ROC the Riverway weekend returns Oct. 2-4 with activities celebrating Rochester’s changing Genesee River waterfront

Rochester, New York – Rochester residents and visitors will have another opportunity to explore the city’s Genesee River waterfront this fall as ROC the Riverway Weekend returns for three days of activities from Oct. 2 through Oct. 4.

Mayor Malik D. Evans announced the annual celebration, which will feature events at locations along and near the Genesee River. The weekend is designed to give people a chance to experience the waterfront while learning more about the projects that are changing how Rochester connects with its river.

“ ROC the Riverway Weekend is a chance for residents and visitors to experience the Genesee River and see how our waterfront continues to evolve,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “We’ve made significant progress in creating welcoming public spaces, improving access to the river, and investing in the future of our waterfront. This weekend gives everyone an opportunity to enjoy these spaces, learn more about our river and celebrate the people and projects helping Rochester move forward.”

The schedule includes a wide range of activities, meaning visitors can experience the river in several different ways. Scenic cruises will be available along the Genesee River and Erie Canal, while guided walks and bicycle rides will offer opportunities to explore parts of the waterfront on land.

For those looking to get closer to the water, paddling excursions will be part of the weekend as well. Historic tours and family-friendly activities will give visitors additional ways to learn about Rochester’s past and its relationship with the river.

Several areas of the waterfront will be highlighted during the celebration. Visitors can explore the Lower Falls and High Falls areas, while the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse will also be part of the weekend experience.

The events will also focus on the natural side of the Genesee River. Participants can learn about the river’s history and natural resources and may have an opportunity to see the fall salmon run, a seasonal feature that brings salmon into the river.

For people who prefer exploring independently, free self-guided mobile tours will be available. These tours are designed to let residents and visitors move through the riverfront at their own pace instead of following a scheduled group activity.

Read also: New technical theatre pathways course helps RIT students discover behind-the-scenes performing arts opportunities

The weekend is also an opportunity to see the results of Rochester’s broader ROC the Riverway initiative. The program includes more than two dozen projects along the Genesee River, with investments aimed at making the waterfront more connected and accessible while adding new and improved public spaces.

Several of those projects have already been completed. Among them are the transformation of Austin Steward Plaza, improvements to the Sister Cities Bridge, Genesee Gateway Park, the Aqueduct District and the Rundel Library North Terrace.

Another major project is now moving forward. The city recently broke ground on the $8.2 million Genesee Crossroads Park project, which is intended to improve public access to the river and strengthen connections between different parts of the waterfront.

Plans for Genesee Crossroads Park include an ADA-accessible riverside promenade, improved connections to the Genesee Riverway Trail, new lighting and landscaping, as well as spaces where people can gather and spend time near the river.

Read also: Rochester budget team continues community outreach Wednesday at ROC the Block job fair with residents invited to share their priorities

At the same time, Rochester’s waterfront transformation is continuing beyond the projects that have already been completed or begun.

Work and planning are underway for the future High Falls State Park, while environmental cleanup and redevelopment efforts continue at the former Vacuum Oil site. The city is also planning for further expansion and connections along the Genesee Riverway Trail, including the stretch between downtown Rochester and Lake Ontario.

ROC the Riverway Weekend brings many of these developments together in a way that residents can experience directly. Instead of simply viewing the waterfront as a collection of construction projects, the three-day event gives people opportunities to walk, ride, paddle, tour and learn about the river and the spaces surrounding it.

The weekend will take place Oct. 2-4 at locations throughout the Rochester waterfront area. A complete schedule of activities, along with information about the free self-guided mobile tours, is available through the City of Rochester.

More information about the ROC the Riverway initiative and the projects included in the long-term waterfront effort is also available from the city.