- + PLACES TO GO
- FALL FAVORITES
- + THINGS TO DO
- + WINE & DINE
- + STAY
- + TOURS
- + CALENDAR
- + MAPS
- + TRAVEL BLOGS & MORE
- Site Search
Rochester's Lilac Festival is filled with festivities
Held annually weekends in May, the Rochester Lilac Festival is the largest free festival of its kind in North America, still inspired by Highland Parks 1,200-plus lilac bushes.
Held annually in mid-May, Rochester’s Lilac Festival is the largest free festival of its kind in North America features thousands of spectacular and fragrant lilacs and 10 days of incredible entertainment and non-stop festivities. More than a century old, the festival continues to be inspired by the magnificent lilac collection at Highland Park — 500 varieties of lilacs on more than 1,200 bushes.
Drawing more than 500,000 people annually, festival goers will discover the magnificent gardens and scents, musical gems, exciting exhibits and exhilarating special events. Unfortunately, the two concert stages which normally feature more than 135 performances will not be taking place during the festival this year due to Covid-19 considerations.
The festival also features a juried arts and crafts show exhibiting the work of 160 artists, makers, designers and craftspeople; three days of Wine & Chocolate Tasting, a two-day craft beer festival and a USA Track & Field Certified 10K and 5K.
Drawing more than 500,000 people annually, festival goers will discover the magnificent gardens and scents, musical gems, exciting exhibits and exhilarating special events. Unfortunately, the two concert stages which normally feature more than 135 performances will not be taking place during the festival this year due to Covid-19 considerations.
The festival also features a juried arts and crafts show exhibiting the work of 160 artists, makers, designers and craftspeople; three days of Wine & Chocolate Tasting, a two-day craft beer festival and a USA Track & Field Certified 10K and 5K.
Rochester, NY
Current Conditions
44°F
Clouds
Fri Nov 15 | Sat Nov 16 | Sun Nov 17 | Mon Nov 18 | Tue Nov 19 |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
8am | 43° | 45° | 38° | 52° | 42° |
2pm | 45° | 46° | 44° | 52° | 46° |
8pm | 45° | 48° | 50° | 50° | 47° |
Dining near Rochester Lodging near Rochester Things To Do near Rochester Camping / RV near Rochester
LOOK WHAT ELSE
IS CLOSE BY
Festival of Trees
Combine history and the holidays at Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum's annual Festival of Trees.
The Haunted Hayrides of Greater Rochester
Canceled for 2020: This annual spook-event takes you down a desolate road, winding through eerie acres of apple orchards into the deep, dark woods.
Finger Lakes Celtic Festival
May 18, 2024: Sponsored in partnership with Lincoln Hill Farm, the annual one-day event features Celtic music and dance exhibitions
Christmas Around the World
2024 dates TBA: Travel the Lake Ontario Wine Trail and celebrate the season with festive pairings of wine, spirits and ciders with foods from around the world.