ROCHESTER LILAC FESTIVAL CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Friday, May 8 – Sunday, May 17

10:30 AM – 8:30 PM daily

Festival Schedule

General Info
Festival Map
Parking & Shuttle

Every Day Experiences

Stroll through the 1,500 fragrant lilac bushes in Highland Park

Listen to free music all day long at KeyBank Center Stage

Taste some treats from our more than 50 food vendors

Visit our more than 50 exhibitors

Let the kids play at the Kids’ Zone

NEW: Dedicated sensory space for those impacted by Autism and/or other disabilities. Partners with AutismUp a non-profit here in Rochester!

Here is the order of events for the Lilac Festival at Highland Park, Rochester, NY

🌸 Opening Day Poster Reveal
When: Friday, May 8
Where: Highland Park, Rochester
What: Kick off the festival with the highly anticipated unveiling of this year’s official poster artwork! Be among the first to witness this cherished tradition celebrating local creativity and artistry.
Link: More details →

🌺 Lilac Walking Tours
When: May 8-17 (Daily)
Where: Highland Park, Rochester
What: Immerse yourself in beauty and history with expert-guided tours through the park’s stunning lilac collection featuring over 500 varieties! Learn fascinating stories while surrounded by fragrant blooms.
Link: More details →

🎨 Art in the Park & Small Business Circle
When: Saturday, May 9, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where: Highland Park, Rochester (Reservoir Ave)
What: Stroll through this vibrant showcase of local artisans and small businesses just up the hill from the main festival grounds! Discover unique handcrafted treasures and support local creators.
Link: More details →

🎭 Lilac Parade
When: Saturday, May 9, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Where: Highland Park, Rochester
What: Experience the magic as over 2,000 participants welcome spring in style! Cheer on marching bands, dance troupes, beloved characters, and specialty vehicles parading through the blooming lilacs.
Link: More details →

🎨 Art in the Park & Small Business Circle
When: Sunday, May 10, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Highland Park, Rochester (Reservoir Ave)
What: Continue exploring this weekend showcase of amazing local artisans and entrepreneurs! Find that perfect piece while enjoying the festival atmosphere.
Link: More details →

🥕 Lilac Local Farmers Market
When: Monday, May 11, 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Highland Park, Rochester
What: Back for its second year and bigger than ever! Celebrate local agriculture with fresh produce, artisanal goods, and farm-fresh delights in this vibrant market setting.
Link: More details →

🥕 Lilac Local Farmers Market
When: Tuesday, May 12, 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Highland Park, Rochester
What: Another chance to experience this blooming market celebrating our local food community! Stock up on seasonal favorites and artisanal treasures.
Link: More details →

👵 Seniors’ Day
When: Wednesday, May 13
Where: Highland Park, Rochester
What: A special celebration honoring our cherished community members who’ve “bloomed beautifully through the years!” Enjoy festivities designed especially for our valued seniors.
Link: More details →

🥕 Lilac Local Farmers Market
When: Wednesday, May 13, 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Highland Park, Rochester
What: More farm-fresh goodness awaits at this expanding local market! Experience the best of Rochester’s agricultural community amid the beautiful festival setting.
Link: More details →

🎨 Art in the Park & Small Business Circle
When: Saturday, May 16, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where: Highland Park, Rochester (Reservoir Ave)
What: Final weekend to discover incredible local art and small business treasures! Don’t miss this vibrant showcase of creativity and entrepreneurship.
Link: More details →

🍽️ The Lilac Table
When: Saturday, May 16, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Where: Highland Park, Rochester
What: An exclusive tasting experience featuring Rochester’s finest flavors! Enjoy curated bites from top local chefs paired with artisanal cocktails in this premium culinary event.
Cost: $109
Link: More details →

🏃 Fairlife Lilac Run 5K & 10K Presented by Fleet Feet
When: Sunday, May 17, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Highland Park, Rochester
What: Lace up for the 47th Annual Lilac Run on the festival’s final day! Join hundreds of runners for this beloved tradition combining fitness, fun, and the beauty of Highland Park.
Link: More details →

🏃 TIM HORTONS TIMBITS TROT
When: May 17, 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Highland Park, Rochester NY
What: The perfect 1-mile fun run for EVERYONE with cheering crowds, free T-shirts, and sweet Timbit treats! It’s a moment of pure joy at the Rochester Lilac Festival that brings families and friends together.
Link: More details →

🎨 Art in the Park & Small Business Circle
When: May 17, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Highland Park, 180 Reservoir Ave, Rochester, NY
What: Immerse yourself in a creative wonderland where art meets nature! Stroll through blooming lilacs and scenic pathways to discover stunning outdoor art displays, then shop local treasures from Rochester’s amazing small businesses.
Cost: TBA
Link: More details →

Music Lineup During the Lilac Festival

Friday, May 8, 2026

Cimafunk

Zahyia

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Lee Fields

Lady Wray

Sunday, May 10, 2026

Claudia Hoyser

The Lone Bellow

Monday, May 11, 2026

Cruel Summer

Roses & Revolutions

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Rochester Music Hall of Fame Takeover ft. Scott Mayo & Prime Time Funk, The Dawgs, and Stoney Lonesome

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Mikaela Davis

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad

Thursday, May 14, 2026

The Demos

Joe P

Friday, May 15, 2026

Anees

Chi TheRealist

Saturday, May 16, 2026

JD McPherson

Prime Time Brass

Sunday, May 17, 2026

High Fade

Eggy

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