This weekend's events in Rochester, NY
BeyondTheNest.com presents its calendar of things to do this weekend in and around Rochester, September 18–20, 2026: Shows, culture, recreation, festivals, sporting events, concerts, and more!
(Scroll down for full list of weekend activities.)
Friday, September 18, 2026
Live Music Cruise Aboard Riverie - September 18 & 25, 2026 - Rochester, NY. Enjoy a scenic evening cruise on the Genesee River and Erie Canal with live performances from favorite local musicians and a stunning skyline view at sunset.
Geva Theatre Presents A Chorus Line - September 15–20, 2026 (and additional dates) - Rochester, NY. Experience the iconic Broadway musical that follows hopeful dancers auditioning for a spot on a chorus line, with memorable songs and high-energy choreography.
Friends of Penfield Public Library Book Sale - September 15–19, 2026 - Penfield, NY. Browse tens of thousands of gently used books, media, puzzles, and games at bargain prices, with special half‑price and bag‑day deals later in the sale.
Rochester Fringe Festival: Sept 15-26, 2026 - September 15–26, 2026 - Rochester, NY. Discover one of New York’s largest multidisciplinary performing arts festivals, featuring hundreds of innovative performances and events spread across venues throughout the city.
FREE Classes at Dance Connection - September 14–19, 2026 - Rochester, NY. Try complimentary dance classes during a special trial week and sample different styles for all ages before committing to a full session.
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Erie Canal Lock 32 Cruise Aboard Sam Patch - September 14–31, 2026 (and beyond) - Pittsford, NY. Cruise the historic Erie Canal with live narration, travel through a working lock, and learn how this engineering marvel helped open the American West.
Blackfriars Theatre presents EUREKA DAY - September 17–20, 2026 - Rochester, NY. Watch a sharply funny, thought‑provoking comedy that explores how communities clash over reality, truth, and solutions in a digital age.
Rochester Fringe Festival: Sept 15-26, 2026 - September 15–26, 2026 - Rochester, NY. Dive into a full day of Fringe programming with eclectic performances ranging from theater and music to dance, comedy, and outdoor spectacles.
2026 Turtle Hill Folk Festival - September 19, 2026 - Rochester, NY. Spend the day at the 55th annual folk festival enjoying afternoon and evening concerts by acclaimed folk artists in the Historic German House.
Trolley-to-Train Rides at the Rush Fall Festival! - September 19, 2026 - West Henrietta, NY. Ride a vintage trolley car and transfer to a real freight train between two connected rail museums for a unique transportation experience.
Laser Daft Punk at RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium - September 19, 2026 - Rochester, NY. Enjoy an immersive laser show set to Daft Punk’s electronic hits, combining pulsating music with dazzling visuals in the planetarium dome.
Cider & Donuts Cruise Aboard Riverie - Corn Hill Landing - September 19–20 & 27, 2026 (and select October dates) - Rochester, NY. Celebrate fall with fresh cider and donuts from Powers Farm Market while cruising the Genesee River and Erie Canal amid colorful seasonal scenery.
Birding Cruise Aboard Riverie - September 19–20 & 26–27, 2026 (and select October dates) - Rochester, NY. Join birding experts on the water to spot and learn about many bird species along the river and canal, with binoculars available on board.
Sunset and Skyline Cruise Aboard Riverie - September 19 & 26, 2026 (and select October dates) - Rochester, NY. Glide along the Genesee and Erie Canal at dusk with yacht rock music, watching wildlife and finishing with a luminous view of Rochester’s skyline.
Sunset Cruise Aboard Sam Patch - September 19, 2026 - Pittsford, NY. Enjoy an evening Erie Canal cruise through Lock 32 with a complimentary beverage and a curated sunset playlist as the light reflects off the canal.
Lunch and Scenic River and Canal Cruise Aboard Riverie - September 19 & 26, 2026 (and select October dates) - Rochester, NY. Take a midday narrated cruise past the University of Rochester and through Genesee Valley Park onto the canal, with an optional onboard lunch.
Pittsford Fireworks Cruise - Colonial Belle - September 19, 2026 - Fairport & Pittsford, NY. Sail from Fairport to Pittsford and watch the fireworks from the top deck of the Colonial Belle for an exceptional view over the canal.
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Lunch and Erie Canal Lock 32 Cruise Aboard Sam Patch - Pittsford, NY - September 14–30, 2026 (and select October dates) - Pittsford, NY. Relax on a narrated daytime Erie Canal cruise that includes passage through Lock 32, with an optional lunch as you learn canal history and enjoy the scenery.
Scenic River and Canal Cruise Aboard Riverie - September 16–20, 2026 (and additional dates) - Rochester, NY. Take a narrated cruise along the Genesee River into the Erie Canal, hearing stories of the region’s waterways while admiring lush landscapes and skyline views.
Blackfriars Theatre presents EUREKA DAY - September 17–20, 2026 - Rochester, NY. Catch the final day’s performance of this satirical play that tackles contentious community debates with humor and sharp dialogue.
Rochester Fringe Festival: Sept 15-26, 2026 - September 15–26, 2026 - Rochester, NY. Explore Sunday Fringe shows across multiple venues, from family‑friendly matinees to adventurous experimental performances.
Laser Abba - Matinee at RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium - September 19, 25 & 27, 2026 - Rochester, NY. Enjoy a colorful laser matinee featuring ABBA’s greatest hits, with sing‑along favorites presented in an energetic light show format.
Cider & Donuts Cruise Aboard Sam Patch - Pittsford, NY - September 19–20 & 26–27, 2026 (and select October dates) - Pittsford, NY. Savor cider and donuts from Powers Farm Market on a fall Erie Canal cruise with narration highlighting the canal’s role in shaping the community.
Birding Cruise Aboard Riverie - September 19–20 & 26–27, 2026 (and select October dates) - Rochester, NY. Spend a Sunday morning on the water spotting and identifying local birds with guidance from expert birders along the river and canal corridors.
Cider & Donuts Cruise Aboard Riverie - Corn Hill Landing - September 19–20 & 27, 2026 (and select October dates) - Rochester, NY. Enjoy another fall‑flavored cruise option with seasonal treats and narration as you soak in riverside and canal views from Corn Hill Landing.