Last updated on May 6, 2026 at 08:44 am

Rochester, NY in May is awesome because Rochester begins to come alive. Not just with the plants and trees finally having leaves but with the awesome local events happening. There’s a renewed energy fueled by the smell of lilacs in the Flower City. Because there’s much going on this list will grow as the month goes on!

Let’s get started!

🩺 Free Breast Cancer Screenings for the Uninsured – FLX Cancer Services Program
When: Saturday, May 2, 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Where: Elizabeth Wende Breast Care, LLC (170 Sawgrass Dr, Rochester, NY)
What: Take charge of your health with comprehensive breast cancer screening including self-exam, clinical exam, and mammogram! This vital service ensures everyone has access to life-saving preventive care.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/free-breast-cancer-screenings-for-the-uninsured-flx-cancer-services-program/2026-05-02/

🎭 Drag Me to Brunch: Icons – OFC Theatre Center
When: Sunday, May 3, 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: The Old Farm Cafe & Dining Experience (3450 Winton Pl Suite 6, Rochester, NY)
What: Indulge in fabulous entertainment and delicious brunch! Doors open at 10:30am, brunch served at 11am, and the spectacular show starts at 12pm for an unforgettable experience.
Cost: $67
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/drag-me-to-brunch-icons-ofc-theatre-center/

⛸️ Adult Skate Night @ Willie W Lightfoot R-Center
When: Wednesday, May 6, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Willie W. Lightfoot R-Center (271 Flint St, Rochester, NY)
What: Bring your skates and roll into fun! Enjoy great music and connect with peers while skating in this awesome community gathering.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/adult-skate-night-willie-w-lightfoot-r-center/2026-05-06/

🚜 Farmers’ Market – Irondequoit
When: Thursday, May 7, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Irondequoit Town Hall (1280 Titus Avenue, Rochester, NY)
What: Discover fresh local produce and artisanal goods at this vibrant weekly summer market! Support local farmers and vendors in this beautiful outdoor setting.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/farmers-market-irondequoit/2026-05-07/

🌸 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, NY)
What: Celebrate Rochester’s most beloved springtime tradition with stunning lilac blooms, live entertainment, food vendors, and family activities! This legendary festival transforms Highland Park into a magical wonderland.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/lilac-festival-highland-park/

✨ Mother’s Day Market at Dunnwood Green
When: Friday, May 8, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Compass Club Building (1 Dunnwood Green Lane, Pittsford, NY)
What: Treat yourself and celebrate mom with an evening of shopping, sipping, self-care and fun! Grab your friends and mom for this feel-good market experience.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/mothers-day-market-at-dunnwood-green/

🌻 Flower City Days – City of Rochester Public Market
When: Sunday, May 10, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: The City of Rochester Public Market (280 N Union St, Rochester, NY)
What: Garden lovers unite! This horticultural paradise offers everything novice and experienced gardeners need to create gorgeous ornamental and veggie gardens.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/flower-city-days-city-of-rochester-public-market/2026-05-10/

🎨 ROC Artists Open Market
When: Sunday, May 10, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Innovation Square (100-140 S Clinton Ave, Rochester)
What: Support local artists and entrepreneurs at this vibrant weekly market! Discover unique artisan goods, delicious foods, live music, and fun activities in downtown Rochester.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/roc-artists-open-market/2026-05-10/

🔮 Mother’s Day Psychic Fair
When: Sunday, May 10, 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Where: Iron Smoke Distillery (111 Parce Ave #5b, Fairport, NY)
What: Forget the flowers—Mother’s Day just got mystical! Experience readings and spiritual guidance at this unique fair that’s way more interesting than traditional celebrations.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/mothers-day-psychic-fair/

🛍️ The Great New York State Flea at the Public Market
When: Thursday, May 14, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: The City of Rochester Public Market (280 N Union St, Rochester, NY)
What: Treasure hunters rejoice! Find amazing bargains on furniture, clothing, collectibles, jewelry, artwork and trinkets all in one convenient location with dozens of garage sales.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/community-garage-sales-and-superfleas-city-of-rochester-public-market/2026-05-14/

