This year’s Roc the Riverway Weekend event will take place from Friday, September 26, through Sunday, September 28, 2025, coinciding with the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial Celebration.
In addition to a typical lineup of tours and activities, Corn Hill Navigation 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.
Here are some of my favorite activities during Rochester’s Roc the Riverway Weekend. Check out the complete schedule for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at cityofrochester.gov. You’ll also find self-guided tours listed there, too.
Note that coincidentally, the Rochester Coffee & Chocolate Festival will take place on September 27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, conveniently located within easy walking distance of the Corn Hill area.
Corn Hill Navigation’s Erie Canal Bicentennial & ROC the Riverway Festival (Saturday Afternoon)
10 a.m.: The Planting of the White Pines & the Gathering of the Waters. Join us as we plant a tree in North Star Commons. As the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief journeys through New York State, we will plant White Pine trees as a symbolic tribute to the Haudenosaunee—a commitment to a sustainable future—and celebrate the communities along the canal.
2–6 p.m. – Join Corn Hill Navigation as we welcome the Erie Canalboat Seneca Chief to Rochester (around 3 p.m.) with ceremonial speeches, song, and dance, as part of its historic voyage across New York State. Expect live music with John Dady, free tours of the Seneca Chief, food carts, and historic demonstrations. The festival is free. 30-minute Riverie trips will be $10 per person.
Fireworks on the Genesee River (Saturday Night)
Fireworks Cruise aboard Riverie and Sam Patch. Saturday, 6:30–8:30 p.m. – To celebrate the Erie Canal Bicentennial and ROC the Riverway, Corn Hill Navigation is sponsoring fireworks along the Genesee River. The best place to view the fireworks is from Sam Patch and Riverie ($75 per person). This cruise is sure to sell out quickly, so be sure to get your tickets soon! Learn More and Register
Fireworks Display, Saturday, 8–8:15 p.m. – Enjoy an incredible fireworks show sponsored by Corn Hill Navigation! Fireworks will be launched from the east bank of the Genesee River just south of the Frederick Douglass Susan B. Anthony Bridge.
About the “Seneca Chief” Bicentennial Journey
A replica canal boat named the Seneca Chief—inspired by the one that made the first journey in 1825—will travel the canal from Buffalo to Albany. Expect ceremonies, community stops, and floating exhibits. Flotillas are being organized to accompany the Seneca Chief‘s arrival and departure from the City of Rochester, New York.
Here is the planned schedule, subject to change:
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2025
Bicentennial Voyage Departure | 10:00 am
Commercial Slip at Canalside
44 Prime St, Buffalo, NY 14202
SEPTEMBER 24 – OCTOBER 26, 2025
The Erie Canal Boat Bicentennial Voyage
Traveling along the Erie Canal & Hudson River
- Buffalo – Wed 9/24
- Lockport – Wed 9/24
- Medina – Thu 9/25
- Brockport – Fri 9/26
- Rochester – Sat 9/27
- Fairport – Sun 9/28 + Mon 9/29
- Newark – Tue 9/30
- Lyons – Wed 10/1
- Weedsport – Thur 10/2
- Baldwinsville – Fri 10/3
- Syracuse – Sat 10/4 + Sun 10/5 and on to New York City.
The dates listed indicate when the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will be docked in port. The itinerary is subject to change.
Guided Walking Tours
From Ditches to Riches. Friday, 3–4:30 p.m. – An Erie Canal Walking Tour. Join historian Emily Morry for this approximately 1-mile-long tour along the Erie Canal’s former route downtown. The tour details the canal’s rise and decline, showcasing the many ways in which the waterway transformed the Rochester community. Meet on the north terrace of the Rundel Library. Presented by the Office of Rochester & Monroe County History. Learn More and Register
Historic High Falls Walking Tour. Saturday, 10–11:30 a.m. – Join Dan Cody for a 1-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. Meet at the corner of State St. and Commercial St. Presented by the Rochester Public Library’s Local History & Genealogy Division. Learn More and Register
Tours of the Lower Falls and Gorge. Saturday, 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 approximately 45 minutes long, with the last tour departing around 3 p.m. Please meet in the Maplewood Rose Garden Parking Lot.
