ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Every spring, Rochester transforms into a sea of purple as thousands of lilacs bloom at Highland Park. Each year, the city celebrates this natural wonder with the Lilac Festival — an event that brings together locals and tourists alike.
This year marks the 126th edition of the festival, which runs May 10-19, from 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. each day.
The free festival features more than 1,200 lilacs and 500 varieties, in addition to live music, food, and arts and crafts.
The concert lineup at KeyBank Center Stage:
- May 10: Rayland Baxter
- May 11: Butcher Brown
- May 12: Ghost-Note
- May 13: Pachyman
- May 14: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
- May 15: The Skycoasters
- May 16: An Evening of Soul Curated by Danielle Ponder
- May 17: Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
- May 18: Dopapod
- May 19: Trousdale
The City of Rochester is also alerting drivers that the Lilac Parade on Saturday, May 11, will impact traffic. The parade is set to kick off at 10:30 a.m. at South Ave. and Science Pkwy. It will then proceed northbound on South Ave. to Highland Ave., then head eastbound on Highland to S. Goodman St. There is no street parking allowed along the parade route.
For more information on the 2024 Lilac Festival, click here.