Folk Art Guild holds Open House and Apple Festival
Middlesex, NY – The Rochester Folk Art Guild is thrilled to announce its much-anticipated Annual Open House and Apple Festival, a celebration of the beauty of fall, the richness of craft, and the strength of community bonds. This beloved autumn tradition is set to take place on October 11th and 12th, 2025, from 11 am to 5 pm each day at the scenic Rochester Folk Art Guild location, 1445 Upper Hill Road, Middlesex, NY. Look for our signs to guide you. This free event is open to all.
Here are some of the highlights:
Fresh Apple Cider: Quench your thirst with the zesty goodness of freshly pressed apple cider that is produced while you watch.
Studio Tours: Embark on self guided tours of our studios and dive into the world of fine craftsmanship. Witness the creative process firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of the artistic journey.
Craft Sales: Immerse yourself in the world of local artistry as our talented resident artists and exciting visitors display their creations. Engage with the weavers, potters, card makers and woodworkers, learn about their craft, and acquire unique pieces to adorn your life. Find unique hand sewn clothing in our gallery.
Family Friendly Activities: Craft a notecard in colorful paper, pinch a clay pot or fashion a figure in the Pottery, or decorate a spinning top. There are things to try for all ages. A walk up the hill to visit the alpacas will fascinate the kids.
Craft Demonstrations: Witness the art of crafting come alive. Our master craftspeople will share secrets of their skills, offering interactive demonstrations that tempt you to explore your own creative potential.
Delicious Food: Delight your taste buds with a delectable assortment of fall-inspired dishes. From the farm kitchen comes either corn soup or coconut curry soup and garden salad and fresh baked bread– our festival food promises to tantalize your senses. Many Guild members contribute seasonal cakes to the serving table, and regulars come there first to see and taste the treats. Some of them: Pumpkin cake, East Hill Farm cake, gingerbread, carrot cake, almond cake,a pair of vegan options, and of course apple cake.
Enjoy outdoor dining next to the cider press, where sweet juice will be flowing, and organic apples and pears from our farm will be available for purchase.
On the lawn outside the East Hill Gallery we are offering a very special collection of jackets, dresses, tops and shawls all handmade by artisans from around the globe. Each one is uniquely beautiful, designed using natural fiber textiles.
Invited vendors add variety and dimension to the familiar Guild crafts. “Inspired Designs” uses found and discarded objects, and fashions themed signs and touching tableaux out of materials that have been overlooked. Gravenware, in the Pottery, offers Christmas ornaments and decorative small ceramic pieces with colorful and uniquely textured imagery.
Musicians and artists with the Naples Valley Collective will be sprinkled around the village.
The Rochester Folk Art Guild Open House and Apple Festival is not just an event; it's a cherished tradition that fosters a sense of togetherness and celebrates the wonders of fall. It's a time to revel in the changing seasons, relish the harvest of apples, and support local artists and artisans.
Join us under the autumn sun, where the vibrant foliage on our 350-acre farm provides the perfect backdrop for laughter, creativity, and the spirit of community. Save the date, share the joy, and come be a part of this unforgettable weekend!
### About Rochester Folk Art Guild
The Rochester Folk Art Guild is an intentional community and craft center located in the heart of the Finger Lakes in Middlesex, NY. For 60 years, Guild artisans have been producing fine crafts including pottery, woodworking, weaving, natural fiber clothing and folk toys. Membership includes both non-residents and residents. Residents live on-site year-round, sharing meals and working together in an effort to live more sustainably.
It takes a team to make good cider. This basket press originally used for grapes does a great job pressing apples. The apple crop this year is light, so to be assured of getting your cider gallon, get out to the Guild early in the Open House weekend, October 11 and 12.
It takes a team to make good cider. This basket press originally used for grapes does a great job pressing apples. The apple crop this year is light, so to be assured of getting your cider gallon, get out to the Guild early in the Open House weekend, October 11 and 12.
Guild pottery apprentice Sarah Wilkie throwing stoneware.
Annie Schliffer shares throwing technique with two apprentices. Sarah and Lola are at the Guild refining their skill in pottery. Their work will be on display and for sale in the Pottery and in the East Hill Gallery during the upcoming Open House, October 11 and 12. The hours are 11 to 5 both days.
A large walnut platter turned by David Barnet in the Guild Woodshop. The wood is local and air-dried, and the carved basket weave pattern is inspired by work seen in the Guild Pottery. This piece and other turnings are on display in the Woodshop during the Open House, October 11 and 12.