Undertakers, Wakes, & Tears: Mourning Rituals in 19th Century America. Saturday, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – Learn about the Victorians’ complex relationship with death and the curious rituals and customs used to express their grief. Includes a visual display. Tickets are $15 for non-members and free for members and children under 18 accompanied by a paying adult. Meet at the North Gatehouse at 791 Mount Hope Ave, opposite Robinson Drive. Comfortable walking shoes recommended. Learn More and Register
Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse Tours. Daily. – 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 fantastic panoramic 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 1920s—several new displays, including the 1905 Dentzel Carousel, are on display. 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 (18 years & older); $2 (5-17 years old); and free (4 and under)—open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For further information, call 585-621-6179. Learn More
Tour of Historic Charlotte. Sunday, 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 285-1747.
Mount Hope Cemetery Walking Tour. Sunday, 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, as well as topics such as 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. Meet at the North Gatehouse at 791 Mount Hope Ave, opposite Robinson Drive. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
The Genesee River and the Third Ward Walking Tour. Sunday, 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 neighborhoods’ 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. Meet at the Waterspirit Sculpture on Exchange at South Plymouth.
Narrated Boat Tours
Erie Canal Lock 32 Cruises on Sam Patch. Multiple days and times. – Join us on a journey along the historic routes of America’s early settlers and experience an authentic canal cruising adventure! While onboard, learn about the historical significance of the Erie Canal, and witness how Lock 32 operates with a live narrative. Sit back and relax as you enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. Lunch Options are available on the 12 pm cruise. Learn More and Register
Genesee River and Erie Canal Riverie Cruises. Multiple days and times. – Enjoy a scenic round-trip cruise on the Genesee River to Genesee Valley Park on the Erie Canal with Corn Hill Navigation. Included with this 90-minute voyage is a live guided narration about how the river and canal helped make Rochester the Young Lion of the West, as well as highlighting interesting sites along the way. A highlight of this cruise will be a stunning view of downtown Rochester on the way back to port. Learn More and Register
Genesee River and Erie Canal Boat Cruise with Live Music aboard Riverie. Friday, 6 – 8 p.m. – Enjoy live music from local artists while you cruise around the Genesee River, and take in stunning views of Rochester’s skyline as the sun sets. This sunset cruise will include a musical performance by Thrilled to be Here – Acoustic 90s/2000s Rock Covers. Learn More and Register
Sam Patch Kids’ Cruise. Saturday, 10–11:15 a.m. – Sam Patch Kids Cruises are geared towards elementary-aged children (K-6) who want to learn more about the Erie Canal and Genesee River! September’s theme is A Pirate’s Voyage. Learn More and Register
Cider and Donuts Cruise on Sam Patch. Saturday, 2–3:30 p.m. – Join us on a journey along the historic routes of America’s early settlers and experience an authentic canal cruising adventure! While you enjoy local cider and donuts onboard, you’ll learn about the historical significance of the Erie Canal and witness how Lock 32 operates with a live narrative. Learn More and Register
Guided Bike Ride
ROC the Riverway Guided Bike Ride. Saturday, 1–3 p.m. – Experience all the progress on ROC the Riverway projects up close and on two wheels! Meet on the Andrews 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 in the South River Corridor. Helmets required, family-friendly pace. Learn More and Register
Guided Kayak Tour
City Skyline Paddle from the Genesee Waterways Center. Saturday, 3–6 p.m. – Join Genesee RiverWatch and the Genesee Waterways Center in celebrating ROC the Riverway Weekend with an educational paddle along the Genesee River. This all-levels paddle offers participants incredible views of our City skyline and opportunities to learn about the Genesee Riverfront development projects. An adult must accompany all children under the age of 18. No prior experience necessary. Pre-registration required. Call 328-3960 or register online.
