ROCHESTER LILAC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FULL MUSIC LINEUP
59 Artists to Play the KeyBank Center Stage
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – March 6, 2025 – At a listening party and press conference earlier today, organizers proudly unveiled the dynamic supporting performers for the 127th Rochester Lilac Festival taking place from May 9 to 18, 2025. In addition to the 10 nationally touring artists previously announced, there will be 31 supporting artists and 18 sets from educational institutions, all from around the region. In total, there will be 59 performances, which is 60 hours of free live music at the KeyBank Center Stage across the event’s 10 days.
“We’re proud to keep visitors on their feet, not just with the beats, but with the variety of music we’re offering this year from Rochester’s rich music scene,” said Dave Drago, Rochester Lilac Festival’s Music Producer. “There’s so much talent here that we’ve been able to curate a supporting lineup that’s completely new from last year, while maintaining an incredible level of diversity and quality.”
View the Full KeyBank Center Stage Lineup HERE.
View Band Poster HERE.
Get to know the bands by listening to our curated playlist on Spotify, available here on our website.
“The lilacs may be the star of the show, but great music is what brings the festival to life,” said Executive Producer of the Lilac Festival, Jenny LoMaglio. “That’s why we’re wholeheartedly committed to bringing you a lineup of national touring performers as well as the best original, regional artists. We can’t wait for visitors to find their new favorite artist–spring is here– come out and listen to your new favorite band- for free!”“Spring is right around the corner and we can’t wait to share the vibrant mix of local art, music, food, and vendors at the annual Rochester Lilac Festival,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “Whether you come for the headlining acts or your favorite local band, the Key Bank Center Stage will be packed with incredible talent, creating the perfect soundtrack for this beloved spring tradition. Get ready for unforgettable performances, great vibes, and nonstop energy as the Rochester Lilac Festival is shaping up to be another fantastic kickoff to our local festival season!”
“The annual Lilac Festival is an excellent opportunity for the Rochester community to come out and enjoy our city’s natural beauty, an incredible amount of free entertainment, and much more,” said Mayor Malik Evans. “Don’t miss this spectacular example of why we’re known as the Flower City!”
“There is no shortage of musical talent throughout Rochester and the Finger Lakes region, and there’s no better stage than the beautiful Rochester Lilac Festival. With ten days of live music set against this stunning backdrop, we’re ready to welcome visitors from across New York State and beyond to Rochester and Monroe County!” said Don Jeffries, President & CEO, Visit Rochester.
Enhance your concert viewing with a ticket to the Vision Financial Group VIP SkyDeck presented by Point of the Bluff Vineyards and McCarthy Tents & Events. This fully covered, 21+ area offers premium stage viewing from a comfortable lounge complete with a full bar, free chair massages, and private bathrooms. Tickets are available in single and multi-day packages at www.roclilacfest.com/music-lineup.
Over the course of the festival, attendees will enjoy more than 80 performances, including daytime showcases from high school bands, local community music organizations, live buskers on Reservoir Avenue and the all-new Bach to Rock Sprouts Stage, that will focus on free family-friendly programming on the weekends. This celebration is designed to unite the community, spark new experiences, and highlight the artistic diversity that makes our region unique.
For the complete performance schedule, high-resolution artist photos, and additional festival details, please visit www.roclilacfest.com or follow us on social media at @rochesterlilacfestival.
2025 Rochester Lilac Festival Sponsors
KeyBank, Vision Financial Group, Bully Hill Vineyards, Pepsi, Wright Beverage, Company, Wilkins RV, House of Guitars, Fidelis Care, Wellcare, Geisen Wines USA, Point of the Bluff Vineyards, McCarthy Tents and Events, Boulder Coffee, MVP Health Care, Community Bank, Goldfish Swim School, Bach to Rock Penfield, Splash Car Wash, Hamilton AV, Casa Larga, AutismUp, 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, Rohrbach Brewing Company, North Glow Photography, Monroe Med Spa, Red Jacket Orchards, Flower City Photo Walls, Roc Paper Straws, Canandaigua National Bank & Trust, New York Medical and Behavioral Health, Home2 Suites by Hilton Greece, Inn on Broadway, NAZ School of Music.
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.
Media Contact: [email protected] | 585.683.5439
High-Resolution Photos & Logos: HERE
