preserved village comes to life in autumn as the GCV&M staff adds several fall events to the calendar. Learn how to make traditional sweet and savory pies in a historical kitchen, or dye yarn using natural dyes and techniques accurate to the period. Ghost stories, cheesemaking, and a vintage baseball tournament help round out your trip!
Check GCV&M’s events page to stay updated on Rochester’s fall activities.
4. Get Spooked at the VerHulst Haunted Hayride
Dates: October 4 to November 2
Location: 5161 W Ridge Rd, Spencerport, NY 14559
Around Halloween, Cobble Creek Farm operates the terrifying (but also family-friendly?) VerHulst haunted Hayride, a 30-minute experience that includes a haunted corn maze! Guests ride on a wagon through the farm at the mercy of costumed ghouls, goblins, and monsters with two optional walking points.
The event is recommended for guests aged 8+, and anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
5. Celebrate Halloween at the Nightmare Manor
Dates: October 4 to November 2
Location: 3333 West Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14623
The Nightmare Manor is an immersive haunted house attraction where guests traverse “scare zones” for thrilling fun! Because it’s an indoor attraction, there’s no risk of cancellation due to rain. As one person reviewed, “I wasn’t in the holiday spirit until I went. Thanks for the unforgettable fun!”
6. Watch the Changing Leaves at Mount Hope Cemetery
Dates: Year-round
Location: 1133 Mt Hope Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
Witnessing the colorful foliage is a popular fall activity in Rochester, NY—not only because there are countless parks to choose from (Webster Arboretum, Cobbs Hill Park, and Highland Park to name a few) but also because Rochester’s unique culture and charm make for a cozy experience.
Mount Hope Cemetery is Rochester’s historic monument, serving as the final resting place for Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, and other notable figures. Visitors can tour the grounds to learn about the rich history of its population while taking in the gorgeous, orange leaves. During October, the museum curators run ghost walks by candlelight, sharing haunted happenings and scary stories related to Rochester’s past! View their events calendar for full details.
7. Ride the Sky Rides at Bristol Mountain
Dates: September 7 throughout the fall
Location: 5662 Route 64, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Located at the summit of Bristol Mountain in Canandaigua, the Bristol Mountain Fall Sky Rides offers a bird’s eye view of the majestic Rochester flora. The Comet Express chairlift takes visitors on a 15–20 minute ride through the Bristol Hills to the summit of Bristol Mountain.
Prefer a more interactive experience? Outdoor enthusiasts can book a zipline canopy tour, ropes course, a chair launch, and over 120 immersive fall activities through Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventure Park! This is a popular pick for our residents.
8. Hike (or Balloon!) Through Letchworth State Park
Dates: Year-round
Location: 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427
Did you know that Letchworth State Park is often called the “Grand Canyon of the East”? This state park is renowned as one of the most scenic areas on the East Coast, with three major waterfalls surrounded by breathtaking cliffs and lush forests. It’s no wonder that Letchworth won the USA TODAY Readers’ Choice Award for Best State Park in the U.S. in 2015!
Hikers can enjoy walking alongside the Genesee River, exploring accessible trails—including the Autism Nature Trail for visitors with specific sensory needs—and wildlife watching. Those with an adventurous streak may also experience Letchworth’s iconic beauty via hot air balloon by Liberty Balloon Company!
Besides Letchworth, there are plenty of fall hiking spots in Rochester, including Mendon Ponds Park, Highland Park, and Durand Eastman Park. These outdoor facilities often offer recreational areas such as tennis and pickleball courts, grills, and playgrounds.
9. Enjoy All Things Pumpkin Spice
No fall festivities list would be complete without indulging in pumpkin spice treats, be it pastries, candies, or coffee. Rochester’s coffee scene is full of unique takes on pumpkin spice if you know where to look.
The best Rochester coffee shops for pumpkin spice (according to our staff):
- Locals Only – Seasonal menu and drink items in a chic eatery.
- Fuego Coffee Roasters – Locally roasted coffee sourced meticulously.
- Ugly Duck Coffee – A pop-up turned permanent cafe with consistent quality.
- The Village Bakery – Top pick for high-quality sandwiches, pastries, and drinks.
- Winter Swan Coffee – Versatile coffee bar with Asian-inspired twists.
- Happy Earth Tea – Vegan teas and pastries for a lighter caffeine kick.
10. Rail Biking Near Keuka Lake
Dates: Memorial Day to the end of October
Location: 2039 Havens Corners, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Rail biking is a unique activity that involves pedaling on specially designed double bikes along historic railroad tracks. Finger Lakes Rail Riders operates the rail biking trail along the old Northern Central railroad tracks in Penn Yan (about a 30-minute drive from Rochester). Visitors can cycle through the beautiful Yates County while learning about the history of the land and witnessing Keuka Lake in the fall. Local wineries and craft breweries make rail riding the perfect day trip near Rochester!
