Things to do this weekend in and around Rochester

Friendly fun in Rochester for October 2–4, 2026

Scroll down for full list of weekend activities.

Friday, October 2, 2026

Kick off the weekend with a scenic adventure aboard Lunch and Erie Canal Lock 32 Cruise Aboard Sam Patch - Pittsford, NY, where live narration, beautiful canal scenery, and a trip through a working lock bring local history to life. Families can also enjoy the colorful music-and-light experience of Laser Abba - Matinee at RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium. For a fall outing, visit Wayne County's Annual Apple Tasting Tour 2026, featuring eleven unique stops, apple-inspired activities, trivia, and a chance to play Apple Jumble. Theater-loving families with older children can catch Performance: OFC's Broadway in Brighton Series™ Presents Hairspray​ - The Broadway Musical, a lively production recommended for ages 12 and up.

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Saturday offers plenty of ways to explore, starting with an animal-filled excursion at Safari Tours At Hidden Valley Animal Adventure!, where families can ride an open-air safari bus or drive through the park to see camels, zebras, llamas, emus, bison, and other animals. Young climbers can build confidence during a Guided Session at RocVentures Climbing Gym. Fall flavors take center stage during Cider & Donuts Cruise Aboard Riverie - Corn Hill Landing, a relaxing river-and-canal cruise with cider and donuts. Families can also look up at the stars during Stars with Carl at RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium, a live, 50-minute tour of the night sky best suited for ages 5 and older.

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Sunday is a wonderful day for more family discoveries, including a ride on the Lunch and Scenic River and Canal Cruise Aboard Riverie, which travels along the Genesee River and Erie Canal with live narration and skyline views. Families can continue the autumn celebration with Cider & Donuts Cruise Aboard Sam Patch - Pittsford, NY, featuring seasonal treats and a narrated Erie Canal journey. For hands-on learning, explore Super Human: The Power of Technology - Traveling exhibit at the RMSC, where interactive exhibits invite visitors to run, sense, and navigate while discovering how technology meets the human body. Younger music fans can enjoy Bebop to Bach Concert at The Harley School, a free, lively introduction to music designed for children ages 2–10.