Last updated on April 21, 2026 at 09:42 am

It might not look like it on the surface but Rochester, NY is a MAJOR festival town. I mean at least 20 happening every year with new ones getting started! This is a list of all the Festivals I’m aware of. This list will update as time goes on!

Rochester Festival Events 🎉

🌸 Lilac Festival – Highland Park
When: Friday, May 8 – Sunday, May 17 | 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM daily
Where: Highland Park, 180 Reservoir Ave, Rochester
What: Experience the beauty of 1,500 fragrant lilac bushes in full bloom while enjoying free live music at KeyBank Center Stage all day long! This beloved Rochester tradition offers stunning floral displays, delicious treats, and unforgettable springtime memories for the whole family.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/lilac-festival-highland-park/

🎨 Paddle & Pour Art & Music Festival
When: Saturday, May 23 | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Port of Pittsford, North Main St, Pittsford
What: Kick off festival season with this amazing celebration featuring beer and wine from upstate breweries and vineyards, live music all day, and works from talented regional artists and artisans! Enjoy incredible local food and unique canalside shopping while watching the exciting Annual Paddle competition.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/paddle-pour-art-music-festival/

💚❤️🖤 Juneteenth Festival – Women of Color International
When: Sunday, June 14 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: 2154 Latta Road, Rochester
What: Join this powerful community celebration honoring Juneteenth with a curated outdoor marketplace featuring local businesses, amazing food and sweet treats, live music, and great vibes! Connect with community and celebrate Black culture, freedom, and togetherness in this meaningful and joyful event.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/juneteenth-festival-women-of-color-international/

🎷 Rochester International Jazz Festival
When: Friday, June 19 (4:00 PM) – Saturday, June 27 (11:00 PM)
Where: 250 East Ave, 2nd floor, Rochester, NY 14604
What: Don’t miss one of the world’s leading jazz festivals! Nine incredible days featuring over 1,750 performances from legendary artists, familiar favorites, rising stars, and new discoveries from around the globe. This multi-dimensional celebration brings the world to Rochester and makes Jazz in June an unforgettable experience!
Cost: $33
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/rochester-international-jazz-festival/

✊🏾 2026 Black Culture Festival
When: Friday, July 24 (12:00 PM) – Saturday, July 25 (8:00 PM)
Where: Parcel 5, 285 E Main St, Rochester
What: Immerse yourself in this vibrant celebration of Black culture, art, music, food, and community! Enjoy captivating performances, mouthwatering cuisine, and cultural exhibitions that showcase the wide-ranging beauty and accomplishments of Black individuals. This festival is a must-attend for anyone who loves dynamic cultural experiences!
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/black-culture-festival/

🇵🇷 56th Annual Puerto Rican Festival
When: Thursday, July 30 (5:00 PM) – Saturday, August 1 (10:00 PM)
Where: Parcel 5, 285 E Main St, Rochester
What: Experience three exhilarating days of Puerto Rican culture at its vibrant new downtown location! This dynamic celebration features live music, authentic cuisine, enriching cultural events, and so much more. Come celebrate heritage, community, and incredible island traditions!
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/puerto-rican-festival/

🌍 18th Annual Pan Afrikan Festival
When: Saturday, August 1 | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Where: Highland Bowl, 1137 South Ave, Rochester
What: Join A.B.O.V.E. for the 18th annual celebration (formerly Afrikan American Festival) honoring Pan-African culture and community! This incredible day brings together vendors, performances, food, and fellowship in a beautiful celebration of African diaspora culture and connection.
Cost: $10
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/pan-afrikan-festival/

🎨 The Brockport Arts Festival – Village of Brockport
When: Saturday, August 8 & Sunday, August 9 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (both days)
Where: Brockport, 127 Main St S., Brockport
What: Celebrating 30 years of artistic excellence! Browse works from over 200 talented artists and crafters, savor delectable festival food, and enjoy live music from gifted musicians. This beloved festival is the perfect weekend celebration of creativity and community!
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/the-brockport-arts-festival-village-of-brockport/2026-08-08/