🍷 Everything’s Coming Up Rosé: Wine Tasting Night – ARTISANworks
When: Saturday, May 16, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: ARTISANworks (565 Blossom Rd, Rochester, NY)
What: Sip and savor light, acidic rosés from France, Spain and California while exploring this unique art venue! Learn about these popular wines in a creative atmosphere.
Cost: $30
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/everythings-coming-up-rose-wine-tasting-night-artisanworks/

📚 Wood Flower Book Vase Class – ARTISANworks
When: Thursday, May 21, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: ARTISANworks (565 Blossom Rd, Rochester, NY)
What: Get your geek chic on! Transform a hardcover book into a stunning vase with beautiful wood flowers in this unique and creative hands-on workshop.
Cost: $60
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/wood-flower-book-vase-class-artisanworks/

🔮 Mystic Market at ARTISANworks
When: Friday, May 22, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: ARTISANworks, 565 Blossom Rd, Rochester, NY
What: Step into an enchanting evening of mystical treasures and magical vibes at the Bourbon Street Event Space! Explore a curated collection of mystical vendors and immerse yourself in the supernatural atmosphere.
Cost: $5
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/mystic-market-at-artisanworks/

🎵 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, live music all day long, and incredible regional artists! Founded in 2015, this is the perfect way to welcome spring.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/paddle-pour-art-music-festival/

🌸 Flower City Days – City of Rochester Public Market
When: Sunday, May 24, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: The City of Rochester Public Market, 280 N Union St, Rochester, NY
What: A gardener’s paradise where novice and experienced green thumbs can find everything they need for gorgeous ornamental and veggie gardens! These legendary horticultural sales are a Rochester tradition.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/flower-city-days-city-of-rochester-public-market/2026-05-24/

🎨 ROC Artists Open Market
When: Sunday, May 24, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Innovation Square, 100-140 S Clinton Ave, Rochester
What: Support local artists and entrepreneurs in downtown Rochester! Discover amazing artisans, delicious foods, live music, and fun activities every Sunday from May through October.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/roc-artists-open-market/2026-05-24/

🚚 The Food Truck Rodeo – City of Rochester Public Market
When: Wednesday, May 27, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: The City of Rochester Public Market, 280 N Union St, Rochester, NY
What: Spring brings one of Rochester’s most beloved community events! Get ready for an incredible lineup of food trucks serving up diverse and delicious eats in a fun, festive atmosphere.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/the-food-truck-rodeo-the-public-market-of-rochester/2026-05-27/

🛼 Adult Skate Night @ Willie W Lightfoot R-Center
When: Wednesday, May 27, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Willie W. Lightfoot R-Center, 271 Flint St, Rochester, NY
What: Bring your skates and get your roll on with great music and fun conversations! It’s the perfect way to connect with your peers while enjoying some nostalgic skating fun.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/adult-skate-night-willie-w-lightfoot-r-center/2026-05-27/

🥕 Farmers’ Market – Irondequoit
When: Thursday, May 28, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Irondequoit Town Hall, 1280 Titus Avenue, Rochester, NY
What: Weekly summer market featuring fresh local produce and goods! Join the community every Thursday evening from May through October for the best in local agriculture and artisan products.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/farmers-market-irondequoit/2026-05-28/

🛍️ 15th Annual Ease on Down Community Crawl
When: Saturday, May 30, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: Midvale Terrace, 555 Thurston Road, Rochester
What: Spring is back, so it’s time to ‘Ease on Down’ and explore the amazing small businesses in Thurston Village! This 15th annual celebration showcases the best local shops and community spirit.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/annual-ease-on-down-community-crawl/2026-05-30/

🏛️ Strong Museum x NOP Street Market – The Lucky Flea
When: Sunday, May 31, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Strong Museum, 1 Manhattan Sq Drive, Rochester, NY
What: Kick off the 2026 outdoor season with an extra special collaboration between The Neighborhood of Play and The Strong National Museum of Play! A unique blend of museum magic and market treasures.
Cost: Free
Link: More details → https://blackownedinrochester.com/event/strong-museum-x-nop-street-market-the-lucky-flea/

That’s May in a nutshell! There is so much going on so this is definitely not a complete list. Be sure to subscribe to the calendar directly to have all new events added to your calendar as soon as we add them to the site. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to have this and more sent to your inbox weekly!

Thanks for being here!