Autumn at the Lake (Sunday)
Sunday, 12–3 p.m.
Spend a Sunday at the beach! 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 masterpieces and decorate and take home your own pumpkin (fee); ride the historic 1905 Dentzel Carousel; enjoy seafood from Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck along with donuts, cider and other autumn favorite treats; shop with crafts and merchandise vendors; marvel at near-century old Model-T cars; meet amazing animals visiting with the Wildlife Rockstars; have fun with face painting and balloon art by the Grease Paint Alley Clowns, and musical entertainment by legendary folk musician John Dady.
This event will also feature a guided historical walking tour, which will start at the Lighthouse and include the Charlotte cemetery and River Street, tours of the historic Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse, a talk on the remarkable reintroduction of sturgeon in the Genesee River and Great Lake Ontario—presented by the City of Rochester, the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee and the Charlotte Neighborhood Association. More information at Roc the Riverway Weekend – Ontario Beach Park Program Committee.
About Roc the Riverway Weekend
From the city website, “Roc the Riverway Weekend is a celebration of the Genesee River and the ambitious initiative to transform the river corridor that began in 2018. From the farms lining its banks along the Genesee Valley to its industrial heritage, the mighty Genesee is at the heart of who we are and how our community developed.
“Roc the Riverway is a series of projects that is transforming this former industrial waterway into a community recreational corridor that provides opportunities for all to interact with water. Celebrate this transformation with us! Come out, experience a weekend of activities, and learn more about our community’s vision for the future.
“This year’s Roc the Riverway Weekend will feature activities up and down the Genesee River from Lake Ontario to Genesee Valley Park. Hikes, bike rides, paddles, tours, and more, all focused on introducing people to the beauty and history of our City and its waterways. The weekend will also highlight progress on the myriad of Roc the Riverway capital improvements and the efforts towards establishing a new State Park at High Falls.”
About the Roc the Riverway Project
From the city’s website, “ROC the Riverway features more than two dozen bold and transformative projects designed to revitalize our natural spaces and celebrate our riverfront as a vibrant cornerstone of Rochester’s growth. Explore some of the completed, ongoing, and upcoming ROC the Riverway Projects.
Explore the River
At Genesee Valley Park, the river merges with the Erie Canal and continues north through Rochester before reaching Lake Ontario.
Erie Canal Bicentennial Celebrations: 200 Years of History, Innovation & Community
Discover how Rochester and canal towns across New York are honoring 200 years of the Erie Canal—and how you can experience it in 2025.
High Falls on the Genesee River
High Falls is the name of the waterfall, the neighboring historic district, and the future Rochester High Falls State Park.
Maplewood Park is a linear park that follows the river from Driving Park and the Lower Falls to just north of Route 104, ending at the pedestrian bridge over the Genesee.
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1888, find Genesee Valley Park where the Erie Canal, Red Creek, and Genesee River intersect.
You can climb the 40-foot tower in the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse and enjoy the view of Lake Ontario, the Genesee River, and Ontario Beach Park.
Mount Hope Cemetery’s winding roads are best explored on foot for a glimpse into the area’s rich history, ecology, and geology.
Turning Point Park’s most striking feature is a 3,572-foot-long boardwalk over the Genesee River Turning Basin.
Besides a sandy Lake Ontario beach with ample parking, visitors can enjoy the carousel, pier, lighthouse, and Abbott’s Frozen Custard.
Geologic History of the Rochester Area
These day trips into Rochester’s geologic history will remind you just how amazing our corner of the Earth is.
What are your favorite activities during Roc the Riverway Weekend?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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Thank you!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
Hello you beautiful people.
I understand that the Frank Lloyd Wright House will be open to viewers on September 27. Can I have more information on that?
Thank you
Carol Crossed
It’s most likely already sold out: https://www.landmarksociety.org/event/boynton-house-tour/
Mary Jo, thank you so much for pointing that out! I must have deleted that paragraph. It’s October 4-6, 2019.