Rochester By Water

09/04/2026

The Strategic and Military Implications of the Erie Canal

📅 September 9 • 5:30–7:00 PM • Riverie

The Erie Canal wasn't just an engineering achievement—it also reshaped military strategy across North America.

Join Dr. Michael Brown, Associate Professor of History at Rochester Institute of Technology, aboard Riverie as he explores how the canal influenced early 19th-century conflicts, altered strategic geography, and even prompted changes to British military engineering in Canada. You'll also discover how the Erie Canal fits into the broader global history of transformative waterways like the Suez and Panama canals.

Your ticket includes a 90-minute cruise, a slice of pizza, and the featured presentation. Beer, wine, canned cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks will be available for purchase onboard.

🎟 Reserve your tickets today:
https://rochesterbywater.org/public_cruises/speaker-slice-and-sail-cruise-aboard-riverie/

09/02/2026

Fall is better on the water. 🍎🍩

There's nothing quite like cruising the Erie Canal or Genesee River with a crisp cup of apple cider in one hand and a fresh cider donut in the other.

Join us aboard Sam Patch or Riverie on weekends throughout September and October for one of our favorite seasonal traditions. Take in the changing leaves, enjoy the cooler autumn air, and experience Rochester's waterways at one of the most beautiful times of the year.

Whether you're planning a family outing, a date, or a relaxing afternoon with friends, our Cider & Donuts Cruises are the perfect way to celebrate the season.

🍎 Fresh apple cider & cider donuts included
🚤 Scenic cruise aboard Sam Patch or Riverie
🍂 Saturdays & Sundays throughout September & October

🎟 Reserve your cruise today!

Riverie: https://rochesterbywater.org/public_cruises/cider-donuts-cruise-aboard-riverie/

Sam Patch: https://rochesterbywater.org/public_cruises/cider-donuts-cruise-aboard-sam-patch/

08/31/2026

🏴‍☠️ Ahoy, mateys!

September's Kids Cruise transforms Sam Patch into a pirate adventure on the Erie Canal. Young buccaneers will enjoy treasure hunts, pirate games, themed activities, and may even encounter a real pirate along the way!

Grab your crew and set sail for a swashbuckling adventure the whole family will love.

Cruises running Tue, Sept 1, and every Saturday @ 10 AM!

🎟️ Reserve your passage today:
https://rochesterbywater.org/public_cruises/kids-cruise-aboard-sam-patch/

08/28/2026

How Rochester Got Around: Transportation History

📅 September 2 • 6:00–7:30 PM • Sam Patch

Before highways, expressways, and rideshares, Rochester moved by canal boats, streetcars, railroads... and even a subway.

Join Matt Rogers of The Lost Borough aboard Sam Patch as he takes you on a journey through the evolution of transportation in our region. From early canal travel and shipbuilding to the Carthage Railroad, streetcars, interurban lines, automobiles, and the interstate system, you'll discover how each era changed the way Rochester connected, grew, and moved.

Your ticket includes a 90-minute cruise, a slice of pizza, and the featured presentation. Beer, wine, canned cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks will be available for purchase onboard.

🎟 Book your tickets today:
https://rochesterbywater.org/public_cruises/speaker-slice-and-sail-cruise-aboard-sam-patch/

08/28/2026

08/26/2026

There's no better place to watch the sun set than on the Erie Canal. 🌅

Slow down, leave the day behind, and experience the peaceful beauty of an evening cruise aboard Sam Patch. As the sun dips below the horizon, the canal comes alive with golden reflections, quiet waters, and the unmistakable charm of Pittsford at dusk.

⏰ Saturdays @ 6:00 PM
🗓️ Aug 29, Sep 5, Sep 12, & Sep 19

It's the perfect outing for couples, families, or anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing summer evening surrounded by history and scenic beauty.

Sometimes the best plans are simply watching the sunset from the water.

🚤 Scenic sunset cruise aboard Sam Patch
🌅 Beautiful views along the Erie Canal
📸 A picture-perfect way to end the day
🍺 Beer, wine, canned cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks available for purchase onboard

🎟 Book your Sunset Cruise today:
https://rochesterbywater.org/public_cruises/sunset-aboard-sam-patch/

08/24/2026

Our August 27 Sip ’n Sail aboard Riverie is getting an autumn-inspired twist!

Join us for a special hard cider tasting presented by Flight Wine Bar, featuring Embark Craft Ciderworks. Sip your way through a guided tasting, learn more about the ciders you're enjoying, and dig into your own personal cheese board—all while cruising the scenic Genesee River.

It's a perfect late-summer night out with friends, a unique date night, or a delicious way to get an early taste of fall. 🍂

🍎 Hard cider tasting featuring Embark Hard Cider
🧀 Personal cheese board included
🚤 Scenic cruise aboard Riverie
📅 August 27
🔞 Must be 21+ to participate

Seats are limited, so grab yours while they're still available!

🎟 Book your Sip ’n Sail:
https://rochesterbywater.org/public_cruises/sip-sail-on-riverie/

08/21/2026

Camp Fitz John Porter: The Grounds That Housed Thousands of Civil War Recruits but Attracted Even More Visitors

📅 August 26 • 5:30–7:00 PM • Riverie

One of Rochester's most important Civil War sites has largely disappeared from the landscape—but its story deserves to be remembered.

Join author and historian Brian Bennett aboard Riverie as he explores the history of Camp Fitz John Porter, established in 1862 to house thousands of Union recruits before they marched off to war. Learn what daily life was like inside the camp, why it became a popular destination for local visitors, and how the soldiers of the 140th New York Infantry carried its legacy into battle.

Your ticket includes a 90-minute cruise, a slice of pizza, and the featured presentation. Beer, wine, canned cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks will be available for purchase onboard.

🎟 Reserve your seat aboard Riverie:
https://rochesterbywater.org/public_cruises/speaker-slice-and-sail-cruise-aboard-riverie/

08/19/2026

Your summer event does not have to feel ordinary. Bring your guests aboard Sam Patch or Riverie for a private cruise on Rochester’s waterways.

Plan A Private Cruise: https://rochesterbywater.org/private-charters/

08/17/2026

Looking for a different kind of night out?

Join us aboard Riverie for Sip 'n Sail, an evening in partnership with Flight Wine Bar featuring a guided wine tasting, wine education, and your own personal cheese board—all while cruising the scenic Genesee River.

Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking for a unique date night or outing with friends, Sip 'n Sail is the perfect way to relax, learn something new, and enjoy Rochester from the water.

🍷 Guided wine tasting with Flight Wine Bar
🧀 Personal cheese board included
🚤 Scenic cruise aboard Riverie
📅 August 20
🔞 Must be 21+ to participate

Seats are limited and these cruises fill quickly—reserve yours today!

🎟 https://rochesterbywater.org/public_cruises/sip-sail-on-riverie/