Looking for 2026 Winter Events and Activities in Rochester and the Finger Lakes? There are lots of fun things to do in Rochester and the Finger Lakes to celebrate the Winter season, including Finger Lakes wine events, live music events, ice skating, skiing, outdoor Winter activities for the family, and more. Bookmark this page and keep checking back as events are added daily.
Events may be canceled or postponed. Check websites before heading to event.
WinterFest 2026 – Mendon Ponds Park
- Saturday January 17, 2026 (11am-3pm)
- Mendon Ponds Park
- View Website
- WinterFest at Mendon Ponds Park is a FREE, fun-filled day including arts & crafts, kids activities, sledding, demo booths, hay rides and more. Each lodge has a warming fire to stay warm.
Rochester Boat Show 2026
- Jan 29-Feb 01, 2026
- Rochester Riverside Convention Center- 123 East Main St. Rochester NY
- View website
- The Rochester Boat Show features the areas top boat dealers offering a chance to see the latest boats, compare boat brands side-by-side, and get attractive boat deals. Check out the latest in ski boats, pontoon boats, deck boats, fishing boats, jet skis and more.
City of Rochester Lakeside Winter Celebration
- Jan 31-Feb 01, 2026
- Ontario Beach Park
- View Website
- The 2026 Lakeside Winter Celebration at the Park includes horse drawn carriage rides, dog sled and snow shoe demonstrations, ice and snow sculpture, a Chili Challenge, Children’s Fun Zone, live music, food and beverage, the annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics, ice skating, local wine and craft beer tasting, and fireworks over the Genesee River.
NY Ice Wine & Culinary Festival
- Saturday, February 14, 2026
- Casa Larga Vineyard – 2287 Turk Hill Rd. Fairport, NY
- (585) 223-4210
- View Website
- Taste the Best Ice Wines in New York State! NY Ice Wine & Culinary Festival celebrates traditional ice wines made in New York State. Taste ice wines from several wineries and sample foods infused with ice wine. Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides through the vineyard, S’mores and hot beverage station around the fireplace. Tickets can be purchased online.
Fire & Ice Winter Festival – Canandaigua
- February 21-22, 2026
- Downtown Canandaigua NY
- View Website
- Fire & Ice Winter Festival in Downtown Canandaigua features fire shows, ice sculpture carvings and many more family friendly events.
Irondequoit Winter Fest
- Saturday, February 28, 2026 – (11-3pm)
- Irondequoit Town Hall Campus – Irondequoit, NY
- View Website
- Irondequoit Winter Fest activities include horse-drawn wagon rides, alpacas and huskies, craft vendors, food trucks, bonfire & marshmallows, curling rink, games, and more.
Downtown Chili Cook-off 2026 – Ithaca
- ?
- Ithaca Commons – Ithaca, NY
- View Website
- Taste chili from over 30 restaurants, along with drinks and chili-inspired snacks from regional craft breweries, local cideries, wineries, and local establishments.
Rochester Auto Show 2026
- February 27 – March 1, 2026
- Rochester Riverside Convention Center- 123 East Main St. Rochester NY
- View website
- The Rochester Auto Show is a premier event showcasing current and future new vehicles, and providing consumers with the opportunity to shop over 200 new vehicles in a comfortable environment.
Prison City Fire & Ice Festival – Auburn
- March 7, 2026 (4-8pm)
- Prison City North Street Brewery – 251 North St. Auburn, NY
- View Website
- Prison City Fire & Ice Festival in Auburn features a festival, fire pits, drinks, music, food trucks, ice sculptures, drink luges, an ice bar and a fireworks display. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Kiwanis Chef & Sip Challenge – Canandaigua
- ???
- Hotel Canandaigua – 205 Lakeshore Blvd. Canandaigua, NY
- View Website
- This event to benefit Kiwanis service projects includes food samplings from local chefs, beverage tastings, silent auction, raffles, prizes and surprises. (see website for ticket info).
Rochester Home and Garden Show 2026
- March 21-22, 2026
- Rochester Riverside Convention Center- 123 East Main St. Rochester NY
- View website
- The Rochester Home & Garden Show, presented by the Rochester Home Builders’ Association (RHBA), has been held in Rochester for over 50 years and has over 200 exhibitors showing the latest in home improvement, outdoor living and landscaping.
New Years Eve – Syracuse & CNY