Trying to find something to do? Here's a look at some of the top activities and events around the Rochester region this weekend.
Darien Lake Reopens
Six Flags Darien Lake opens for the season on Friday. With that comes the return of the Mind Eraser roller coaster, now newly improved with a profiled track, new paint job and two new trains after being closed last year. It's the only suspended looping coaster in New York. Other events on this year's calendar include Hurricane Harbor Opening Weekend (May 17-18), Star-Spangled Night (July 4), the three-day Christian music festival Kingdom Bound (July 27-30), Oktoberfest (select days from Aug. 30-Sept. 14), Fright Fest (select days from Sept. 20-Oct. 25) and Kids Boo Fest (select days from Sept. 20-Oct. 25). Season passes are also discounted through Memorial Day. They can be purchased online.
- May 16
- Alleghany Rd, Corfu
- https://www.sixflags.com/darienlake
Seabreeze Amusement Park Reopens
Irondequoit's hometown amusement park is set to open for the season this weekend. Seabreeze kicks off its season on Saturday. It will be open 11 a.m. 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday before it moves to 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. the following weekends this month.
- May 17, 18
- Culver Road, Irondequoit
- https://seabreeze.com/
Erie Canal Opening Day
The Erie Canal opened Friday for navigation. This year marks the canal's bicentennial. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the New York State Canal Corporation say there will be more than 100 events to celebrate, ranging from tours to festivals. Things kick off this weekend with the Waterford Canal Festival and Key to the Locks demonstrations in Lockport.
- May 16
- Across New York State
- https://eriecanalway.org/explore/events
- https://www.visitrochester.com/erie-canal-bicentennial/
2025 Rochester Lilac Festival
More than half a million people are expected to fill Highland Park for one of Rochester's biggest events of the year. The famous lilacs are in bloom, the vendors have arrived and the musical lineup is set for the 127th annual Lilac Festival. Besides the flowers, the festival food vendors are one of the event's biggest attractions. The list for 2025 includes favorites like Macarollin, Wraps on Wheels, KO-BQ Korean Food Truck. The festival has a list of free concerts during the 10-day event.
- May 9 - 18
- Highland Park, Rochester
- https://roclilacfest.com/
May Overnight at GCV&M
Visit Genesee Country Village & Museum for a delightful family-friendly overnight adventure. Bring your own bag dinner, enjoy engaging games and creative crafts, explore the wonders of a night-time Historic Village tour, and relax with refreshing tavern drinks and tasty snacks. Gather around a cozy campfire to share stories, savor a hearty breakfast, and embark on a scenic hike. It’s the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories together.
- May 17
- Genesee Country Village & Museum, Mumford
- https://www.gcv.org/event/may-overnight/
