This year’s activities during Roc the Riverway Weekend, October 4–6, 2024, highlight the Genesee River’s natural beauty, historical significance, and plans for its future. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for an early-fall outdoor experience, each event provides an opportunity to better know Rochester’s amazing river. I highlight some of my favorite activities below, but you can find all of the events listed at cityofrochester.gov.
Aqueduct Tours
Friday, October 4
3–6 p.m. (last entry 5:30 p.m.)
Saturday, October 5
10 a.m.–1 p.m. (last entry 12:30 p.m.)
Join us for a special two-day event during ROC the Riverway Weekend to learn about the current status of the Aqueduct Reimagined project and take a tour of Rochester’s historic Erie Canal Aqueduct and former subway system. Stop by the atrium of the Blue Cross Arena for an Open House to learn about project updates and sign up for a self-guided tour of the tunnel. Please note that waivers must be signed before entering the tunnel.
The open house is fully accessible and open to all ages. The self-guided tour is not recommended for those with mobility limitations, as stairs are required for entry and exit. Tour participants must be 16 or older (an adult must accompany ages 16-17). Closed-toed shoes are required, and flashlights and masks are recommended. Access to the underground space will be first-come, first-served due to occupancy limits. The event is rain or shine and free of charge. Waivers must be signed prior to entering the Aqueduct space. ASL and Spanish interpretation will be available
Guided Walking Tours
Lower Falls Gorge
Saturday, October 5
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Join docents from the Maplewood Neighborhood Association and learn about the five bridges over the gorge, the rivalry between Carthage and Rochester, and the river’s transformation from a place of industry to recreation. Tours are about 45 minutes long, with the last tour starting around 3 p.m. Meet in the Maplewood Rose Garden parking lot. Pre-registration is not required.
Rochester’s Origins
Saturday, October 10, 2024
10–11:30 a.m.
Dive into the history of Rochester and visit the locations that define our City’s origin, including Ebenezer Allen’s Mill, the two Erie Canal Aqueducts, and the Main Street Bridge. It will be about 1 mile in length. Get directions to meet on the south terrace of the Central Library’s Rundel Building on the NW corner of South Avenue and Court Street. Pre-registration is not required.
Mount Hope Cemetery: From the Beyond
Saturday, October 5
12–1:45 p.m.
From the Beyond: Tales of Melancholy, Grief, and Tragedy. Unimaginable circumstances! Unexplained phenomena! Unfortunate events! Unbelievable superstitions! These are just some of what affected Mount Hope Cemetery “residents” during their time among the living. Escorted tour groups will depart from the north gatehouse every 15 minutes starting at noon. The last tour group will depart at 1:45 p.m. Advance ticket sales are limited to 25 people per time slot. The tour will last approximately 90 minutes. The route includes paved and unpaved roads, grassy areas, and hills. This event is not recommended for children younger than 10. Get directions to the North Gatehouse at 791 Mount Hope Ave., opposite Robinson Drive
Mount Hope Cemetery: North Section
Sunday, October 6
1–2:30 p.m.
This foundational tour is a 90-minute walk of approximately a mile on both paved roads and uneven terrain. This includes the graves of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, topics of local history, horticulture, geology, architecture, monument symbolism, and more. Tickets are $15 for non-members and free for members and children under 18 accompanied by a paying adult. Get directions to the North Gatehouse at 791 Mount Hope Ave, opposite Robinson Drive
Historic High Falls District
Saturday, October 5
1–2 p.m.
Join Dan Cody for a one-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—presented by the Rochester Public Library’s Local History & Genealogy Division. Registration is required for this free event. Get directions to meet at the corner of State and Commercial Streets
Historic Charlotte Neighborhood
Sunday, October 6
1–2 p.m.
Join us at the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, 70 Lighthouse St., for a walking tour of historic Charlotte. From the lighthouse, we will make our way along the Genesee River and south to the Charlotte Cemetery, the resting place of ship captains, soldiers, and early settlers of Charlotte. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles. Rain or shine. For more information, call 585-285-1747. Pre-registration is not required.
The Genesee River and the Third Ward
Sunday, October 6
2–4 p.m.
