2026 Rochester Lilac Festival
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
Friday, May 8 – Opening Day Poster Reveal
Kick off the 2026 Rochester Lilac Festival with the unveiling of the official festival poster, a longtime tradition that celebrates both the start of the event and the creativity of local artists.
May 8-17 – Lilac Walking Tours
Take a guided walking tour through Highland Park and learn more about the history of the park, its world-famous lilac collection, and the people and planning behind this beloved Rochester tradition.
Saturday, May 9 – Art in the Park & Small Business Circle
Browse work from artists, makers, and local small businesses along Reservoir Avenue during this popular festival shopping experience. Art in the Park & Small Business Circle also takes place on Sunday, May 10, Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17.
Saturday, May 9 – Lilac Parade
Enjoy one of the festival’s signature traditions as the Lilac Parade fills the park with marching bands, community groups, specialty vehicles, performers, and plenty of springtime energy.
Monday, May 11 – Lilac Local Farmers Market
Shop from local farmers and vendors during the Lilac Local Farmers Market, returning for its second year with fresh products and regional goods in a festive outdoor setting. The market also takes place on Tuesday, May 12, and Wednesday, May 13.
Wednesday, May 13 – Seniors’ Day
Seniors’ Day offers a special chance to celebrate older adults in the community while enjoying the beauty, entertainment, and spring atmosphere of the Rochester Lilac Festival.
Saturday, May 16 – The Lilac Table
The Lilac Table is a special tasting event featuring food from local chefs, along with artisanal cocktails and other flavors that showcase Rochester’s culinary scene.
Sunday, May 17 – Fairlife Lilac Run 5K & 10K Presented by Fleet Feet
Close out the festival with one of its most popular traditions: the annual Lilac Run, featuring both 5K and 10K race options on the festival’s final day.
- Friday, May 8 – Cimafunk (Afro-Cuban funk, soul, Latin grooves | Pinar del Río, Cuba / now based in New Orleans)
- Saturday, May 9 – Lee Fields (Soul, funk, R&B | Wilson, NC / Plainfield, NJ)
- Sunday, May 10 – The Lone Bellow (Americana, alt-country, indie folk | Brooklyn, NY)
- Monday, May 11 – Cruel Summer (Live band tribute to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour)
- Tuesday, May 12 – Rochester Music Hall of Fame Takeover (Classic rock, pop, funk, R&B, jazz), featuring Scott Mayo & Prime Time Funk, The Dawgs, and Stoney Lonesome
- Wednesday, May 13 – Mikaela Davis (Indie, alternative, Americana; psychedelic folk, chamber pop | Rochester, NY)
- Thursday, May 14 – 94.1 The Zone Takeover featuring Joe P (Indie/alternative rock | New Jersey)
- Friday, May 15 – Anees (R&B, pop, hip-hop fusion | Virginia)
- Saturday, May 16 – JD McPherson (Rock & roll, R&B, blues | Broken Arrow, OK)
- Sunday, May 17 – Eggy (Jam, funk, psychedelic | New Haven area, CT)
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.