Roc the Riverway Weekend: An Annual Celebration of the Genesee River

Roc the Riverway Weekend takes place October 2–4, 2026

Roc the Riverway Weekend is an annual celebration of the Genesee River and Rochester’s riverfront. Each year, the event brings activities to locations along the river, from Lake Ontario to Genesee Valley Park. The schedule changes, but it often includes guided walks, bike rides, paddles, boat tours, and opportunities to learn about the history and future of the river corridor.

Visit the City of Rochester’s Roc the Riverway Weekend page for this year’s dates, times, locations, registration details, and complete schedule.

Guided Walking Tours

Walking tours are one of the best ways to understand how the Genesee River shaped Rochester. Depending on the year, guides may lead walks through High Falls and Brown’s Race, along the former route of the Erie Canal downtown, through historic neighborhoods, or beside the Lower Falls and gorge.

The weekend may also include tours at Mount Hope Cemetery, the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, and other sites connected to the city’s industrial, transportation, and community history. Routes, distances, terrain, fees, and registration requirements vary, so review each listing on the city’s schedule before you go.

Narrated Boat Tours

Boat tours offer a view of Rochester from the water. Corn Hill Navigation often schedules narrated cruises aboard Riverie on the Genesee River and Erie Canal and aboard Sam Patch near Pittsford, where passengers can experience an Erie Canal lock in operation.

Some years bring themed, family, food, music, or sunset cruises. These trips may require advance tickets and can depart from different locations, so use the city’s current schedule to confirm the boat, boarding point, duration, and cost.

Guided Bike Ride

Guided rides may follow sections of the Genesee Riverway Trail and city streets to connect ROC the Riverway project sites in High Falls, downtown Rochester, and the South River Corridor. Ride length, starting point, pace, age guidance, and registration can change. Bring a helmet and check the official event listing for current requirements.

Guided Kayak Tour

Organized paddles provide another perspective on the river and Rochester skyline while introducing participants to the waterway and riverfront projects. Programs may be designed for a range of experience levels, but equipment, age, weather, and registration policies vary. Confirm the details with the organizer before arriving.

Autumn at Ontario Beach Park

Ontario Beach Park often hosts a fall gathering during Roc the Riverway Weekend. Activities have included hayrides, pumpkin decorating, carousel rides, food vendors, wildlife programs, music, lighthouse tours, and walks through historic Charlotte. The mix changes from year to year, so check the official schedule before planning your visit.

About Roc the Riverway Weekend

Roc the Riverway Weekend celebrates the Genesee River’s role in Rochester’s history, landscape, and community. Activities take place along the river corridor, connecting Lake Ontario, the waterfalls and gorge, downtown Rochester, the Erie Canal, and Genesee Valley Park.

The weekend also gives people a closer look at efforts to improve public access to the river and develop it as a connected recreational corridor. Because the lineup is updated annually, use the city’s event page as your source for current activities.

About the Roc the Riverway Project

ROC the Riverway brings together projects intended to improve Rochester’s riverfront, natural spaces, trails, and connections to the water. The city’s project page tracks completed, active, and planned work along the corridor.

What are your favorite ways to experience the Genesee River?

I’d love to hear from you—please reach out and share your thoughts and experiences.