Reporting by Tracy Schuhmacher, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Fall in Western New York is magical, with its cool temperatures and spectacular fall foliage. The harvest season brings delicious crops like grapes, pumpkins, apples and more. It’s a traditional time for harvest festivals such as Oktoberfest.
There is a plethora of food-related events in Rochester and nearby this September and October. Here’s a promising selection.
11 food-related events in Rochester
C.U.R.E’s 50th Anniversary Golden Gala
C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association will celebrate 50 years at a 50th Anniversary Golden Gala beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at Arbor Midtown,183 E. Main St. downtown.
Enjoy grazing stations provided by the American Culinary Federation, open bar, entertainment by Uptown Groove, auctions and inspiring stories. The event will help C.U.R.E. can provide emotional, educational, social, and financial support to local families. Tickets, $175 to $190, may be purchased at curekidscancer.com.
Fairport Oktoberfest
Fairport Oktoberfest will be held Sept. 24 to 26 at the Fairport Junction Festival Site, Liftbridge Lane East, Fairport. It runs 4 to 11 p.m. Thursday; noon to 11 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday (beer sales begin at noon). It features German cuisine, beer and a mix of traditional German music and rock bands.
Admission is $10 each evening ($8 in advance online); $5 from noon to 4 p.m. Friday; and free until 4 p.m. Saturday. Find more information and purchase tickets at fairportpartnership.org.
Harvest Moon Festival
Celebrate Asian culture at APAPA Rochester’s Harvest Moon Festival from noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 26 at Meridian Centre Park, 2025 Winton Road South in Brighton. Enjoy cultural performances, traditional and contemporary music and dance, children’s activities and storytelling.
A marketplace will feature food vendors, artisan vendors, community organizations and local businesses. Admission is free but registration is required.
Fall Fest
Three Brothers Wineries, 623 Lerch Road in Geneva, will host its Fall Fest from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 27. Live music will be presented on two stages from 1 to 5 p.m. Shop local vendors from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Future Farmers of America will be on hand with farm animals. The event is free to attend. Find a full rundown at 3brotherswinery.com.
Naples Grape Festival
The annual Naples Grape Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 26 and 27, rain or shine, in the village. The two-day festival includes live music, artistic vendors, food offerings, a beverage garden and a grape pie contest. For more details, visit naplesgrapefest.org.
Food truck rodeo
The Rochester Public Market will host its last food truck rodeo of the season on Sept. 30, with live music from Mr. Heartache. It will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union St. Find more information at cityofrochester.gov.
Hilton Apple Festival
The annual Hilton Apple Festival will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 3 and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 4 on Henry Street in Hilton. The two-day-long festival includes live music, apple treats, kids activities, an apple pie contest, vendors, photo contest, raffles and more. There is no charge for admission, entertainment or parking. hiltonapplefest.org.
Apple Tasting Tour
Wayne County will celebrate its 29th annual Apple Tasting Tour in October. Download its app or check its website for a self-guided tour to orchards, cideries and farm markets. Its Signature Tasting Weekend from Oct. 9 to 12 offers apple-themed tastings at each stop. Find more information at appletastingtour.com.
Cider Fest 2026
Embark Craft Ciderworks, 6895 Lake Ave. in Williamson, will host Cider Fest 2026 from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 9. Taste ciders from across New York State, enjoy live music and grab a bite from its kitchen. Tickets are $50 for general admission and $10 for designated drivers.
Harvest Dinner
Point of the Bluff Vineyards will hold an adult-only harvest dinner from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the winery at 10489 County Route 76 in Hammondsport. It will feature produce from Glenn Scott Farm, a menu from The Park Inn and wines from Point of the Bluff. Seating is community style. The cost is $185.19 plus tax per person. pointofthebluffvineyards.com
Oktoberfest
The third annual Oktoberfest celebration at the Lake House on Canandaigua, 770 S. Main St. in Canandaigua, will be held 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 25. The event will include beer, live music, food, lawn games and other German-inspired activities. Each ticket includes a commemorative Oktoberfest mug. For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/TLH_oktoberfest.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.
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