Fourth Annual MVP Fall Fest Returns to Downtown Rochester Saturday, September 27

Written By Amanda Antinore

Free Family Event Includes Big Rigs, Inflatables, Pumpkin Decorating, Petting Zoo, Food Trucks, and More

Part of Fourth Annual Downtown Definitely Events

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—September 15, 2025—The City of Rochester, MVP Health Care, and Downtown Definitely Events present the fourth annual MVP Fall Fest on Saturday, September 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Parcel 5, 285 E. Main Street in downtown Rochester. The free, family-friendly festival will feature fall activities, inflatables, live entertainment, food trucks, giveaways, and the return of Little Kids and Big Rigs, where children can explore fire trucks, police vehicles, utility rigs, and more. The event is open to the public and will take place rain or shine. This year, families and kids are invited to get into the fall spirit by wearing costumes. Whether it’s a favorite character or seasonal flair, costumes are welcome as part of the celebration.

MVP Fall Fest is part of the Downtown Definitely Events series, a year-round initiative led by the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC) to activate downtown spaces and bring free, high-quality programming to the community. The event is produced in partnership with the City of Rochester and sponsored by MVP Health Care.

“The City of Rochester is excited to partner with MVP Health Care and Downtown Definitely Events again to host the fourth annual Fall Fest featuring Little Kids and Big Rigs right in the heart of downtown Rochester,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Little Kids and Big Rigs is a program that brings the City fleet outdoors for a fun-filled opportunity for children to embrace their curiosity and sense of wonder by doing what they do best: exploring and observing. Free, family-friendly events like Fall Fest bring people together and build a strong sense of community in our city.”

“Fall Fest is another way to celebrate our downtown, the heart of the greater Rochester region, and come together with pride in who we are and all that we have to offer,” said Galin Brooks, president and CEO of the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation. “RDDC is leading the charge to showcase all the incredible things to see and do in downtown, and the many, many wonderful people who are choosing downtown Rochester as their home, place of work or unparalleled place of play. Join us for this family-friendly, free, farm in the heart of the city festival!”

“MVP Health Care is proud to once again bring families together for the MVP Fall Fest in the heart of downtown Rochester,” said MVP Health Care’s Chief Market Strategy and Product Officer, Augusta Martin. “This event is about more than seasonal fun—it’s about creating connections, celebrating community, and supporting the vibrant spirit of our city. We’re thrilled to partner with the City of Rochester and Downtown Definitely Events to make this day special for families across the region.”

What to Expect

Big Rigs & Emergency Vehicles

  • Fire Truck 1

  • SWAT bearcat

  • Police car

  • AMR Ambulance

  • John Deere tractors

  • Case loader

  • 50-ton wrecker

  • flat bed tow truck

  • Garbage truck

  • Snow plow

Inflatables & Obstacle Courses

  • 22’ Giant Slide

  • Chaos Obstacle Course

  • Dalmatian Bounce House

  • Jungle Island Combo

  • Launch Pad

  • Leaps and Bounds

Entertainment & Live Performances

  • DJ music and announcements by Tones Entertainment

  • Balloon artist

  • Magician

  • Jugglers and stilt walker

  • Caricature artists

  • Elphaba and Glinda from Wicked — character meet-and-greet and photo op

Fall-Themed Activities

  • Pumpkin decorating

  • Face painting

  • Airbrush tattoos

  • Petting zoo

  • 360° photo booth experience

  • Traditional photo booth with seasonal props

  • I Love ROC photo op decorated with hay bales, corn stalks, and fall foliage

  • Families and kids are welcome to come in costume to celebrate the fall season in festive style

Community Tables and Booths

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester

  • CASH (Creating Assets, Savings & Hope)

  • City of Rochester Department of Human Services

  • City of Rochester Office of Management and Budget

  • Community Alternatives

  • Downtown Definitely

  • Families THRIVE

  • Monroe County Library System

  • MVP Health Care

  • Rochester Ecology Partners

  • Rochester Mom Collective

  • Roc Royal

  • TogetherNow

  • WXXI Public Media

Food & Drink Vendors

  • Al Dente Mobile Pasta

  • Chef Ray's

  • Duke’s Donuts

  • Eat Greek Foods

  • Kona Ice

  • Melt

  • Neno’s Mexican Gourmet

  • ScoopUp Creamery (AutismUp)

  • Tom’s Traveling Coffee

  • Vasko’s on Park

Download and share the 2025 Fall Fest flyer

The 2025 Downtown Definitely Events series is supported by University of Rochester, Rochester Gas and Electric, MVP Health Care, Buckingham Properties, VIDA, Partners + Napier, Tipping Point Communications, with support from media partners 13WHAM, CITY Magazine, WXXI, The Little Theatre, News8 WROC, Democrat & Chronicle, News10NBC and iHeartMedia. Two of the events are co-produced with the City of Rochester.

Getting to Parcel 5

Bike Racks - Bicycle racks are available near Parcel 5. Attendees are encouraged to secure their bikes with a lock.

E-bike and Scooter Share - Veo’s shared micromobility program offers e-bikes and scooters for easy travel throughout downtown. To download the Veo app and for more information, visit: veoride.com/riding-in-rochester.

Bus Routes - Regional Transit Service - Parcel 5 is accessible via multiple RTS routes. The RTS Transit Center on St. Paul St. is a short walk from the event space. Visit myRTS.com for schedules and real-time bus tracking.

Parking - There are several surface lots and parking garages near Parcel 5. Metered on-street parking is enforced weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drivers can use the Flowbird app to pay for on-street metered parking via mobile app. Midtown Garage (Clinton and Broad St.) offers convenient access with a stairwell leading to Parcel 5. Parking rates for Midday Bash events are $2 for the first two hours and $2 for each additional hour or fraction. Evening event rates are a flat $7. All major credit cards accepted.

For more information, visit downtowndefinitely.com, email info@downtowndefinitely.com, or call 585-546-6920.

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About Downtown Definitely Events

Downtown Definitely Events is a series of free events and activities launched in 2022 and produced by the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC). Downtown Definitely Events take place in downtown Rochester from June through September 2025 and include food, festivals, music, movies, and more, shining a light on downtown to create new experiences and help bring the community together. Downtown Definitely is a joint initiative of NYS Empire State Development, OneROC, Greater ROC, Rochester Downtown Development Corporation and the City of Rochester. Their shared mission is to grow economic vitality in downtown Rochester by bringing the community together and improving its street-level and riverfront experience.

About Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC)

RDDC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 1977. Its mission is to drive economic vitality in downtown Rochester. RDDC accelerates downtown development by positioning and marketing assets that attract businesses and investment, and it catalyzes innovative ideas that make downtown a more vibrant and inclusive community. In 2020, RDDC built The Commissary, the region’s first and only food business incubator and shared kitchen.

Amanda Antinore
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