Join the Corn Hill Neighbors for a 1.5-mile walk along the Genesee River and through the Historic Third Ward. This educational walk will highlight the impact of the Genesee River on Indigenous Haudenosaunee, early European settlers, the Underground Railroad, and the historical uses of our local waterways, as well as a glimpse into the architectural styles of the neighborhood mansions and cottages. Participants will come to appreciate the diversity and resilience of today’s community, which has created an urban village of residents working together to produce the July Corn Hill Arts Festival and Holiday Tour of Homes. Pre-registration is not required. Pre-registration is not required. Get directions to the Water Spirit sculpture on Exchange Boulevard at South Plymouth.
Genesee River and Erie Canal Boat Cruises
90-Minute River Cruise
Friday, October 4
Saturday, October 5
Sunday, October 6
1:30–3 p.m. and 3:30–5 p.m.
Enjoy a scenic roundtrip cruise on the Genesee River to Genesee Valley Park on the Erie Canal with Corn Hill Navigation. This 90-minute voyage includes a live guided narration about how the river and canal made Rochester the Young Lion of the West and interesting sites along the way. A highlight of this cruise will be a stunning view of downtown Rochester on the way back to port.
2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Live Music
Friday, October 4
5:30–7:30 p.m.
This sunset cruise will include a musical performance by folk singer-songwriters Alexander Fals and Hayley Dayis, accompanied by guitar, baritone ukulele, or ngoni.
2.5-Hour Lock 33 Cruise
Saturday, October 5
11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Join Corn Hill Navigation for a two-and-a-half-hour cruise from Corn Hill Landing on the Genesee River to Lock 33 on the Erie Canal! While aboard, you will learn about the historical significance of the Genesee River, the Erie Canal, and how a lock works with live, guided narration. Relax and experience the natural beauty of our waterways. Get directions to the Corn Hill Landing Waterfront Center
Guided Bike Rides
Reconnect Rochester’s Light Up The Night Ride
Friday, October 4
Gather at 6 p.m., the ride begins at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Genesee Valley Sports Complex, 131 Elmwood Ave.
Light up your bike with bike lights, glow sticks, and other creative lighting options. Kickstands up at 6:30 p.m. for a ~10-mile “callithumpian” romp around Rochester bike boulevards and trails. This is an intermediate-level ride; you must have control of your bike and be able to keep up with a casual but steady pace. Expect a couple of moderate hills.
ROC the Riverway Guided Bike Tour
Saturday, October 5
1:30–3 p.m.
Experience all the progress on ROC the Riverway projects up close and on two wheels! Meet on the Broad Street Bridge and travel along the Genesee Riverway Trail and by street to explore the recent and future enhancements to the riverfront. The tour will feature projects in High Falls, Downtown, and the South River Corridor. Helmets are required, but pre-registration is not required.
Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Tours
Friday, October 4
Saturday, October 5
Sunday, October 6
1–5 p.m.
Tour the oldest surviving aid to navigation lighthouse on Lake Ontario (1822); climb the Octagonal Tower to see the new fourth-order Fresnel lens and a great panorama view of Lake Ontario and the surrounding area. In the Keeper’s House, view the history of Lighthouses in the area and a display of Ontario Beach Park from the 1870s to the 1920s. Several new displays are also on display, one of which is the 1905 Dentzel Carousel. Also added new displays featuring the 1916 Annexation of Charlotte, Charlotte High School, Port of Rochester, & Along the Genesee. Outside, take a walk through the War of 1812 International Peace Garden. Admission is $5.00 (18 years & older), $2.00 (5-17 years old), and FREE (4 and under). Open Fri., Sat., & Sun. For further information, call 585-621-6179. Get directions to Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse
Autumn at the Lake
Sunday, October 6
12–3 p.m.
Spend a Sunday at the beach. Come enjoy the beauty of the Lake and the Port in the fall. Take a horse-drawn hayride around Ontario Beach Park, watch a professional pumpkin carver create his masterpieces, decorate and take home your own pumpkin (fee), ride the carousel, or enjoy a corn and sausage roast, donuts, cider, and other treats. Have fun with face painting, balloon art by the Grease Paint Alley Clowns, and musical entertainment by Dave Turner. This event will also feature a guided historical walking tour, starting at the Lighthouse and including the Charlotte cemetery and River Street, tours of the historic Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse, a talk on the reintroduction of sturgeon in the Rochester Basin, and more. The event is presented by the City of Rochester, the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee, and the Charlotte Neighborhood Association. Get directions to Ontario Beach Park.
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What are your favorite activities during Roc the Riverway Weekend?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
Mary Jo, thank you so much for pointing that out! I must have deleted that paragraph. It’s October 4-6, 2019.