Set in gardens designed by the coveted Frederick Law Olmstead.

The largest free festival of it’s kind. Parking & Shuttles are available.

With special extended hours on parade and race day.

At the Rochester Lilac Festival, the safety and security of our guests, vendors, and team members are paramount. We pride ourselves on bringing together the community in unity and celebration to enjoy the flowers, food and music. To further support a safe and fun environment for all, Monroe County, the City of Rochester and Lilac Festival Inc have collaborated to implement the following rules through the hours of the Festival (10:30 am – 8:30 pm) each day.

• No pets allowed. Please leave your pet at home. Pets will be turned away.
• Bicycles, skateboards, scooters and in-line skates are not allowed.
• Guests can bring a small chair, umbrellas, or blankets.
• ADA mobility devices are permitted.
• Parents accompanying children under the age of 8 are permitted to bring strollers and wagons. All items are subject to search upon entry.
• WATER: With the exception of one sealed bottle of water, visitors may not bring food or beverages into the festival grounds. Patrons are allowed to bring an empty water bottle onto the festival site, to fill from one of our free water hydration station.
• Breastmilk and formula are allowed.
• Parental escort program:
  • Individuals 17 and under must be escorted by a parent or guardian at least 21 years of age (identification is required). Parent or guardians should be prepared to show valid identification that includes a photograph and date of birth (driver’s license, non-driver ID card, Passport, or Visa).
  • Non-parental guardians with ID may only escort up to two (2) under-age individuals.
  • Individuals 17 and under must arrive with a parent or guardian and remain with them while on festival grounds.
• All guests entering festival grounds should be prepared to have permitted bag(s) checked by security personnel at points of entry.
• All guests entering festival grounds will walk through a security magnetometer upon entry. Notify security on arrival if an alternate screening is needed.
• Smoking or vaping of any kind is not permitted on park grounds at any time.
• Dangerous instruments, including blades, knives, picks, or sharp objects of any kind, will not be permitted.
• Weapons, outside food and beverage (except one unopened water bottle), illegal drugs and gang-related attire are prohibited.

Thank you for your help in ensuring the festival is a comfortable and enjoyable place for all visitors. Reasonable accommodations to these policies are at the discretion of the onsite security team.

BAG POLICY

Under no circumstances will ANY BACKPACKS, DUFFEL BAGS, OR DRAWSTRING BAGS be allowed.

Bags that are accepted:

• Fannypack/Belt bags
• Clear bags
• Small purses (under 6 H x 8 W)
• Diaper Bags
• Medical Bags

Signage will be posted in the parking lot, shuttle stops and at each entry. Please be prepared to leave your backpack in your vehicle during your stay. We thank you for your cooperation.

About Security at the Rochester Lilac Festival

Best Resipe Productions, LLC partners with Lilac Festival Inc., Monroe County, the City of Rochester, and first responders to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

The festival is patrolled by both uniform and plain-clothes local law enforcement officers and NYS-licensed security officers.

Please be aware of the changes to traffic patterns due to the Highland Park Traffic Control Plan. Follow the directions below to get to the festival effectively.

Lot 1: Main Lot (best for main festival site)
Open daily at 10am.
Elmwood Avenue is south of the Lilac Festival site. The lot is located between South Clinton and South Ave on Elmwood Ave, just west of Meadowbrook Road. No shuttle available.

Lot 1 PARKING RATES:

• Monday – Friday: $7 before 2:30pm | $10 after 2:30pm
• Saturday – Sunday: $10 during all hours

Handicapped Lot: Handicapped parking will be located at 1440 South Ave. You must have your handicapped tag in order to be let in. Limited spots available.

Lot 2: Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship Lot
150 Sawgrass Dr. Weekends Only!
QUICK SHUTTLE to Festival Site. Parking is free.
Click here for google map

Lot 2 Weekend Shuttle Schedule

• Shuttle is $5/person for anyone over the age of 13. 12 and under is free.

Lot 2 Weekend Shuttle Schedule

• Saturday, May 10: 7:30am – 9:00pm | Sunday, May 11: 10:00am – 9:00pm
• Saturday, May 17: 10:00am – 9:00pm | Sunday, May 18: 7:00am – 9:00pm

SHUTTLE IS ADA ACCESSIBLE