Enter a magical world of larger-than-life jack-o’-lanterns at the Buffalo Zoo’s Enchanted Pumpkin Trail! Explore the Zoo in a whole new way this fall, featuring dozens of glowing pumpkin displays , access to Destination Dinosaur after dark hours, and more! Whether you are strolling through a magical fairy garden, exploring the jack-o’-lantern safari, or dancing among our skeleton mariachi band for Day of the Dead, there is something for everyone on our Enchanted Pumpkin Trail!

Laser ABBA is high-energy fun, featuring vibrant laser projections set to the iconic music of the Swedish supergroup ABBA. Experience timeless hits like "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," and "SOS" in a kaleidoscope of color and light. Get ready to sing along and groove to the infectious beats of this mesmerizing reimagining ABBA's catchy classics

Week 2 of our Piano Festival continues with two programs devoted to the commanding brilliance and deep expressive power of Beethoven and Brahms.

Enjoy an afternoon of music as Hochstein’s Philharmonia Orchestra and Sinfonia Strings present their free fall concert on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 N. Plymouth Ave., Rochester! Conducted by John Fetter, this family-friendly program features music by Brahms, Verdi, Britten, Mahler, and Tchaikovsky, alongside seasonal selections “Midnight Howl” and “Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).” All ages are welcome, and no tickets or registration are required—just come ready to enjoy the music!

KOAA Drawing Nov 22: The Sound of Music will be at the Auditorium December 1-6. Enter today to win a family four-pack of tickets to the December 1 show! This cherished Rodgers & Hammerstein classic follows Maria and the von Trapp family in a heartwarming celebration of love, resilience, and the power of music. Share this timeless musical with a new generation, or rediscover the songs you love. Recommended for ages five and up, it’s an inspiring outing for families and musical theater lovers. Entry form in details.

It’s election night RPO style! An all-American program and you get to vote for the finale. No recounts, no waiting for the networks to call it. The winning piece closes the night and you’ll know the results before you leave!

Wednesday, Oct 14, 12:10pm: The Hochstein School’s Live from Hochstein concert series returns this fall with a new lineup of free noontime performances beginning Wednesday, October 14, 2026, and continuing weekly through December 16, 2026. Concerts take place from 12:10–12:50 p.m. in the Hochstein Performance Hall and are open to the public at no charge.

November 5–8, 2026: Lights. Camera. Canines! Forget everything you think you know about dog acts. The Canine Stars is a high-energy theatrical spectacular starring some of the world’s most talented canine athletes — all rescue or adopted dogs. Get ready for freestyle dancing, jaw-dropping disc tricks, high-flying jumps, and the world’s only ball pit for dogs! It’s big-time entertainment with a big-hearted message: every dog deserves a chance to shine. And while these dogs may be stars, they’re family pets first, performers second. Their trainers use positive-reinforcement methods and industry-leading safety equipment, and the organization is USDA licensed and committed to strict animal-welfare standards. Best of all, these stars don’t disappear backstage after the final curtain. Meet them, pet them, and snap a photo together! Come for the wows. Stay for the woofs. Leave inspired.

Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra presents Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ Live in Concert featuring John Williams’ GRAMMY Award winning score performed live to the film.

Laser ABBA is high-energy fun, featuring vibrant laser projections set to the iconic music of the Swedish supergroup ABBA. Experience timeless hits like "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," and "SOS" in a kaleidoscope of color and light. Get ready to sing along and groove to the infectious beats of this mesmerizing reimagining ABBA's catchy classics

Step into the Kingdom of Sweets with Rochester City Ballet’s Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy and Friends! This beloved holiday event sells out every year, bringing children and families together for a magical celebration at the beautiful Partners + Napier offices in Rochester.

6 week classes at Dance Connection

Hochstein faculty members perform a program in remembrance of the Hochstein School’s namesake, David Hochstein.

From Mozart’s effortless elegance to Bartók’s explosive rhythms, Andreas Delfs leads the RPO in a thrilling contrast of musical styles. Hear graceful melodies give way to bold sounds, surprising twists, and an orchestra firing on all cylinders.

