1. Sample Saturdays at Grand Cru Chocolate and Nuts
Stop by this gourmet chocolate shop for free samples of their tastiest treats!
When: Every Saturday
Where: Grand Cru Chocolate and Nuts, 3050 Monroe Ave
Cost: FREE
Outdoor festivals are one of the best parts of fall! Stop by for food, beer, live music, and fresh air.
When: October 10, 10am – 8pm
Where: Hamlin Firemen’s Field, 1503 Lake Road
Cost: FREE
3. Karaoke Tuesdays at Butapub
Nothing but a pub…Butapub, get it? Enjoy drink specials and embarassing yourself in front of strangers at karaoke nights.
When: Every Tuesday 10pm – 2am
Where: 315 Gregory Street
Cost: FREE
4. ColumbusFest
I personally don’t believe in celebrating Columbus Day because he was totally a thief and murderer…but in case you happen to be in the area, head to Pizzeria Favo in Pittsford to sample free pizza, gelato, beer, and wine, then grab a pizza to take home! This new assembly-line style pizza joint lets you can customize your own pizza for less than $9!! (Think Chipotle, but for pizza.)
When: October 10
Where: 3400 Monroe Ave
Cost: FREE
5. College Night at Bowl-A-Roll
Bowling is a fun and cheap way to relieve some of the stress of studying without going too crazy. Bowl-A-Roll offers college students $1 games along with $1 hot dogs and $0.50 sodas. Cheeeaaaaaap.
When: Sundays & Mondays starting at 9pm
Where: 1560 Jefferson Road
Cost: $1 per game with valid college I.D., $1 shoe rental
6. ImageOut LGBT Film & Video Festival
Support local LGBT film by attending the 23rd ImageOut Festival! ImageOut is a community-based volunteer organization that promotes LGBT awareness and understanding.
When: October 8-18 (check here for schedule)
Where: Little Theatre & Dryden Theatre
Cost: $7 and up
7. Fancy Sunday brunch at Mario’s
Voted Best Brunch in Rochester 20 times, Mario’s Restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience. This isn’t the type of place I would stumble into hungover in my clothes from the night before—it’s an upscale restaurant, and they suggest making a reservation because they book so quickly. The buffet includes plenty of choices and it’s pricey, but two words: chocolate fountain. Also, champagne mimosas.
When: Sundays, 10am – 7:30pm
Where: 2740 Monroe Ave
Cost: $23.95 (buffet style, flat rate)
8. Not-so-fancy (but still delicious!) Sunday brunch at Jine’s
On the other hand, I may or may not have stumbled into Jine’s hungover in my clothes from the night before. The prices are great and you can get pretty much anything you want. Another great thing about Jines is they serve breakfast at any time of the day all week long.
When: see website for hours
Where: 658 Park Ave
Cost: $4 – $10
I have never seen a hockey game in my life and honestly barely even know what hockey is, but…sports games are fun, right?
When: All month
Where: Blue Cross Arena
Cost: $12 – $27 (check Groupon for deals!)
10. Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Legends
The “Greatest Show On Earth” is coming to Rochester! The circus was so much fun as a kid—who says it can’t be just as much fun now?
When: Oct 28 – Nov 1 (see schedule)
Where: Blue Cross Arena
Cost: $15 and up
11. Haunted Hayrides
Along with the haunted hayride, explore the Screamatorium, Spinning Tunnel, 3D maze, and Mummy Theater.
When: Weekends starting at 7pm (see schedule)
Where: 3329 Eddy Rd, Williamson NY 14589 (see directions)
Cost: starting at $15
Attractions include Crimson Grove Asylum, Dark Matter 3D haunted house, and Zombie paintball.
When: see schedule!
Where: 2599 East Henrietta Road
Cost: $18 general admission