11. Drink Your Way Through the Seneca Wine Trail
Dates: Year-round
Location: Seneca Lake
The Seneca Wine Trail is a must-visit during the fall. With 28 wineries specializing in cool-weather wines, the trail is known for its exceptional Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other sparkling varieties.
Visitors can browse as they please or book a guided excursion that includes tours through participating vineyards, elevated food and wine tastings, and luxury picnic options. Spend the day exploring local wineries against the stunning Seneca Lake backdrop.
8 Must-See Fall Festivals in Rochester, NY
1. M&T Bank Clothesline Festival
Dates: September 7 – 8 (10 am – 5 pm)
Location: 500 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Held at the Memorial Art Gallery, the M&T Bank Clothesline Festival is a premier arts festival showcasing the work of over 300 local and national artists. Browse through booths featuring paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and more for purchase while enjoying live music and food from local vendors.
Artists also offer supervised creative workshops in the Memorial Art Gallery basement, which are free for kids aged 4–12. Museum admission is included in the ticket price.
2. Rochester Fringe Festival
Dates: September 10 – 21
Location: Venue depends on the show
The Rochester Fringe Festival (also known as Fringe Fest) is a dynamic 11-day celebration of the arts, featuring over 600 performances across 30 venues. Key exhibits include the immersive daedalum—a luminarium show with lights and tunnels—, a comedy circus called Cirque du Fringe Variete, and contemporary aerial artists and dancers in Aerial 51. Discover the full performance list on their ticket page, from theater and dance to comedy and music!
3. Purple Foot Festival
Dates: September 15
Location: 2287 Turk Hill Road, Fairport, NY 14450
Hosted by Casa Larga Vineyards, the Purple Foot Festival is the largest independent tasting event in the Finger Lakes region. This event highlights the grape harvest with grape stomping, wine and juice tastings, vineyard tours, live music, and delicious food. Kids can enjoy various lawn games and free fall activities.
4. Foodlink Festival of Food
Dates: September 16 (6 pm – 9 pm)
Location: 280 North Union Street, Rochester, NY
The Foodlink Festival of Food is considered the largest independent tasting event in the Finger Lakes, bringing together Rochester’s best chefs, breweries, bakeries, and specialty food producers. Sample award-winning foods from the region while enjoying live music and family-friendly fun!
Attendees can be proud to know that the festival raises funds to address food insecurity in Rochester. Ticket sales help drive innovative emergency food programs, public health and nutrition services, and more.
5. Harvest Festival at Tinker Nature Park
Dates: September 18 (11 am – 2 pm)
Location: 1525 Calkins Rd, Pittsford, NY 14534
Tinker Nature Park’s Harvest Festival offers a variety of fall-themed activities to help kids connect with nature! Watch live cider press demonstrations and live honey extractions from local resources before enjoying complimentary treats. Other fall festivities include pumpkin painting, hayrides, and nature walks. It’s an excellent event for families and nature lovers to enjoy the beauty of autumn.
6. OktoberFest at Lincoln Hill Farms
Dates: September 21 (5 pm – 9 pm)
Location: 3792 NY 247 Canandaigua, NY 14424
OktoberFest at the picturesque Lincoln Hill Farms is the best time to celebrate traditional German-style food, craft beer, and good live music. Of course, the real fun is in those who commit! Come dressed to impress in OktoberFest clothes and go all in on the yodeling calls to make it a night to remember!
7. Naples Grape Festival
Dates: September 28 – 29
Location: 154 N Main St, Naples, NY 14512 (Public parking at Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars)
While the Naples Grape Festival spotlights New York grapes, it’s really known for the World Greatest Grape Pie Contest. Grape pies are a unique Naples delicacy invented by Irene Bouchard. Contestants can go head to head to see whose grape pie reigns supreme!
Non-bakers are free to enjoy food, beverages, and crafts from local artisans. The Brahm Moore Craft Beverage Garden hosts tastings from the Finger Lakes’ finest wines and craft brewers. And the Live Music Tent keeps the vibes casual and fresh!
8. Hilton Apple Fest
Dates: October 5 – 6 (10 am – 5 pm)
Location: Parking at Hilton High School with shuttles to the Apple Fest Grounds
The Hilton Apple Fest places New York apples at the forefront with a variety of fall activities. As with any festival, attendees are sure to find vendors, food trucks, and live music. But there are also several local contests to compete in, such as:
- An apple pie contest
- A porch decorating contest (Hilton residents only)
- An arts and crafts contest
- A photo contest
Beyond the apple festivities, auto enthusiasts will love the Hilton Applefest Auto Show, which features vintage and unique cars. For more information, visit the Apple Fest site.
Celebrate Rochester, NY Fall Activities
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, explore local culture, or enjoy seasonal flavors, Rochester, NY, has an abundance of fall activities to make the most of this beautiful season. With so many attractions and events to choose from, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this autumn.
Love living in Rochester? Talk to our leasing office to find the perfect Rochester apartments for rent!