November 13-15, at A Magical Journey Thru Stages: Based on the DreamWorks Animation hit, How to Train Your Dragon JR. brings fire-breathing action, epic adventure and big laughs to the stage. ​Hiccup is a young Viking who defies tradition and befriends one of his deadliest foes – a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, the unlikely heroes fight against the odds to save both their worlds in this wonderful theatrical adaptation. Tickets are available now for this all ages show!

Enjoy the music of Led Zeppelin accompanied by spectacular lasers and Planetarium effects.

Hochstein’s Youth Symphony Orchestra fall concert, conducted by Casey Springstead.

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.

HochStrings Director Shea McGhee leads our adult string orchestra in a delightful program of “fan favorites” including works by Pachelbel, Vivaldi, Handel, Bach, Mozart, and Holst.

Join us for a one-of-a-kind family event as we give thanks for the tiniest members of our CountryMax family. At our small pet Thanksgiving, kids will help prepare a special holiday feast for our small animals and enjoy hands-on time meeting and learning about them.

Save the date for Hochstein’s Concertino Strings fall concert, led by Marcos Kreutzer.

Wednesday, Nov 25, and Friday-Sunday Nov 27-29: Your Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Rochester City Ballet celebrate 27 years of a holiday tradition: The Nutcracker at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre! Be whisked away to a magical land of sparkling snow and delectable sweets as Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score pairs with beautiful ballet. This story of a young girl’s Christmas Eve dream never fails to touch the heart!

Get into the holiday spirit with a holiday magic cart tour at the Zoo! The most magical ride of the season starts right here at the Zoo! The most magical ride of the season starts right here at the Zoo! Bring a warm beverage, cozy blanket, and get ready for a 90-minute cart tour through the Zoo, led by our Zoo Naturalists. Space is limited, so head to our website to secure your seats today! **There are a total of 10 seats available per time slot (2 carts with 5 seats each). If there are not enough spaces for your party remaining, you will need to select another date or time. If we have an uneven split amongst the carts, groups may need to be split between 2 carts. Carts ride through the zoo together, so you will not be split for the entirety of the tour.

The French electronic music duo known as Daft Punk brought house music to the masses. The Laser Daft Punk show is an exciting tribute to the visual spectacle of the costumed pair, and their extravagant live shows.

December 1–6, 2026, at West Herr Auditorium Theatre in Rochester, experience the joy of The Sound of Music, presented by RBTL and Albert Nocciolino. This cherished Rodgers & Hammerstein classic follows Maria and the von Trapp family in a heartwarming celebration of love, resilience, and the power of music. Directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien, the acclaimed North American tour features favorites including “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and “Edelweiss.” Share this timeless musical with a new generation, or rediscover the songs you love. Recommended for ages five and up, it’s an inspiring outing for families and musical theater lovers.

Breathtaking acrobatics, soaring aerial performances, and heart-pounding feats bring the season's most beloved melodies to life, delivering an unforgettable holiday experience for the whole family.

Learn how to roast your own coffee and fry your own doughnuts the 19th-century way! Using historical techniques and ingredients (including lard for frying!), guests will get to make and eat their own brunch-time treats in the 1850s Jones Farm kitchen. All participants must be age 16+.

New York Museum of Transportation in Rush: Take a vintage trolley ride, meet Santa Claus, see the Midtown Plaza Monorail, enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, games and a museum full of holiday decorations. December 6, 12 and 13. Reservations at www.nymtmuseum.org/Christmas

December 11-13 at A Magical Journey Thru Stages, located on 3rd floor of the West Herr Performing Arts Center: Come from Away is based on the true story of the time when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on 9/11/2001. Performed by students in Grades 6-12

Join us for a merry afternoon filled with live music, crafts, karaoke and more!

Celebrate the season with Windborne’s Music of Midwinter on Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Greece Baptist Church in Rochester. Renowned for their breathtaking four-part harmonies, Windborne presents a festive concert of traditional, folk, and classical songs from the U.S., the British Isles, and beyond. Featuring lush vocal arrangements, holiday stories, audience sing-alongs, and an array of instruments including banjos, guitars, bodhrán, and Lithuanian kanklės, this joyful performance is perfect for the whole family. Advance tickets are recommended and discounted, with special pricing available for Golden Link members, students, and children.