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Rochester, NY

2026 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 2026 events to Wishbook.roc@gmail.com.

JULY 2026 EVENTS back to top


Velocipede Day - New York Museum of Transportation

Sunday, July 26, 2026. Try your hand at operating a railroad velocipede in the safety of the museum's  railroad tracks. The 1890s velocipede was once used on railroads by supervisors and track inspectors. Under careful supervision, you take a seat, grab the handles, and row your way up the line. Adults and kids are welcome! It's just like rowing a boat! The Velocipede, trolley rides, and a full museum all at family friendly prices. Details at http://www.nymtmuseum.org/

Events at the Transportation Museum - New York Museum of Transportation
New York Museum of Transportation

Details on upcoming events at the museum: http://www.nymtmuseum.org/

The Old Rochester Subway Exhibit - New York Museum of Transportation

The New York Museum of Transportation presents an exhibit of photographs of the Rochester Subway, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of  service on line.  Images show stations and Subway cars in operation, taken in order from Rowlands Loop in Brighton to the Subway car barns on the City's northwest side.  A large map provides details of the route, and a short video takes viewers for a ride during the last days of operation.

The gallery exhibit is free with admission to the museum which includes a vintage trolley ride as well as exhibits of transportation history, a huge model railroad, and the Midtown Plaza Monorail.  Family friendly admission is just $12 adults, $10 seniors 65+, and $6 youths age 3 - 12.

Open 11 to 4, Sundays only, the museum is located just 20 minutes south of Rochester at 6393 East River Road in Rush, one mile north of Rt. 251 (Exit 11 from I-390).

www.nymtmuseum.org     (585) 533-1113

 New York Museum of Transportation

AUGUST 2026 EVENTS back to top


Scale Model Show! - New York Museum of Transportation
Scale models and the enthusiasts who build them will be on hand Sunday August 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the New York Museum of Transportation hosts members of the ROC City Scale Modelers and the Genesee & Ontario Model-N-Gineers. 

The range of work on display could include planes, trains, ships, military and civilian vehicles, figures, and even space, science fiction and robots.  Club members will be sharing tips for beginners and more advanced modelers on paints, tools, and techniques to create realism in models and dioramas.

Rides on the museum's vintage trolley car are included with admission and there are five departures:  11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30.  The museum includes a large model railroad, steam locomotive, several full-size trolley cars, a fire truck, Greyhound bus, and the Midtown Plaza Monorail.

The family friendly admission includes the model show, the museum and the trolley ride:  $12 adults, $10 seniors 65+, $6 youths age 3 - 12.  Under age 3 are free.  No reservations required.

www.nymtmuseum.org        (585) 533-1113     infonymtm@gmail.com

SEPTEMBER 2026 EVENTS back to top


2026 Golfing for Good Tournament - Notre Dame Learning Center, Inc.
Sunday, September 20, 2026 at Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Road, Webster, NY 14580

8:30 am Shotgun Start. Four-Person Scramble.
Special! $125 per golfer through July 31.
$135 After July 31. Dinner only $35.
REGISTRATION, SPONSORSHIP INFO, and ONLINE FORM available at  www.ndlcenter.org/golf2026

OTHER 2026 EVENTS back to top


NAMIWalks 2026
Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Location: Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1050 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607 — with a walk route through historic downtown Rochester!

Time: Registration Opens at 9am; Walk at 10am
 
NAMIWalks Rochester is our community's signature mental health awareness and fundraising event, uniting individuals, families, businesses, and organizations across Greater Rochester in a shared commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness. Every dollar raised supports free mental health education programs, peer support groups, and community outreach services offered by NAMI Rochester at no cost to participants. Last year, more than 500 walkers came together and helped NAMI Rochester earn recognition as NAMI NYS Affiliate of the Year.
There are many ways to get involved! Rally your family, friends, or colleagues and register as a walk team, or sign up as an individual walker and make new friends along the way. Volunteer opportunities are also available — visit our website to learn more. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to reach out to NAMIWalks Manager Tara at tara@namiroc.org. Join us this October for Mental Health Awareness Month and be part of something that truly changes lives.
Register or donate at: https://www.namiwalks.org/rochesterny

Brain Game Fundraiser - Literacy Rochester
Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 5 to 8 pm. at the Hyatt Regency Rochester. Details at https://literacyrochester.org/braingame/

Brain Game brings together the Rochester community for an evening of trivia and friendly competition, raising critical funds to expand access to adult literacy programs. Team knowledge is tested with questions in various categories, but only one team takes home the coveted Brain Trophy and title of Brain Game Champion, an honor claimed by NFP Telecom last year. In addition to the trivia competition, the event features an online auction, cash raffle, cocktail hour, and dinner.

Potential sponsors and teams are encouraged to register online at LiteracyRochester.org/BrainGame. Registration forms can be completed online or by returning a filled out copy through mail or e-mail. The registration deadline is Thursday, October 1, 2026. Questions and other inquires can be directed via e-mail to BrainGame@LiteracyRochester.org or by calling the Literacy Rochester office at (585) 473-3030. test

Literacy Rochester

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