FUN AND FRIGHTS ON THE FARM
Every weekend in October, Lincoln Hill Farms will host Halloween Fest, a festival to celebrate the spooky season.
This will be the farm’s third year hosting the event, which has grown since its inception. “We work hard to make each year bigger and better than the last. From the addition of our Zombie Hunt Tractor Ride to the Halloween-themed games and prizes, and much more, each year is better than the last,” says John Bechtold, content creator and marketer at Lincoln Hill Farms.
Visitors on the haunted hayride will find costumed zombies on the farmland property, although we’re told the vibe is more “spooky” than “scary” and enjoyable for all ages.
Live music will play nearly every weekend, kicking off with Skycoasters on opening night and later including bands like The Mustard Tigers, BarnSalt, ROC Star Academy, and more.
Lincoln Hill Farms prepares and serves food right onsite: everything from barbecue to pizza and ice cream. “We take pride in our barbecue. We source local ingredients and prepare them with an authentic southern flare,” says Bechtold. “The Silo Cup is a must-try, fusing our favorite barbecue dishes into one cup that’s easy to take on the go. Think barbecue trash plate.”
All ages are welcome at the event. lincolnhillfarms.com/calendar
SEASONS OF SUPPORT
At Cobblestone Arts Center, adults with disabilities participate in day programs exploring dance, music, and visual arts. The arts center in Farmington also boasts a touring theater group, the Cobblestone Players.
In support of its programs, the center is hosting WinterFest on December 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “As both a fundraiser and a celebration of culture, Winterfest brings together neighbors, artists, and families for a joyful start to the holiday season,” says Sarah Andreacchi, performing arts & community outreach coordinator at Cobblestone.
The free festival will feature performances from select teaching artists, including Grupo Cultural Latinos en Rochester (Latino music and dance), Dylaina Young (belly dance), and Nanako Horikawa Mandrino (Japanese tea ceremony).
Families will be able to visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch. Inside the art studio, kids can make their own ornaments or work on a LEGO build (for a small donation). The Victor Pops Community Band, a forty-piece brass band, will kick off the onstage performances. The Cobblestone Community Players will be caroling, and dancers from the St. Peter’s Community Arts Academy in Geneva will perform.
Artisan vendors will be on site, offering everything from jewelry and clothing to handmade soap and woodworking. Local food trucks and restaurants will offer diverse fare at the festival, including El Morro Puerto Rican Food Truck, weather permitting.
cobblestoneartscenter.com/events
INCLUSIVITY AT CENTER STAGE
In September, the Rochester City Ballet (RCB) opened its own ballet school, The School of Rochester City Ballet, on University Avenue.
John Deming, director at the school, says the ballet company already had such a beautiful space they were utilizing, and they had the teachers.
“Starting the school was born first from a love and passion for teaching. . . . Our professional dancers are all passionate about teaching at the local schools. So having the space and the faculty already in-house, it seemed like a no-brainer,” he says.
RCB and the school have a shared mission to make ballet more accessible and inclusive, and they encourage participation from dancers of all ages and disabilities. The school also offers need-based scholarships and financial assistance to make entry into the school more accessible.
Students can participate in outreach programming, including sensory-friendly productions and visits to or performances at Hillside, Mary Cariola Center, and Holisano Children’s Hospital.
The School of Rochester City Ballet is unique in that every faculty member is a current professional dancer. “Having a still-performing, professional ballet dancer not just tell you the step or correction but show you offers a layer of clarity for our students,” says Deming. “Still being in the field today, our teachers are more in tune with the everchanging landscape of this art form.”
The curriculum includes ballet, pre-pointe, pointe, jazz, partnering, and more. Classes are available for dancers as young as three years old. rochestercityballet.com/the-school-of-rcb
This article originally appeared in the Fall 2025 issue of (585) Kids.
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