The Rochester Lilac Festival is the largest free festival of its kind in North America. The more than 500,000 visitors who attend the festival each year not only get to experience over 500 varieties of lilacs and all the natural beauty of Highland Park, but also live music, incredible food, drinks, and fun for the entire family. Here are some things you won't want to miss at the Rochester Lilac Festival from May 9 to the 18, 2025.
BAG POLICY
This year's festival has a strict no backpack, duffel bag, or drawstring bag rule. Acceptable bags include
- Fannypack/Belt bags
- Clear bags
- Small purses (under 6 H x 8 W)
- Diaper Bags
- Medical Bags
More info can be found here.
ANNUAL LILAC PARADE - MAY 10 @ 10:30 A.M.
The Lilac Parade has more than 2,000 participants, including marching bands, dance troupes, popular characters, and specialty vehicles. The memorable parade day is one of the most special times at the Rochester Lilac Festival.
ART IN THE PARK - MAY 10-11 & 17-18
Art in the Park takes place along Reservoir Avenue, a shaded street adjacent to the lilac gardens and the main festival site on May 10, 11, 17 and 18. Spend each festival weekend shopping with more than 100 artists, makers, designers, and craftspeople to discover unique pieces from across a variety of media including ceramics, drawings, graphics, fiber, glass, jewelry, sculpture, wood and mixed media along with specialty packaged foods and body care products. Don’t forget to pick up official festival merchandise, like the official 2025 Rochester Lilac Festival Poster!
NEW GUIDED WALKING TOURS
New to the festival this year, there are two guided walking tour options available to guests: Flower City Flora and Highland Park History Tours. These tours will take place all 10-days of the festival, and are completely free. Click here to register before the spots fill up!
FAMILY FUN
The Rochester Lilac Festival is a family event full of fun activities for visitors of all ages. The Kids' Zone especially is a family favorite every year. Open every day of the festival, there are many activities for the little ones, from face paint, bounce houses, rides, midway games, and more!
SENSORY SPACE
The Rochester Lilac Festival is partnering with AutismUp once again to create a free experience for festival visitors - a large tent and outdoor area that will act as the Festival’s official Sensory Space. The Sensory Space will be located within park grounds near the Elmwood entrance point, away from the music and busy common areas. The tent space will include soft lighting and activities like coloring books, music, books, comfortable seating, fidgets, noise canceling headphones, and other items that aid in regulation. AutismUp staff and volunteers will be on-hand during Festival hours to support visitors.
ZERO-PROOF SOCIAL CLUB
Another new addition to this year's Lilac Festival, the Zero-Proof Social Club is a 100% alcohol free bar and lounge providing delicious mocktails and non-alcoholic beer and wine on the festival grounds. This zero-proof bar is open every day of the festival!
FESTIVAL FOOD
There are countless locations to find a variety of yummy festival foods at the Lilac Festival, along with additional snack vendors throughout the festival. Visitors won’t want to miss the chance to taste local and regional favorites such as Abbott’s Frozen Custard, and various versions of trash plates. Rochester food trucks bring exciting new taste combinations. 2025 vendors include Macarollin, Wraps on Wheels, KO-BQ Korean Food Truck, and Melt Food Truck & Catering. And don't miss out on festival classics, including Candy Apples, CinnaRoasted Almonds, Cotton Candy, Deep Fried Candy Bars & Oreos, Fried Dough, Funnel Cakes, Kettle Korn, and Soft Pretzels.
LILACS & GARDENS
There are over 500 varieties of lilacs at Highland Park in Rochester, NY. Each has a unique color and look, and they all smell amazing. The fragrance wafting through the park is heavenly. Bring your camera for incredible up close pictures of these gorgeous flowers, as the Lilac Festival is a top spot for Instagram photos. More than just lilacs, visitors will also enjoy tulips, the pansy bed, and the Lamberton Conservatory, featuring plants from all over the world.
LIVE MUSIC
Rochester Lilac Festival has a wide variety of free concerts during the 10 day Festival. Visitors are sure to find something the whole family can enjoy. Major performances at this year’s event include: Sir Woman, Katie Pruitt, Chayce Beckham, Cruel Summer, Vibrant Beats, The Skycoasters, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, The Aces, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and Beach Weather.
VIP PASSES
VIP Passes are available for all 10 days of the festival and allow visitors access to an exclusive, covered viewing platform. These passes also include
- Premium Drink Selections
- Mobile Phone Charging Station
- Complimentary Chair Massages
- Complimentary Wine Tasting from Point of the Bluff Vineyards
- Dedicated Climate-Controlled Restroom
- VIP Ticket Holders can Purchase Discounted Tickets to Concerts at Point of the Bluff Onsite
- Cocktail Servers
Find more info here.
MOTHER'S DAY EXPERINCE - MAY 11
New to the Rochester Lilac Festival this year, there will be special Mother's Day Experiences on May 11. Celebrate your mom or caretaker with the Bubbles & Bouquets Package (featuring a build your own bouquet experience) or the Family Photo & Gift Bag Package (featuring a mini family photo shoot in the flowers)!
LILAC LOCAL FARMERS MARKET - MAY 12 & 14
Featuring a variety of local produce, artisans, prepared and packaged goods, handmade creations, flowers, and more, the Lilac Local Farmers Market invites visitors to support local businesses while finding incredible and unique items.
RACE DAY - MAY 18
More than 3,000 runners from across the region take to Highland Park every spring for the annual Lilac Run, a Lilac Festival tradition. Participants can choose to run or walk a 5K, 10K, or the Tim Horton's Timbits Trot. Races will be held both in person and virtually!
Looking for an incentive to run? Participants in the 5K and 10K will receive an event T-shirt, donuts, and a finisher medal! You can register for the races here.
For more information on the Rochester Lilac Festival visit the official festival website. And, don't forget to share your photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #VisitROC and #LilacFest!
