10 days of Lilac-ing

Things to Do

The Rochester Lilac Festival spans 10 days, from May 10 – May 19. All 10 days are filled with FREE live music on our Main Stage and celebrate the coming of spring in Rochester, New York with the many varieties of lilacs in Highland Park.

All 10 days

Regional & local headliners

All 10 days

Kids Zone

May 11

LILAC PARADE

MAY 11 – 12

ART IN THE PARK

All 10 days

Lilacs, tulips, & pansies

All 10 days

Food, Drink and Exhibitors

May 15

SENIORS DAY

May 18 – 19

ART IN THE PARK

MAY 19

5K, 10K & DONUT DASH

PARADE

KIDS’ ZONE

SENIORS’ DAY

Lilac Run logo

PARADE

KIDS’ ZONE

SENIORS’ DAY

Lilac Run logo
KeyBank Center Stage logo

SPONSOR AND VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES
When local businesses partner with and support the festival, they’re helping this great community asset thrive –– in turn, the festival’s more than 500,000 annual visitors support them, which makes it possible for those businesses to give back to our community. It’s a cycle of giving that the Rochester Lilac Festival is proud to champion. Contact the sponsor team at info@roclilacfest.com to learn about custom partnership opportunities.

MAIN STAGE MUSIC

LINEUP

  • May 10th - Rayland Baxter

  • May 11th - Butcher Brown

  • May 12th - Ghost-Note

  • May 13th - Pachyman

  • May 14th - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

  • May 15th - The Skycoasters

  • May 16th - An Evening of Soul Curated by Danielle Ponder

  • May 17th - Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

  • May 18th - Dopapod

  • May 19th - Trousdale

Kids' Zone

The Rochester Lilac Festival is for everyone, and we have a special place specifically for our little lilac buds. Open every day of the festival, the Lilac Festival Kids' Zone is a vibrant and exciting space dedicated to providing fun for our young festival-goers. Enjoy rides, bounce houses, midway games, face painting and more! Tickets are needed and available for purchase onsite ($10 for 12 tickets). There is a free Scavenger Hunt with Fidelis everyday frorm 11am - 5pm.

fidelis Care
Senior asian couple having fun

Seniors' Day

Seniors' Day at the festival is a special occasion dedicated to honoring and celebrating our more seasoned members in the community. Held amidst the fragrant blooms of Highland Park, this day is tailored to offer a delightful and relaxed experience for seniors. Attendees can enjoy a leisurely stroll through festival grounds and make their way through the diverse floral displays that Highland Park has to offer. The festival organizers arrange special activities and entertainment designed to cater to the interests and preferences of the senior demographic, fostering a sense of community and connection. Lunch specials will be available with food vendors and seniors can enjoy specially-curated music. Senior homes can also enjoy easy ADA main loop drop off and bus/van parking,

Westside Medical Supply
University of Rochester

Lilac Parade

Over 2000 participants welcome spring: Marching bands, dance troupes, popular characters and specialty vehicles hit the streets! Watch from among the lilacs.

10:30am

Saturday morning

Art in the Park

The Rochester Lilac Festival has kicked off spring in Rochester for 126 years. The festival runs 10 consecutive days, featuring Art in the Park on each weekend. Art in the Park takes place up the hill from the main festival site, on Reservoir Ave. Several pathways from the festival site weave their way through Highland Park up to Reservoir Ave, bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors through the lilacs and onto the avenue. The avenue is a paved street surrounded by magnolias, tulips, pansies and more.

10:00am - 6:00pm

Both Saturdays

10:00am – 5:00pm

Both Sundays

Boulder Coffee logo

ALL NEW ADMAR BUSKER STAGE FOR 2024!
Located between Reservoir Avenue and the Small Business Circle

Admar

Small Business Circle

NEW this year: Just beyond Art in the Park, we will have a new section for small business vendors. Come shop local and support our Rochester small business owners. You'll find food, clothing, lawn games, candles and more.

10:00am - 6:00pm

Both Saturdays

10:00am – 5:00pm

Both Sundays

Lilac Run

A Portion of the proceeds was donated to Champion Academy!

2024 was a success!
The 45th Annual Lilac Run 5K, 10K and Dunkin' Dash took place on the final day of the festival, on Sunday, May 19th at Highland Park. Choose to run or walk in one, two or all three events! Both in-person and virtual race experiences will be offered! Participants in the 5K & 10K will receive an event T-shirt, donuts & finisher medal.

8:00am

5K run

9:30am

10K run

11:30am

Dunkin' Dash

MGM Associates of Rochester logo
Abundance Coop logo
Dunkin' logo
United Healthcare logo
Top Seedz
Champions crew helping with race
Lilac Run presented by MGM Insurance