Fresh cider, local crafts, and fall colors will take center stage during the Rochester Folk Art Guild’s annual Open House and Apple Festival on October 11 and 12 in Middlesex.
The free, family-friendly event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the Guild’s East Hill Farm, located at 1445 Upper Hill Road. It’s a fall tradition that blends artistry, community, and celebration in one scenic spot.
Guests can sip fresh apple cider as it’s pressed onsite and browse a wide selection of crafts from potters, weavers, woodworkers, and fiber artists. Studio tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, and artisan demonstrations bring traditional techniques to life.
From handmade pottery and natural fiber clothing to decorative woodwork and found-object art, the festival is packed with one-of-a-kind treasures. The East Hill Gallery will feature global handmade garments, and visiting vendors add even more variety.
There’s plenty for kids to do — craft stations, pottery play, and a visit to the farm’s alpacas. Musicians and artists from the Naples Valley Collective will be performing throughout the weekend.
Food from the farm kitchen includes corn soup, coconut curry soup, salad, and fresh-baked bread. The dessert table is a crowd favorite, featuring pumpkin cake, gingerbread, apple cake, and other seasonal treats — plus vegan options.
Set on a 350-acre farm, the Guild has been home to artisans for six decades. Members live and work together to create sustainable, handcrafted goods that reflect the beauty of the Finger Lakes region.
For more info, visit folkartguild.org.
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