skip navigation
Rochester, NY

2025 Special Events

Rochester-area events that benefit local charities.

For information and agency contacts, click on the agency's name in the listings.
Agencies: Submit your 2025 events to Wishbook.roc@gmail.com.

OCTOBER 2025 EVENTS back to top


Buffalo Bills Bye Week - Buy Meat - AutismUp
Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 1 to 4 pm. at Golisano Autis Center, 50 Science Parkway,
Rochester, NY 14620.

Meat Raffle -- So Much Meat!

Check it out! https://givebutter.com/MEATAU

So stock your freezer and have a blast at AutismUp’s Meat Raffle on Sunday, October 19 from 1–4 PM at the Golisano Autism Center!

 Here are the "meat deets:"

  • BYO cooler and pack it with the spoils.
  • Tailgate with friends while you try your luck at winning premium cuts of meat.
  • Rounds of raffles, drinks, and the kind of fun you don’t find at the grocery store.

 $25 admission tickets and VIP tables are now on sale and limited. Grab yours now and get ready to shout "MEAT!" when your number is called.

 PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST ATTEND IN PERSON TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEAT RAFFLE!


AutismUp

"Myths and Mysteries" concert - Penfield Symphony Orchestra
Monday, October 20, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at Penfield High School Auditorium, 25 High School Drive, Penfield, NY.
Concert is filled with familiar classics and new surprises.
A pre-concert lecture for ticket holders begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by a Q&A with the audience.
Price:  $15 for adults, $1 for students with student ID.
Tickets: on line at www.penfieldsymphony.org, by phone 585-872-0774, and at the door on the night of the concert.

Celebrating Autumn at the Transportation Museum - New York Museum of Transportation
The windows of a vintage trolley car offer a colorful view of Autumn, and this unique experience is offered every Sunday in October at the New York Museum of Transportation  in Rush, NY.

"Fall Foliage Trolley Rides" operate Sundays, October 5, 12, and 26, departing from the museum at 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30.  No reservations are required.  The ride is included with the family friendly museum admission of $15 adults, $10 seniors 65+, and $6 youths age 3 - 12.

The "Halloween Trolley Express" takes you to the pumpkin patch to decorate a baby pumpkin to take home, and enjoy delicious cider and donuts.  On return to the museum there's trick-or-treating in Halloween decorated trolley cars, live music, and games.  It's all just spooky enough to have fun.  Reservations are required:  nymtmuseum.org/Halloween.  $18 adults, $14 ages 2 - 14.

The New York Museum of Transportation features historic vehicles, exhibits, large model railroads and the Midtown Plaza Monorail.  Open Sundays only, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., through October and again during the Christmas holidays December 7, 13 and 14 for "Holly Trolley Days" with Santa, holiday decor and complimentary treats.

NOVEMBER 2025 EVENTS back to top


Heart and Homes Gala: An Evening of Hope to Support Children and Families - Families Thrive, Inc.

Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Families Thrive Annual Hearts & Homes Gala. This special night brings together community members, partners, and supporters for an inspiring celebration filled with heartfelt stories, meaningful connections, and a shared commitment to making a difference.

Together, we’ll raise vital funds and awareness to support our mission of helping every child find a safe, loving, and permanent home.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at the link below. Don’t miss this powerful evening of purpose, hope, and community impact.

Tickets & Sponsorships
 
 

 

Pickleball Tournament - Dream Factory of Rochester, Inc.
Saturday, November 15, 2025  at the Fairport Pickleball Club, 75 N. Main St. Suite 160, Fairport, NY 14450.
Men's, Women's & Mixed Doubles -- Beginner, Adv Beginner, Intermediate
Raffles, Prizes, 50/50, Cash Bar, Refreshments.
$75 per person
Play starts at 9 a.m. Times will be assigned after registration.
Register by November 5.
DREAMFACTORYROCHESTER.ORG

Autism Up Paddle Tournament XV!! - AutismUp
Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Shadow Lake Paddle Courts.

MIX-IT-UP for AutismUp at our annual social-competitive mixed doubles paddle charity tournament!

Registration is now open!

AutismUp

RECURRING (YEAR ROUND) EVENTS back to top


Sundays

Trolley Car Restoration - New York Museum of Transportation

Sundays from April-May through October, at the Museum, 6393 E. River Road, West Henrietta, NY.
Museum volunteers are restoring several antique trolleys for operation on the museum's rail line. View the progress as we bring a 1914 interurban car and a 100-year-old Rochester streetcar back to life!
Available during our regular operating hours, 11 am to 5 pm, Sundays only. Included in the regular admission price. See www.nymtmuseum.org
for more information.

Fridays

Friday Sale At St. Michael's Church - St. Vincent DePaul Society

Every Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at The St. Vincent DePaul Store in the basement of St. Michael's Hall, 124 Evergreen St. (Church location: behind 869 Clinton Avenue near corner of Clifford Avenue.) Includes antiques, collectibles, athletic equipment, electronics, and other items that are not basic household items. Quality merchandise at bargain prices. Proceeds raised at the sale go to support the St. Vincent De Paul Ministry to help the poor in our parish live a better life.

Saturdays

Marine History Group - Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society

Second Saturday of the month*, from 10:00 am to 12 noon, at The Former Customs House, 10 Latta Rd., at the corner of River Street. Rochester, NY 14612.  THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Presentation by the Marine History Group of the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society. The Presentation will be followed by a round robin. Bring your thoughts about Marine History for group discussion. 
*except July, August, and December.

Village History Group - Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society

(beginning in Spring) 

Third Saturday of the month, from 10:00 am to 12 noon, at The Former U.S. Customs House, 10 Latta Rd. corner of River Street, Rochester 14612. THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Bring in any items pertaining to Charlotte that you would like to show the group. (Every month except July, August, and December.)

Counter