Step back in time as you cruise along the historic Erie Canal. Live narration brings to life the bold vision that transformed a hare-brained idea into an engineering marvel that opened the American West. Travel through a working lock, soak in the scenery, and relax as history unfolds around you. Lunch is optional.

JOIN US at Salena's at Village Gate in Rochester FOR KIDS EAT FREE WEDNESDAYS! Purchase an adult meal and get a kids meal for free of our kids menu! 12 and under please :) Our kid’s meals come with a “decorate your own” kid’s cookie. Let your server know if your child needs a distraction and they can grab you some extra activities from our office. Yes, we are proud to be a family-friendly restaurant!

Enjoy some of Rochester’s favorite local musicians performing live aboard Riverie. Cruise the scenic Genesee River and historic Erie Canal and soak in the sunset as you are serenaded. Culminate the evening with a spectacular view of the Rochester skyline as you’ve never seen it before.

Special showings through end of February: Elton John has sold over 300 million records over 6 decades in show business, making him one of the biggest selling artists of all time. Laser Elton John celebrates his larger than life persona, bringing the Rocket Man’s powerful music to life in gorgeous laser light.

Celebrate the fall season with fresh apple cider and donuts from Powers Farm Market as you cruise the scenic Erie Canal. As you relax on the water, live narration will reveal the stories of how these historic waterways shaped our community. Soak in the colors of the season and savor the tastes of autumn as history unfolds around you.

FREE trial classes September 14th - 19th

Travel from the courts of the Renaissance to the vibrant streets of Argentina-all in one unforgettable Fringe performance. Guitarist and lutenist Kenneth Kam brings the Renaissance lute and classical guitar to life, weaving early masterpieces together with the fiery passion of Buenos Aires tango. From delicate, intimate melodies to driving rhythmic intensity, this concert celebrates the timeless power and expressive range of plucked strings across centuries and continents.

Savor a slice of pizza while guest experts bring the Erie Canal to life with engaging talks focused on the stories of the canal. Our presenters explore how the canal shaped communities, commerce, culture, and innovation, as well as the engineering and ecology behind this iconic waterway. Their insights offer a deeper appreciation of how the Erie Canal transformed New York—and continues to influence it today.

The Buffalo Zoo and M&T Bank are delighted to offer FREE admission to the community once again on select Third Thursdays! Important: Free tickets are required and must be reserved online prior to your visit. A limited number of tickets are available, with a maximum of 10 tickets per group.

Miles Davis Animated brings the music of Miles Davis’ groundbreaking 1950s–60s era to life with a creative twist: animated visuals, expressive tap dance, and a powerhouse ensemble of performers. Audiences will be visually transported by larger-than-life cartoon illustrations from Dave Chisholm’s acclaimed graphic novel Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound. These evocative visuals, paired with bold musical improvisation and kinetic tap rhythms, create a multi-sensory experience that honors Miles’ artistry while reinventing it for new generations. Classic works from Miles Davis’ legendary catalog are interpreted by a stellar ensemble including trumpeter and cartoonist Dave Chisholm, pianist Greg Woodsbie, saxophonist Colin Gordon, bassist David Arenius, and drummer Aaron Staebell. Tap dancers Cheryl Johnson and Laurie Coles will animate the music with percussive rhythm and emotional nuance, transforming the stage into a living, breathing soundscape.

The Genesee Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motorized Fire Apparatus in America (SPAAMFAA) will have their restored firefighting equipment on display for visitors to enjoy Sunday September 20. Resplendent in bright red paint and polished metal work, these vintage vehicles will delight visitors and bring back memories of times past. Discover the difference between a “fire truck” and a “fire engine,” and find out why firemen wear red suspenders!

Acrobats with dad jokes? Tell us more ...

Join our historical cooks as they serve an authentic 19th-century meal in historic Hosmer’s Inn, located in our Historic Village. Guests will play parlor games, and enjoy a full seven-course dinner (served family style). Guests are welcome to bring one bottle of wine of their choice.

Saturday, September 26 • Little Fringe. BIG fun: Welcome to Kids Day at the Fringe! An ENTIRE day devoted to the youngest fringers in downtown Rochester. Ready for a full day of kid-friendly events, shows, and activities the whole family can enjoy? Head to the Spiegelgarden on Gibbs Street... some activities are free, some carry a cost (see details).

Stokoe Farms Homeschool Days are Wednesday, September 30th and Thursday, October 1st, from 9 am to 2 pm. Homeschool families enjoy a day on the farm with $12 discounted admission. Come see why Stokoe Farms has been consistently voted the area's FAVORITE HARVEST FEST! With Activities, Animals, Wagon Rides, Maze, and just about the best hospitality around, you and your family will spend a magical fall day outdoors in beautiful Western New York.

Join us for an afternoon outing on our guided trolley tour, followed by a light lunch. We are offering individual tickets for our popular guided tour around the Museum in our open-air trolley, which has previously only been available for larger group reservations. This tour is enjoyed by visitors of all ages! An interpreter will accompany you on the ride, highlighting favorite points of interest as you explore the village.

Learn about the different birds that live here at Seneca Park Zoo. In this guided tour, we will explore the Zoo looking for birds and listening to calls. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair! Birders of all skill levels welcome.

A great way for families to enjoy the colors of an upstate autumn is from the windows of a vintage electric trolley car at the New York Museum of Transportation in Rush, NY. Rides operate Sundays only, October 4, 11, 25 and are included free with admission to the museum. The 20-minute rides depart at 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. No reservations needed.

In our 1850’s farm kitchen learn the fundamentals of sausage making from cutting, grinding and mixing up ingredients to creating sausage links using natural casings. Participants will take home several links of sausages made from a variety of 19th century recipes. All participants must be age 16+; participants under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a paid adult ticketholder.

The Vampire Circus has been called a mix of circus cabaret and theater and is the result of a fusion of Tim Burton and Cirque Du Soleil.

Our annual Halloween tradition is back - bigger and wilder than ever! This year, Spooktacular takes over two weekends of spooky fun with Pumpkin Safari and Buggie Boogie Weekend. Come in costume, explore the zoo, and enjoy a family-friendly Halloween experience like never before.

Calling all little ghouls and goblins! It’s time for a fang-tastic evening at the Buffalo Zoo! Celebrate the spooky season with this family-friendly event that features: Trick-or-Treat trail around the Zoo for children ages 2-12, Live entertainment, Free rides, Visits from animal ambassadors, And so much more! Put on your best costume and get here early to show off to your animal friends during this after-hours event; animals are on exhibit until dusk. Destination Dinosaur and Enchanted Pumpkin Trail are included with this after-hours event ticket.

The New York Museum of Transportation once again will delight families with the unique "Halloween Trolley Express", Sunday October 18, with rides scheduled at 11:15, 12:05, 12:55, 1:45, 2:35 and 3:25. Reservations are required: www.nymtmuseum.org/halloween/.

Learn the fundamentals of cheesemaking in one of our 19th-century kitchens! Participants will make a hard cheese and bring home skills that they can use in their own kitchens. All participants must be age 16+; participants under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a paid adult ticketholder.