Although the University of Rochester may be known for its snowy winters, the fall season offers students endless events and activities both on and off campus. Whether you’re searching for a classic fall outing like apple picking or looking to participate in a campus tradition like Meliora Weekend, URochester has something to offer.
Rochester Public Market – The Rochester Public Market is a staple for any Rochester resident. The market is open year-round on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturdays, from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local vendors offer seasonal produce, fresh meat, dairy products, and baked goods. During the fall season, visitors can also take part in special seasonal events such as Halloween at the Market. As part of an annual tradition, on the Sunday before Halloween, dozens of community nonprofit organizations offer candy for trick-or-treaters as the market fills with costumed shoppers!
Boar’s Head Dinner – Boar’s Head Dinner is another fantastic Rochester tradition. For the 500 students who snag a highly coveted ticket, the dinner is not only a delicious meal but an experience. Students and administrators arrive to a trumpet fanfare, clad in medieval costumes. The three-course dinner is supplemented with performances from student groups and followed by a retelling of the Tale of the Boar legend by a selected faculty member. Read up on this classic URochester tale.
Long Acre Maze – Looking for a spooky activity this fall? Try your hand at the Moonlight Maize Maze at Long Acre Farms! Come for the main attraction—namely, the giant corn maze—and stay for wood-fired pizza, hot cider, and campfires. While this activity does come with a cost, the Class Councils often host an annual trip to the farm for students at discounted prices and provide transportation. Be sure to sign up so you don’t miss the chance to puzzle through the maze!
The Lucky Flea Market – Open until the end of October, the Lucky Flea is located in Downtown Rochester and is accessible by the University Shuttle system. The weekly vintage market showcases local collectors, artists, and companies. The market strives to serve local customers while supporting Rochester’s creatives and companies. If you’re looking for even more vintage sellers, Flea Con hosts over 100 vendors at ROC Dome’s Minette Hall once a month starting in October.
Meliora Weekend – Possibly URochester’s most iconic tradition, this list of fall activities would not be complete without Meliora Weekend. Meliora Weekend, affectionately known by students as Mel Weekend, is the University’s alumni celebration. The 4-day event draws alumni from around the world and includes symposiums, student performances, a headliner concert or show, carnival rides, food trucks, and free giveaways. This year, Trevor Noah, an Emmy-winning comedian, and Lisa Genova, a New York Times bestselling author, were just two of the weekend’s iconic visitors. Meliora Weekend was also the official launch of For Ever Better: The Campaign for the University of Rochester. Read more about the campaign!
Fringe Festival – Rochester Fringe is one of the largest and most successful fringe festivals in the nation, as well as the largest multidisciplinary performing arts festival in New York State. Located across the street from Eastman Theater, students can utilize the shuttle system to attend comedy shows, watch short plays, and eat delicious food from local food trucks. This celebration of creativity and art perfectly exemplifies the unique culture and experiences that the city of Rochester offers.
Walk along the Genesee River Trail – While the weather is still on the warmer side, take the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful nature around campus. Rochester’s own Genesee Riverway is 13 miles long, stretching from the Erie Canal all the way into Lake Ontario. Students can follow the trail from campus, walking along the river. Fun fact: The construction of New York’s newest state park is currently underway in downtown Rochester, celebrating the iconic High Falls and the Genesee River!
University Sports – Of course, the fall season means fall sports. URochester proudly supports its 23 Division 3 teams, several of which compete during the fall. Cheer on Men’s and Women’s Soccer or support Yellowjacket Football during the fall. If varsity athletics seem too intense, club sports are a great option to stay active on campus. This year, the women’s club soccer team qualified for the national championships! In addition, URochester’s many student dance groups also hold showcases throughout the fall semester.
Memorial Art Gallery Clothesline Art Festival – While the Memorial Art Gallery, or MAG, is exciting at all times of the year, the Rochester art museum holds its largest annual fundraiser in early September. The festival features hundreds of small artists selling handmade goods as well as food vendors and live entertainment. Additionally, University of Rochester students receive 50% off an individual museum membership, which includes free access to the festival, as well as museum admission.
Of course, these are just a few of the endless options for University of Rochester students to explore during the first few months of the academic year. While winter may be the most talked-about season in Rochester, there is no doubt that fall is one of the most exciting times to be on campus!