10 days of Lilac-ing
Things to Do
The Rochester Lilac Festival spans 10 days, from May 10 – May 19. 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
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 info@roclilacfest.com 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!
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. Attendees can enjoy a leisurely stroll through festival grounds and make their way through the diverse floral displays that Highland Park has to offer. The festival organizers arrange special activities and entertainment designed to cater to the interests and preferences of the senior demographic, fostering a sense of community and connection. 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,
Lilac Parade
Over 2000 participants welcome spring: Marching bands, dance troupes, popular characters and specialty vehicles hit the streets! Watch from among the lilacs.
10:30am
Saturday morning
Art in the Park
The Rochester Lilac Festival has kicked off spring in Rochester for 126 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
NEW this year: Just beyond Art in the Park, we will have a new 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
Lilac Run
The 45th Annual Lilac Run 5K, 10K and Dunkin' Dash will take place on the final day of the festival, on Sunday, May 19th 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.
8:00am
5K run
9:30am
10K run
11:30am
Dunkin' Dash
