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Rochester, NY

2026 Special Events

Rochester-area events that benefit local charities.

For information and agency contacts, click on the agency's name in the listings.
Agencies: Submit your 2026 events to Wishbook.roc@gmail.com.

OCTOBER 2026 EVENTS back to top


Walk to End Alzheimer's® Rochester

Walk to End Alzheimer's® Rochester
Join the cfor the 2026 Rochester Walk to End Alzheimer's® on Saturday, October 3 at ESL Ballpark. The Walk is the world's largest event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support, and research.
Whether you're walking in honor of a loved one, supporting caregivers, or helping advance the fight for a cure, every step makes a difference. Participants can register as individuals or create a team with family, friends, or coworkers.
? Date: Saturday, October 3
? Location: ESL Ballpark, Rochester, NY
? Register: act.alz.org/Roc
? Cost: Free to register; fundraising is encouraged.
Together, we can bring hope to the more than 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer's and the millions more who provide care. Join us and show that now is our moment to end Alzheimer's.

Contact:
Julie DeMersman
585-257-4472
jademersman@alz.org

NAMIWalks 2026
Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Location: Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1050 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607 — with a walk route through historic downtown Rochester!

Time: Registration Opens at 9am; Walk at 10am
 
NAMIWalks Rochester is our community's signature mental health awareness and fundraising event, uniting individuals, families, businesses, and organizations across Greater Rochester in a shared commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness. Every dollar raised supports free mental health education programs, peer support groups, and community outreach services offered by NAMI Rochester at no cost to participants. Last year, more than 500 walkers came together and helped NAMI Rochester earn recognition as NAMI NYS Affiliate of the Year.
There are many ways to get involved! Rally your family, friends, or colleagues and register as a walk team, or sign up as an individual walker and make new friends along the way. Volunteer opportunities are also available — visit our website to learn more. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to reach out to NAMIWalks Manager Tara at tara@namiroc.org. Join us this October for Mental Health Awareness Month and be part of something that truly changes lives.
Register or donate at: https://www.namiwalks.org/rochesterny

Brain Game Fundraiser - Literacy Rochester
Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 5 to 8 pm. at the Hyatt Regency Rochester. Details at https://literacyrochester.org/braingame/

Brain Game brings together the Rochester community for an evening of trivia and friendly competition, raising critical funds to expand access to adult literacy programs. Team knowledge is tested with questions in various categories, but only one team takes home the coveted Brain Trophy and title of Brain Game Champion, an honor claimed by NFP Telecom last year. In addition to the trivia competition, the event features an online auction, cash raffle, cocktail hour, and dinner.

Potential sponsors and teams are encouraged to register online at LiteracyRochester.org/BrainGame. Registration forms can be completed online or by returning a filled out copy through mail or e-mail. The registration deadline is Thursday, October 1, 2026. Questions and other inquires can be directed via e-mail to BrainGame@LiteracyRochester.org or by calling the Literacy Rochester office at (585) 473-3030. test

Literacy Rochester

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