🌱 Rochester VegFest 2026
When: Sunday, August 23 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Parcel 5, 285 E Main St, Rochester
What: Celebrate healthy plant-based living at this incredible annual festival! Discover delicious vegan food, connect with like-minded folks, learn about sustainable living, and enjoy a day dedicated to wellness, compassion, and community. Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and the veg-curious!
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/rochester-vegfest/

🎭 Rochester Fringe Festival
When: Tuesday, September 15 (12:00 PM) – Friday, September 26 (11:00 PM)
Where: Throughout Rochester, NY
What: Experience twelve amazing days of inspiration and discovery with the entire city as your stage! Now in its 14th year, the KeyBank Rochester Fringe Festival is one of New York State’s most dynamic cultural celebrations, featuring incredible performances, theatrical productions, music, and artistic experiences across the city!
Cost: TBA
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/rochester-fringe-festival/

🍺 Oktoberfest – Rochester Public Market
When: Friday, September 18 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: The City of Rochester Public Market, 280 N Union St, Rochester
What: Celebrate autumn German-style with this family-friendly festival featuring traditional food, beer, live music, cultural performances, and games! Now in its third year, this Market tradition brings all the joy of Oktoberfest with an emphasis on fun for the whole family.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/oktoberfest-rochester-public-market/

🍔 Pittsford Food Truck & Music Fest
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: S Main St (between State Street and Locust Street), Pittsford, NY
What: Cap off the season with this amazing street festival featuring a delicious variety of regional food trucks and live music! This is the town’s last big celebration of the year, so come hungry and ready to enjoy incredible flavors and sounds on South Main Street.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/pittsford-food-truck-music-fest/

🍎 Hilton Apple Festival
When: Saturday, October 3 (10:00 AM) – Sunday, October 4 (5:00 PM), 2026
Where: Henry St, Hilton, NY
What: Celebrate the 44th Annual Hilton Apple Festival with amazing craft shows, delicious food, an exciting auto show, and so much more! This beloved community tradition is perfect for the whole family to enjoy a full weekend of fall fun.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/hilton-apple-festival-hilton/

🏳️‍🌈 The Rochester Queer Arts Festival
When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Village Gate Square, 274 N. Goodman St, Rochester, NY
What: RQAF is back and bigger than ever with a new home at Village Gate! Experience an incredible celebration of queer artistry, creativity, and community in this expanded festival that promises to be the best one yet.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/the-rochester-queer-arts-festival/

🎃 Family Halloween Fest
When: Sunday, October 25, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Where: Spiegel Pittsford Community Center, 35 Lincoln Ave, Pittsford, NY
What: Bring the whole family to this spook-tacular Halloween party featuring fun crafts, exciting games, awesome prizes, refreshments, and both indoor and outdoor activities! Admission benefits the Pittsford community—just bring one canned good item per person.
Cost: 1 canned good item per person
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/family-halloween-fest/

🎄 Holidays at the Market – City of Rochester Public Market
When: Sunday, November 29, 2026, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: The City of Rochester Public Market, 280 N Union St, Rochester, NY
What: Kick off your holiday season with this cherished Rochester tradition! Browse festive vendors, find unique gifts, and soak up the magical holiday atmosphere at one of the area’s most beloved seasonal celebrations.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/holidays-at-the-market-city-of-rochester-public-market/2026-11-29/

🎄 Holidays at the Market – City of Rochester Public Market
When: Sunday, December 6, 2026, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: The City of Rochester Public Market, 280 N Union St, Rochester, NY
What: Continue the Rochester holiday tradition with another incredible market day! Discover amazing local vendors, find perfect gifts for everyone on your list, and experience the festive community spirit that makes this event so special.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/holidays-at-the-market-city-of-rochester-public-market/2026-12-06/

🎄 Holidays at the Market – City of Rochester Public Market (Evening Edition)
When: Thursday, December 10, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: The City of Rochester Public Market, 280 N Union St, Rochester, NY
What: Experience the holiday magic under the evening lights at this special nighttime edition of the beloved market! Shop local vendors, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and make lasting memories at this cherished Rochester holiday tradition.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/holidays-at-the-market-city-of-rochester-public-market/2026-12-10/