2024 Rochester Festivals

2024 Rochester Festivals

Lilac Festival

Highland Park

May 10 - 19

The largest free festival of its kind! Celebrate the beauty of spring at the 2024 Lilac Festival. Explore acres of colorful lilacs, enjoy live entertainment, indulge in delicious festival food, and discover unique arts and crafts from local vendors. With family-friendly activities and stunning floral displays, the Lilac Festival offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Lilac, Peony & Rose Weekend

Ellwanger Garden

Weekends, May 11 - June 2

Each spring, the gates of Ellwanger Garden swing open to welcome visitors during the renowned Lilac Festival, held on May 11th & 12th and 18th & 19th from 12pm to 3pm, as well as during Peony Weekend in June (June 1st & 2nd, also from 12pm to 3pm). There's no on-site parking, but signs lead the way to nearby off-site parking options. To support the preservation of this cherished historic landscape, a $5 donation per person is greatly appreciated.

Rochester Daschund Parade

Washington Square Park

Saturday, May 11

Across from Geva Theater on May 11th you'll see one of Rochester's most unique events! The festivities kick off promptly at 10 AM and wrap up at noon. Expect lively tunes and oompah music, a fashion show, tasty treats for both dogs and humans, as well as ample opportunities for dachshunds and their owners to mingle. And don't miss the highlight of the event, the parade itself, which is scheduled to start around 11:30 AM.

Tree Peony Festival of Flowers

Linwood Gardens

May 18-19, May 25-26, June 1-2

During certain weekends each spring, Linwood Gardens invites the public to experience the beauty of its tree peonies and roses in bloom. The grounds are accessible from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, but reservations are necessary. While there's no fixed entrance fee, a suggested donation of $15 per adult (children enter for free).For a more immersive experience, you can go on their guided historical tour, which is $20 per adult. Located at 1912 York Road West, Linwood, Livingston County. Sweet Arts Bakery will be onsite, offering light lunch fare.

Located just under an hour east of Rochester is the quaint city of Geneva! Nestled at the top of Seneca Lake, Geneva hosts a music festival each year dedicated to chamber music.

Glass Fest

Corning

May 24 - 26

Celebrate the start of summer in downtown Corning (about an hour and a half from Rochester) with GlassFest! It's an annual three-day weekend celebration of glass and fire arts in America's Crystal City. Explore the rich history of Corning, New York's renowned glass production while enjoying live music, glass exhibits, art vendors, delicious food and drinks, and exclusive shopping deals. Enjoy performances at the Rock The Park stage in Riverfront Park. Saturday evening ends with a fireworks display over the Chemung River that you won't want to miss. The festivities conclude on Sunday with a Memorial Day Tribute at the Rock The Park Stage in Riverfront Park.

On May 30th, 31st, and June 1st, 2nd, 2024, visitors are invited to experience the vibrant culture of Greece at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church grounds, located at 962 East Avenue near the George Eastman House in Rochester. From 11 am to 11 pm each day, attendees can immerse themselves in the aromas, flavors, melodies, and customs of Greece.

Fairport Canal Days

Fairport

May 30 - June 2

Celebrate the annual Fairport Canal Days 2024 on May 30th, June 1st and 2nd in Fairport, New York! Immerse yourself in the village's rich history and picturesque beauty as you enjoy live music, sample delicious food from local vendors, browse unique crafts, and take leisurely boat rides along the historic Erie Canal. Don't miss this beloved summer tradition, perfect for the whole family!

Indulge in the art of mixology at the Rochester Cocktail Revival! From June 17th to June 23rd, 2024, Rochester, New York, becomes a hub for cocktail enthusiasts and aficionados alike. Immerse yourself in a week-long celebration of craft cocktails, featuring tastings, workshops, and special events hosted by top bartenders and venues across the city. Discover new flavors, techniques, and trends while savoring expertly crafted libations in Rochester's vibrant cocktail scene. Whether you're a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or a curious beginner, the Rochester Cocktail Revival promises an unforgettable experience for all.

Low Bridge High Water Festival

Brockport

June 8

Celebrate the canal navigation season in Brockport with food, music, kayaking, and vendors!

Keuka Arts Festival

Penn Yan

June 8 - 9

Penn Yan, just a little over an hour from Rochester, nestled on the east branch of Keuka Lake hosts the annual Keuka Arts Festival, a fine art and skilled craft show held along the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail. The family friendly event is free and features live entertainment.

Rochester Deaf Festival

Genesee Valley Park

June 15

Explore an array of vendors, savor delicious offerings from food trucks, and delight in a variety of family-friendly attractions, including a petting zoo and interactive displays featuring police cars and fire trucks for the little ones. The event is from 10 - 4 at the Roadhouse Shelter at Genesee Valley Park.

Rochester Harbor Fest

Ontario Beach Park

June 21 - 23

Taking place at Ontario Beach Park and the Port of Rochester is a tradition that marks the start of the summer season! Harborfest features sand sculptures, a boat parade of lights, carousel rides, a classic car show, wine tastings, live music, and food trucks!

CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival

Downtown Rochester

June 21 - 29

Rochester's annual jazz fest brings in tons of free shows which can be heard on Gibbs St and at Parcel 5. A variety of other paid venues are available as well, featuring a variety of local and world class musicians.

Sterling Renaissance Festival

Sterling

July 6 - August 18

Step back in time to an era of knights, jesters, and royalty at the 2024 Sterling Renaissance Festival! This immersive event transports visitors to the 16th century, where the village of Warwick comes to life with the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era.

Corn Hill Arts Festival

Corn Hill Neighborhood

July 13 - 14

As one of the city's longest-running festivals, the Corn Hill Arts Festival showcases the talents of local and regional artists across a wide range of mediums. Stroll along tree-lined streets and explore rows of booths featuring stunning paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, photography, and more. Whether you're searching for a statement piece for your home or a unique gift for a loved one, you'll find endless inspiration at every turn.

With family-friendly activities, interactive demonstrations, and a welcoming sense of community, the Corn Hill Arts Festival is a must-visit event for art lovers and festival-goers of all ages.

ROC Pride Parade and Festival

Downtown Rochester

July 20

The parade will start at 11:00 a.m. at the intersection of South Avenue and Science Parkway. It will travel north on South Avenue and end at the festival, which will held in the portion of Highland Park known as Beikirch Park (1440 South Avenue).

At the festival, there will be:

Food, wine & beer

Games and activities

Vendor tables

Live music and performances

General admission tickets are $5 and VIP tickets are $50. Kids under 12 are free!

Arts at the Garden

Sonnenberg Gardens

July 20 - 21

Discover beautiful paintings, prints, ceramics, jewelry, glass, photography, fabrics, woodworking, and other various art vendors. Enjoy live music, performances, food, fine wine, and the stunning beauty of Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua for a perfect summer day outing!

Seneca Falls Convention Days

Seneca Falls

July 19 - 21

Held annually in Seneca Falls, New York, this event commemorates the historic 1848 Women's Rights Convention, a pivotal moment in the fight for gender equality.

Stroll through the charming streets of Seneca Falls and visit historic sites related to the women's suffrage movement, including the Women's Rights National Historical Park and the National Women's Hall of Fame. Engage with living history interpreters portraying key figures such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, and gain insight into their remarkable contributions to social change.

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