FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2025
127TH ROCHESTER LILAC FESTIVAL HEADLINERS UNVEILED
Includes a Diverse Range of Genres from National Touring Acts to Regional Favorites
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The 127th annual Rochester Lilac Festival, which runs from May 9-18, 2025, is set to once again bring outstanding musical talent from around the world to the KeyBank Center Stage in the historic Highland Park. The lineup features nationally touring artists, regional favorites, and an eclectic mix of genres from Austin Soul and New Orleans jazz to Nigerian Afrobeat and Nashville country.
KEYBANK CENTER STAGE HEADLINERS
- Friday, May 9 – Sir Woman (R&B, soul, indie pop | Austin, TX)
Fans of Lake Street Dive, Sammy Rae & Friends, & Vulfpeck will love their grooves and feel-good energy.
- Saturday, May 10 – Katie Pruitt (Soul, singer-songwriter, folk | Nashville, TN)
Known for heartfelt lyrics and soaring vocals, Katie Pruitt captivates fans of John Mayer, Brandi Carlile & Ed Sheeran.
- Sunday, May 11 – Chayce Beckham (Country | Apple Valley, CA)
An “American Idol” winner whose raw country sound is reminiscent of Chris Stapleton & Ella Langley.
- Monday, May 12 – Cruel Summer (a musical tribute to Taylor Swift | Rochester)
A high-energy musical experience covering all of Taylor’s biggest Era’s Tour hits.
- Tuesday, May 13 – Vibrant Beats: Rochester’s Latin Music Experience (Salsa, Latin fusion | Rochester)
Featuring AFriKan2, Orchestra Antonetti, 5 Con Swing and Bachata Rebelde
- Wednesday, May 14 – The Skycoasters with Shine (Rock, pop, funk | Rochester)
A legendary Rochester party band known for their energetic mix of rock, pop, R&B, swing & funk.
- Thursday, May 15 – Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 (Afrobeat, funk | Lagos, Nigeria)
The son of Fela Kuti continues the Afrobeat tradition, blending powerful rhythms & lyrics.
- Friday, May 16 – The Aces (Alternative Pop, Indie Rock| Provo, Utah)
This sister-duo and friends lead single, “Daydream,” has 35 million streams. Their sound is often compared to bands like HAIM, The 1975, and Chappell Roan.
- Saturday, May 17 – The Dirty Dozen Brass Band (New Orleans jazz, bebop, funk | New Orleans, LA)
World-renowned brass and funk-infused sound that will resonate with fans of Trombone Shorty.
- Sunday, May 18 – Beach Weather (Pop rock, indie pop | Phoenix, AZ)
With more than 1 billion streams on their latest hit, it’s the perfect festival finale for fans of Arctic Monkeys, Harry Styles & Tame Impala.
Get to know the headlining talent by listening to the Lilac Festival’s curated playlist on Spotify, available here on our website. Additional regional and local supporting talent will be announced soon at a special release party on March 6 (media invite to follow).
Experience enhanced stage viewing from the Vision Financial Group VIP SkyDeck presented by Point of the Bluff Vineyards and McCarthy Tents & Events. For the first time ever the ticketed space is fully covered from the elements. It also includes a private bar, climate-controlled restrooms, complimentary chair massages, and lounge. Visit www.roclilacfest.com/music-lineup for details.
“Each year, we strive to curate a lineup that offers something for everyone, and 2025 is no exception,” said festival Executive Producer Jenny LoMaglio. “This year’s artists reflect the diversity and energy of the Lilac Festival. The line-up each year outdoes itself with rising stars and seasoned performers. We’re counting down the days for the community to come together once again in Highland Park for 10 days of unforgettable live music, all for free.”
“From national headliners to local performers and bands, music and entertainment are part of the heartbeat of the Rochester Lilac Festival. This year’s diverse lineup of musicians is sure to excite festival-goers and attract people and families from across the region,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “Monroe County is proud to support the Rochester Lilac Festival every year, which allows our community to experience high-quality entertainment that is accessible and family-friendly.”
“The Rochester Lilac Festival is one of our greatest community assets and a proud symbol of our identity as the Flower City,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “This cherished tradition showcases the spectacular beauty of historic Highland Park and offers residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy free, family-friendly, world-class entertainment. On behalf of the City of Rochester, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Lilac Festival Committee, organizers, sponsors, and partners for their dedication and energy in bringing this beloved event to life.”
“We applaud the efforts of festival organizers in securing another outstanding lineup for this year’s festival. Events of this caliber attract visitors from near and far, showcasing Rochester as a vibrant cultural hub. Being able to offer visitors to the festival such a robust schedule of free music and entertainment sets the Rochester Lilac Festival apart as one of the must visit festivals in the country,” said Don Jeffries, President & CEO, Visit Rochester.
About the 127th Rochester Lilac Festival
The 127th Rochester Lilac Festival will run from Friday, May 9 through Sunday, May 18, 2025. It is an award-winning, time-honored tradition celebrated every spring since 1898, in accordance with the blooming of the most extensive collection of lilacs in the Northeast. On average, more than 500,000 visitors from across Western and Upstate NY, the tri-state area, and Canada attend the 10-day free festival each year.
In 2025, the festival will return with 120+ musical performances, 300+ juried arts and craft vendors, local farmers’ market, Lilac Run, kids’ activities, and the star of the show – the fragrant lilac blossoms. The annual event is hosted by Lilac Festival Inc., which includes Monroe County, the City of Rochester, and Visit Rochester members.
Organizers invite interested vendors, artisans, and sponsors to learn more about custom partnerships by emailing [email protected]. For more information about this year’s event, visit www.roclilacfest.com or on social media at https://www.facebook.com/RochesterLilacFestival/ and @rochesterlilacfestival.
2025 Rochester Lilac Festival Sponsors
KeyBank, Vision Financial Group, Bully Hill Vineyards, Pepsi, Wilkins RV, House of Guitars, Fidelis Care, Wellcare, Geisen Wines USA, Point of the Bluff Vineyards, McCarthy Tents and Events, Boulder Coffee, Goldfish Swim School, NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, Reimer Home Services, MedVed Running & Walking Outfitters, Abundance Food Co-Op, Fleet Feet, WellNow Urgent Care, Black Button Distilling, North Glow Photography, Monroe Med Spa, Red Jacket Orchards, Flower City Photo Walls, Roc Paper Straws, Canandaigua National Bank & Trust, Home2 Suites by Hilton Greece, Inn on Broadway, NAZ School of Music, AutismUp
Media Contact: [email protected] | 585.683.5439
High-Resolution Logo Files: HERE
