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September is a time to slow down and savor the shift between summer and fall. Crisp mornings and golden light invite you to explore—whether it’s cruising a canal, hiking a trail, browsing markets, or joining a local festival. Use this guide to plan day trips, discover seasonal highlights, and make the most of this in-between month around Rochester.
1. ESL Rochester Fringe Festival
The 2025 ESL Rochester Fringe Festival lights up downtown September 9–20, 2025, with 600+ performances across 30+ venues. What am I most excited to see and do this year? Too much, I’m afraid! That’s why I start planning as soon as the shows are announced. And this year, there’s an app for that!
2. See a Show: Performing Arts Return in a Big Way!
September marks the return of the indoor performance season. Look for shows at Geva Theatre, Eastman Theatre, and Blackfriars. The ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (September 9–20) fills the city with a diverse range of acts, including circus, dance, comedy, and immersive performances.
And check out all the free and inexpensive performances taking place at the Eastman School of Music, whether in person or via live stream.
3. Events at the Rochester Public Market
Foodlink Festival of Food
Celebrate Rochester’s culinary scene while supporting a great cause. The 20th Annual Festival of Food returns to the Rochester Public Market on Monday, September 15, from 6–8:30 p.m. Sample bites and sips from more than 100 of the area’s top restaurants, breweries, wineries, and farms. Live music and open-air ambiance make this one of the season’s most anticipated tasting events.
Oktoberfest
Head to the Public Market on Friday, September 19, for Oktoberfest, a lively event hosted by Rohrbach Brewing Company. Enjoy seasonal craft beers, brats, music, and fall-themed fun in one of Rochester’s most iconic locations.
Artist Row
Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Rochester Public Market, Artist Row on Sunday, September 21, features over 180 local artists selling handmade goods. You’ll also find food trucks, live entertainment, and a warm community vibe. It’s the perfect way to support local creativity and discover one-of-a-kind treasures.
4. Roc the Bicentennial!
This year’s Roc the Riverway Weekend Event will be September 26–28, coinciding with the Erie Canal Bicentennial. In addition to a typical lineup of tours and activities, Rochester by Water will host special riverfront events to commemorate the bicentennial and the historic voyage of the Seneca Chief, which will be docked in Rochester from noon on Saturday through 9 a.m. Sunday. Flotillas are being organized to accompany the Seneca Chief‘s arrival and departure from the city.
The Rochester Coffee & Chocolate Festival will be held on September 27 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, within easy walking distance of Corn Hill.
5. Markets Overflow with Fall Harvests
September brings peak produce to Rochester’s many farmers’ markets. Find fresh apples, sweet corn, tomatoes, squash, plums, pears, and the first pumpkins. In addition to the Rochester Public Market, consider visiting the Brighton, Penfield, Victor, and Canandaigua markets for fresh-from-the-farm flavors and early autumn abundance.
It’s also grape harvest season, and with that comes several grape festivals, including the Naples Grape Festival and the Niagara Wine Trails Harvest Festival, both taking place on September 27 and 28.
6. Experience Canal Town Charm
Make the most of the Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary with a visit to nearby canal towns. Spencerport, Brockport, Fairport, Bushnell’s Basin, and Pittsford all offer scenic trails, historic downtowns, and canal-side dining. Walk or bike the Erie Canalway Trail and stop for ice cream or a local brew along the way.
7. Sip Into Harvest Season: Trails & Tasting Rooms
September kicks off grape harvest season in wine country—but wine isn’t the only beverage flowing this time of year. Rochester is a gateway to a diverse array of tasting trails that highlight regional wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries. Scenic views, golden vines, and seasonal menus make this a rewarding time to explore.
Wine Trails
Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Nearly 30 wineries circle Seneca Lake, from the sweeping views at Fox Run Vineyards to the whimsical estates at Three Brothers and the artisanal wines at Anthony Road. Find more at senecalakewine.com.
Keuka Lake Wine Trail. Celebrating 40 years in 2025, this compact loop is easy to cover in a day, with intimate tasting rooms and lake views at Dr. Konstantin Frank, Rooster Hill Vineyards, and Heron Hill Winery. Plan your trip at keukawinetrail.com.
Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. America’s first wine trail is renowned for its scenic vineyards and diverse varietals, featuring notable wineries such as Wagner Vineyards, Buttonwood Grove Winery, and Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery. Details are at cayugawinetrail.com.
Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail. This “small but mighty” 22-mile route features Arbor Hill Grapery, Hazlitt’s Red Cat Cellars, and Heron Hill Winery’s Canandaigua location. The harvest and foliage season is prime, especially during the Naples Grape Festival in late September. Start planning at canandaigualakewinetrail.com.
Lake Ontario Wine Trail. Boutique wineries, cideries, and distilleries stretch from Monroe through Wayne into Cayuga County, with highlights like Thorpe Vineyard, Colloca Estate Winery, and Young Sommer Winery. Learn more at lakeontariowinetrail.com.
