Rochester announces Halloween events for children and families across the city

Rochester, New York – Rochester families looking for ways to celebrate Halloween have a schedule of activities stretching from library craft sessions to a haunted house, an evening at the Public Market and a day exploring nocturnal animals. The city’s seasonal lineup brings events to several neighborhoods, with options for young children, teenagers and families celebrating together.

Mayor Malik D. Evans is inviting residents to take part in the programs at City R-Centers, libraries and other community locations. Most activities are free. The exceptions include admission to the Edgerton haunted house, while families interested in the cemetery tours should check the organizer’s website for prices and registration details.

“Halloween is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to have fun, get creative, and make lasting memories with their families and friends,” said Mayor Evans. “Our R-Centers, libraries, and Public Market are bringing the spirit of the season to neighborhoods across Rochester with activities that are both exciting and safe. I encourage families to take advantage of these opportunities to celebrate together.”

The schedule begins Thursday, Oct. 22, with three library events during the afternoon. At the Monroe Branch Library, 809 Monroe Ave., families can put on their costumes and step up to the microphone during Family-Friendly Costume Karaoke Night. The event runs from 3 to 6 p.m., combining Halloween dress-up with a chance to sing.

Young people who would rather make something can head to the Lincoln Branch Library, 851 Joseph Ave. Its Tweens & Teens Halloween Wind Chimes Craft session takes place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Participants will create wind chimes with a Halloween theme.

Also that afternoon, the Charlotte Branch Library at 3557 Lake Avenue will hold its Family Halloween Party from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The celebration is intended for children and families, giving residents another option alongside the music and craft programs taking place elsewhere.

The weekend brings Halloween at the Market on Sunday, Oct. 25. Families are invited to the Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union St., from 4:30 to 7 p.m. for a seasonal celebration at the community gathering space.

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For those interested in a haunted house, the Edgerton R-Center will host its Halloween attraction on two consecutive evenings. Located at 41 Backus St., the center will welcome visitors from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, and Wednesday, Oct. 28. Admission costs $5 per person, payable at the door.

The Charlotte Branch Library has another activity planned for Wednesday, Oct. 28. From 4 to 5 p.m., visitors of all ages can decorate their own Halloween masks during the Halloween Mask Kids Craft program. Supplies are limited, a detail families should keep in mind when planning their visit.

Thursday, Oct. 29, offers a choice of music, crafts and trick-or-treating at three locations. The first event is the Halloween Karaoke Dance Party at the Frederick Douglass Community Library, 971 South Ave. Running from 3 to 4:30 p.m., it invites participants to enjoy an afternoon of singing, dancing and Halloween activities.

Later that day, the Monroe Branch Library will hold Halloween Craft Night from 5 to 6 p.m. Children ages 3 and older are invited to take part in a paintable Halloween craft. This session requires registration, which families can complete through the library’s event page.

The Adams R-Center, 85 Adams St., will also welcome children and families on Oct. 29 for Trunk or Treat. From 5:30 to 7 p.m., participants can trick-or-treat among creatively decorated vehicle trunks provided by local organizations. Face painting and other activities are part of the gathering.

Younger children have a storytelling event the following morning. On Friday, Oct. 30, the Central Library at 115 South Ave. will present Spooky Stories in the Secret Room. The half-hour program runs from 10 to 10:30 a.m. and is intended for children ages 5 and under.

Halloween day itself brings a nature-focused celebration at the new Maplewood Nature Center, 107 Bridge View Drive. Creatures of the Night runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. Educators will help visitors explore animals associated with nighttime, including owls, bats and raccoons. Free, family-friendly nature activities will be offered throughout the event.

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Residents can also explore the season through themed tours presented by The Friends of Mt. Hope Cemetery. Scheduled at various dates and times between Oct. 24 and 31, the offerings include “Mischief, Murder & Mayhem,” and “Halloween in Rochester: Food, History, and Mt. Hope Cemetery.” Information about costs and registration is available at www.fomh.org.

With events spread across multiple days, families can choose activities based on their children’s ages and interests. Some programs welcome all ages, while others are designed specifically for younger children or tweens and teens. The city’s schedule also identifies the craft session requiring registration and the mask-making activity with limited supplies.
Alongside the celebrations, Evans is reminding families to keep safety in mind, especially during neighborhood trick-or-treating on Saturday, Oct. 31. The city suggests starting early in the evening, before the sun sets at 6 p.m., so children can begin their rounds while there is still daylight.
Families should use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible, look both ways before crossing a street and avoid crossing between parked vehicles. After dark, carrying flashlights can help make trick-or-treaters more visible to others.
Drivers have a role in keeping the evening safe as well. The city is asking motorists to slow down, remain alert and pay particular attention to pedestrians while children and families are out celebrating.
Additional details about library locations, operating hours and activities are available at www.roccitylibrary.org. Families can find R-Center information at www.cityofrochester.gov/rcenters and learn more about the market at www.cityofrochester.gov/publicmarket.