10 days of Lilac-ing
Things to Do
The Rochester Lilac Festival spans 10 days. All 10 days are filled with FREE live music on our Main Stage and celebrate the coming of spring in Rochester, New York with the many varieties of lilacs in Highland Park.
PARADE
KIDS’ ZONE
SENIORS’ DAY
SPONSOR AND VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES
When local businesses partner with and support the festival, they’re helping this great community asset thrive –– in turn, the festival’s more than 500,000 annual visitors support them, which makes it possible for those businesses to give back to our community. It’s a cycle of giving that the Rochester Lilac Festival is proud to champion. Contact the sponsor team at [email protected] to learn about custom partnership opportunities.
Kids’ Zone
The Rochester Lilac Festival is for everyone, and we have a special place specifically for our little lilac buds. Open every day of the festival, the Lilac Festival Kids’ Zone is a vibrant and exciting space dedicated to providing fun for our young festival-goers. Enjoy rides, bounce houses, midway games, face painting and more! Tickets are needed and available for purchase onsite ($10 for 12 tickets).
Seniors’ Day
Seniors’ Day at the festival is a special occasion dedicated to honoring and celebrating our more seasoned members in the community. Held amidst the fragrant blooms of Highland Park, this day is tailored to offer a delightful and relaxed experience for seniors. Lunch specials will be available with food vendors and seniors can enjoy specially-curated music. Senior homes can also enjoy easy ADA main loop drop off and bus/van parking.
FREE Guided Walking Tours & Self-Guided Digital Tours
All new in 2025! Introducing two free guided walking tours through Highland Park: Flower City Flora and Highland Park History
Tours are free but expected to fill up. Register below to lock in your spot. Tours will take place each day of the festival at 10am and 5pm.
Art in the Park
The Rochester Lilac Festival has kicked off spring in Rochester for 127 years. The festival runs 10 consecutive days, featuring Art in the Park on each weekend. Art in the Park takes place up the hill from the main festival site, on Reservoir Ave. Several pathways from the festival site weave their way through Highland Park up to Reservoir Ave, bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors through the lilacs and onto the avenue. The avenue is a paved street surrounded by magnolias, tulips, pansies and more.
10:00am – 6:00pm
Both Saturdays
10:00am – 5:00pm
Both Sundays
Small Business Circle
Just beyond Art in the Park, we will be bringing back our very popular section for small business vendors. Come shop local and support our Rochester small business owners. You'll find food, clothing, lawn games, candles and more.
10:00am - 6:00pm
Both Saturdays
10:00am – 5:00pm
Both Sundays
Mother's Day Experience
Bubbles & Bouquets
Join us for a memorable Mother’s Day event designed to pamper, celebrate, and create lasting memories for the special women and caretakers in your life. Here's what's included:
- Free Botox Lip Flip or mini-facial with Monroe Med Spa (select an add on on Eventbrite-these are limited)
- Flower Wall for Photo Ops with Flower City Photo Walls
- MOMosas with Red Jacket with additional drink choices for purchase
- Build Your Own Bouquet
- Light Nosh
- Swag Surprises
- Coffee
- Chair Massages with Mama Moon Massage
- All day access to Vision Financial Group’s VIP Tent with an elevated view of the KeyBank Main Stage!
Join us for a day filled with love, relaxation, and delightful surprises. Treat Mom—or yourself—to a celebration she’ll never forget!
Reserve your spot now and make this Mother’s Day truly special!
Mother's Day Experience
Family Photo & Gift Bag Package
Celebrate mom forever, with a mini photo session in the flowers. Package includes a build-you-own family keychain keepsake! Take home a Mother's day Swag Bag complete with commemorative cup, coffee drink voucher, and Lilac Scratch off ticket (everyone gets a prize!) and more!
lilac local farmers Market
The Lilac Local Farmers Market is a new initiative at the Lilac Festival that offers a variety of local produce, artisans, prepared and packaged goods, handmade creations, flowers and more! Near the Lilac Adventure Zone, visitors can enjoy browsing booths, supporting local businesses, and finding unique items.
We are looking for vendors that sell produce, dairy products, dried meats, olive oil, microgreens, fish/shellfish, variety of nuts and oils, honey, maple products, jams/jellies/pickles/sauces, pet treats, beauty/skin products,eggs, live plants/trees/floral, soaps/candles, essential oils, or unique treasures.
10:00am - 3:00pm
Monday May 12
10:00am – 3:00pm
Wednesday May 14
Lilac Run
The 46th Annual Lilac Run 5K, 10K and Dunkin' Dash will take place on the final day of the festival, on Sunday, May 18th at Highland Park. Choose to run or walk in one, two or all three events! Both in-person and virtual race experiences will be offered! Participants in the 5K & 10K will receive an event T-shirt, donuts & finisher medal.
Proceeds to benefit Holy Childhood
8:00am
5K run
9:15am
10K run
11:30am
Donut Dash