Niagara Wine Trail. A scenic route along the Niagara Escarpment features Arrowhead Spring Vineyards, BlackBird Cider Works, and Niagara Landing Wine Cellars. Visit niagarawinetrail.org.
Beer, Cider & Spirits
ROC/FLX Craft Beverage Trail. A multi-county passport connects breweries, cideries, distilleries, and wineries, including Three Heads Brewing, Iron Smoke Distillery, and Rootstock Ciderworks. The trail is active year-round, with winter brewery events a cozy alternative to summer patios. Find the details and printable passport at rocflxcraftbevtrail.com.
Finger Lakes Beer Trail. From farmhouse ales to hop-heavy IPAs, this trail showcases stops like Prison City Brewing, Lucky Hare Brewing, and Faircraft Brauhaus. Visit in summer for beer gardens or during winter for special stout and porter releases. Find inspiration at facebook.com/FLXBeerTrail.
Finger Lakes Cider Trail. Taste your way through cider makers such as Finger Lakes Cider House, Black Diamond Farm & Cider, and South Hill Cider. Best in the fall during harvest, but many locations are open spring through late autumn. Learn more at fingerlakescidertrail.com.
Western NY Distilling Trail. Top-notch spirit makers from grain to glass include Hollerhorn Distilling, Finger Lakes Distilling, and Hidden Marsh Distillery. Distilleries welcome visitors year-round, with tasting rooms offering seasonal cocktail menus. Find route details at nydistilled.com.
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8. Take a Scenic Drive
September brings crisp air and early hints of fall foliage—perfect for a leisurely drive. Wind your way through the Finger Lakes on Routes 5 & 20, stopping in charming towns like Canandaigua, Geneva, and Penn Yan. Detour onto the Lake Ontario Seaway Trail for waterside views and local farm markets. Follow the Erie Canal, or drive south between the Finger Lakes for some of the most spectacular views.
9. Hike Into the Season
As temperatures cool and the leaves begin their seasonal shift, there’s no better time to head into the woods. Early autumn brings crisp air, golden light, and a peaceful hush to the trails. Wander through the gorges at Watkins Glen, Niagara Falls, or Letchworth State Parks, stroll Turning Point Park’s boardwalk above the river, or step into the cathedral-like old-growth canopy of Washington Grove and Hart’s Woods. These walks invite you to slow down and savor the forest’s quiet transformation.
A Big Trip to the Mountains: Allegany State Park
If you’re craving sweeping forest views, serene lakes, and early fall color, head to Allegany State Park. Just under two hours from Rochester, this state park is worth the drive for mountain views and early autumn color. Explore the Red House and Quaker areas, and keep an eye out for wildlife as you go.
10. Hunt for Antiques & Treasures
Want to spend a crisp early-fall Saturday treasure hunting? Check out this list of antique shops and barn sales around Rochester to plan your perfect antiquing day trip. Along with the destinations noted below, several villages specialize in antique treasures, including Routes 5 & 20 through Avon, Caledonia, and Bloomfield, as well as Mount Morris and Clarence.
ReHouse Architectural Salvage
Location: 469 West Ridge Road, Rochester. Perfect for old-home lovers and restoration enthusiasts, this 16,000-square-foot salvage warehouse offers a diverse selection of reclaimed building materials, period hardware, ornate woodwork, stained glass, and other architectural elements with character.
The Shops on West Ridge
Location: 3200 West Ridge Road, Rochester, NY
A 55,000-square-foot indoor marketplace packed with antiques, vintage furniture, handmade goods, collectibles, and curiosities. With two full floors and hundreds of vendors, it’s easy to spend an afternoon exploring every corner.
Ontario Mall / Eastridge Antiques
Locations: Ontario Mall on 1740 Route 332 in Farmington and Eastridge Antiques on 1850 East Ridge Road in Rochester. One of the largest antique malls in the state, featuring over 1,000 dealers. The inventory changes frequently, so each visit feels fresh and full of discovery—ideal for both seasoned collectors and casual browsers.
The Estate Marketplace
Location: 5247 West Ridge Road, Spencerport. A new destination for vintage lovers, this spacious 12,000-square-foot store features over 60 vendors offering a diverse selection of antiques, handmade goods, home decor, and collectibles. It’s well worth the trip for treasure hunters.
Whether you’re craving crunchy leaves underfoot, the hum of a local festival, the quiet of a garden path, or the taste of just-picked apples, September in Rochester offers countless ways to enjoy the in-between—that sweet spot before fall’s full embrace.
Use this guide to choose one or two new adventures, or return to a favorite trail, town, or tasting room. There’s no wrong way to welcome the season. And if you discover a hidden gem or unforgettable moment, I’d love to hear about it.
Here’s to a meaningful, memory-making September—right here, close to home.
Looking for more seasonal inspiration? Explore things to do around Rochester in August or start planning ahead with things to do in October.
What are your favorite September activities around Rochester?
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I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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