ROC the Riverway Weekend Celebrates Rochester’s Riverfront Transformation

Rochester, NY - Mayor Malik D. Evans announced the return of ROC the Riverway Weekend, a three-day celebration of Rochester’s Genesee River waterfront, Oct. 2-4, with activities taking place at locations along and near the 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 weekend will offer a variety of ways to experience Rochester’s waterfront, including scenic cruises along the Genesee River and Erie Canal, guided walks and bicycle rides, paddling excursions, historic tours and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore the Lower Falls and High Falls areas, tour the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, learn about the history and natural resources of the river, and enjoy the fall salmon run. Free self-guided mobile tours will also give residents and visitors the opportunity to explore the riverfront at their own pace.

ROC the Riverway is a transformative initiative encompassing more than two dozen projects along the Genesee River. The initiative is creating a more connected, accessible, and vibrant riverfront through investments in parks, trails, public spaces, infrastructure, and historic sites.

Several major ROC the Riverway projects have been completed in recent years, including the transformation of Austin Steward Plaza, improvements to the Sister Cities Bridge, Genesee Gateway Park, the Aqueduct District, and the Rundel Library North Terrace. The City also recently broke ground on the $8.2 million Genesee Crossroads Park project, which will improve access to the river, create an ADA-accessible riverside promenade, enhance connections to the Genesee Riverway Trail and add lighting, landscaping and public gathering spaces.

Work is also continuing on other major waterfront initiatives, including the future High Falls State Park, environmental cleanup and redevelopment at the former Vacuum Oil site, and planning for the continued expansion and connection of the Genesee Riverway Trail between downtown and Lake Ontario.

For the full list of ROC the Riverway Weekend events and information about the self-guided mobile tours, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/Roc-Riverway-Weekend.

More information about ROC the Riverway is available at www.cityofrochester.gov/RocTheRiverway.