Last updated on December 18, 2025 at 10:40 pm

October in Rochester, NY is the start of peak leaf and spooky season. You’re still trying to get things in before the cold comes and also enjoy all that fall has to offer. The kids (and adults) are preping their halloween costumes so here are some events going on this month in Rochester, NY!

Let’s get started

Harvest & Farm Festivals
Hilton Apple Fest: A classic early October event with apples, crafts, and food.
Fall Harvest Festivals: Farms like Stokoe Farms and Wickham Farms host month-long celebrations with mazes, pumpkins, and family fun.
Long Acre Farms: Features their Amazing Maize Maze through late October.
20 Deep Harvest Festival: Wine and harvest fun at 20 Deep Winery.
Arts, Culture & Film
ImageOut (Rochester LGBT Film Festival): A diverse film festival held mid-October.
Soundtrax Film Music Festival: Explores film music at the Eastman School of Music.
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO): Hosts specific festival performances, like an All-Beethoven Festival.
RMSC After Dark: Carnival of Curiosity: A unique, adults-focused evening at the Museum & Science Center.
Spooky & Halloween Events (Throughout October)
Halloweenfest: Lincoln Hill Farms offers seasonal thrills.
Mansion Mysteries: Explore haunted happenings at Sonnenberg Gardens.
Ghost Walk: The Landmark Society leads historical ghost tours.
RMSC Museum & Science Center: Hosts “After Dark” events with a spooky twist.
Other October Highlights
ROCtoberfest 5K: A themed run early in the month.
RGVRR Pumpkin Patch Train Rides: Fun train rides for all ages.
Indigenous Peoples Day: Celebrations held in Cobbs Hill Park.