Wide Waters on the Canal
Welcome to WIDE WATERS
Welcome to one of the most meaningful event venues in the Rochester area.
Wide Waters on the Canal is a 55-acre event venue along the historic Erie Canal, located at Homesteads for Hope Community Farm, where people of all abilities come together every day to learn, work, grow, and belong.
With historic barns, peaceful canal views, rustic charm, modern conveniences, and flexible vendor options, The Barn offers a memorable setting for corporate retreats, celebrations, fundraisers, reunions, showers, and community gatherings. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, we give you the flexibility to make the space your own.
And there’s more to discover beyond the event space: gardens, friendly farm animals, a welcoming Farm Store, community events, and opportunities to see our mission in action as individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build skills, confidence, friendships, and independence.
When you celebrate at The Barn at Wide Waters, your event helps make that work possible. Every gathering supports a place where people can learn new skills, build meaningful connections, and find a community where they belong. Your event isn't just happening at the farm. It becomes part of what helps the farm grow.
RIGHT ON THE CANALRustic Charm meets Natural Beauty
Nestled along the historic Erie Canal, Wide Waters on the Canal is a venue where rustic charm, natural beauty, and unforgettable moments come together. Exchange vows surrounded by peaceful waterfront views, celebrate in beautifully restored historic barns, and create a wedding that reflects your unique love story. Here, every celebration feels authentic, every sunset is unforgettable, and every memory begins with you.
A Venue for Every Celebration
Wide Waters comfortably welcomes weddings of up to 100 seated guests, and 150 free flowing guests. Historic character, scenic surroundings, and flexible celebration spaces create an unforgettable experience, giving you the freedom to design a day that reflects your style, your story, and your loved ones.
weddings
food truck: eat greek
coffee truck: tom’s coffee
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Inclusion Fair is a community event that brings together local nonprofits and businesses that offer inclusive classes, programs, and services - all in one welcoming space here at the farm.
Held during Thursday Nights at the Farm, the fair gives individuals, families, caregivers, and community members the chance to explore inclusive opportunities, ask questions directly to organizations, and discover resources that support people of all abilities.
It’s not a formal conference or sales expo - it’s a relaxed, summer evening designed to make connection easier, information more accessible, and our community more inclusive.
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📅 Thursday, July 16 (RESCHEDULED due to wildfire smoke)
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Doors open at 4:30PM
📍 Homesteads for Hope (during Thursday Nights at the Farm)RESCHEDULE DATE: (due to wildfire smoke):
📅 Thursday, August 13th
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Doors open at 4:30PM
📍 Homesteads for Hope (during Thursday Nights at the Farm) -
Families looking for inclusive classes, camps, and activities
Individuals seeking community, connection, and new opportunities
Caregivers, educators, and advocates wanting to learn what’s available locally
Anyone who loves music, farms, and meaningful community events
Whether you come with specific questions or just curiosity, you’ll leave knowing more about what’s possible
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Our Thursday at the Farm events ask for a small donation at the door (~$5), for those that are able to support the farm. These donations help power our events throughout the season.
For those unable to donate, no problem. We invite you to come out and enjoy the farm with us!
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The event will feature live music by Jenna & the Journeymen, a performance by Ashford Dance Company, and a special appearance from The Brave Notes, the band from Bridges for Brain Injury.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Meat the Press, Eat Greek, Kona Ice, and Tom’s Coffee Truck.
Participating organizations and partners currently include Ashford Dance Company, AutismUp, Best Buddies, Blue Heron Collective, Books and Crannies, Bridges for Brain Injury, Community Place, Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf & Closet, GiGi’s Playhouse, Hochstein, New York Icons, Roberts Wesleyan University’s ARCH Program, RocDog, Strike Back Martial Arts, Spectrum Creative Arts, SportsNet, and more!
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No RSVP Needed!
Doors open at 4:30 -
The farm has ample parking on grounds.
