Celebrate the spring season with festivals and events that take advantage of all the beauty, culture, and fun that Rochester and the Finger Lakes regions have to offer. We've pulled together the following list of top events and activities you don't want to miss when you #VisitROC this May.

Arts & Culture

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Alternate Realities

Through June 9 | Image City Photography Gallery

Opening Weekend

May 1-5 | Long Acre Farms

Gettin’ Figgy with Mom

May 4 | Figgy Studio and Shop

Opening Day of the 2024 High Season

May 8 | Genesee Country Village & Museum

Sager-Stoneyard Murder Mystery Night

May 9 | Sager-Stoneyard Pub

Antiques & Artisans Show

May 11 | Genesee Country Village & Museum

Cumming Nature Center: Yoga In The Pines

May 11 & 19 | RMSC Cumming Nature Center

Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration Day

May 19 | Memorial Art Gallery

Festive Fun + Outdoor Markets

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THEMATA

May 4, 25 | Culver Road Armory

Flower City Days at The Market

May 5, 12, 19, 24, 26, 27 | Rochester Public Market

Rochester Lilac Festival

May 10-19 l Highland Park

The Lucky Flea

May 19 | The Lake House on Canandaigua

Food Truck Rodeo

May 29 | Rochester Public Market

Taking The Stage (And Screen)

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Newtown

Through May 12 | Geva Theatre

The Producers

May 9-26 | OFC Creations

Cabaret

May 10-26 | Blackfriars Theatre

Shrek - The Musical

May 11-12 | Rochester Broadway Theatre League

Drag Me To Brunch

May 12 | OFC’s Old Farm Cafe

Monica and Musiq Soulchild

May 17 | Rochester Broadway Theatre League

The Guess Who

May 31 | KODAK Center

Hitting The Field & Course

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Rochester Red Wings

Home Games: May 1-5, 14-19, 28-31 | Innovative Field

Flower City Union

Home Games: May 11, 25 | Rochester Community Sports Complex

For for the Whole Family

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Genesee Country Village & Museum Opening Weekend

May 6-7 l Genesee Country Village & Museum

Eat & Drink

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Silent Disco Party

May 3 | ARTISANworks

Latin Night

May 4 | Tapas 177

Cinco de Mayo

May 5 | Salena's Mexican Restaurant

Cinco de Mayo

May 5 | ARTISANworks

Birds, Bees & Brews

May 10 l Seneca Park Zoo

Lilac Gin Blending Class

May 10 l Black Button Distilling

Kizomba Dance

May 10-11 | Red White & Brew

An Artists’ Affair: Art After Dark

May 11 | Memorial Art Gallery

Blush & Bouquets

May 11 | Deer Run Winery

Bourbon Blending Class

May 17 | Black Button Distilling

Rails & Ales

May 18 l Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum

Wine & Design

May 29 l Figgy Studio and Shop

Food Truck Rodeo

May 29 l Rochester Public Market

Mom's Special Day

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Review our Mother’s Day Guide here for inspiration on how to celebrate the special day.

 

Rochester Lilac Festival
Spend Mother's Day weekend at the Rochester Lilac Festival – a beloved mother’s day tradition for locals and visitors alike. Take a stroll through the gardens and enjoy the beauty of Highland Park. On Mother's Day, Art in the Park will be in full swing, one of the many FREE events at the festival!

Mother’s Day Cheese and Chocolate Pairing
Join Laughing Gull Chocolates and The Brainery for a Mother's Day Cheese and Chocolate Pairing on May 11. Register for the chocolate tasting here

Scents by Design

Celebrate a scent-sational Mother's Day Weekend at Scents by Design, a pour-your-own candle studio in Rochester’s Neighborhood of the Arts. You are able to make reservations for Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12. Learn more and book your reservation here.

Cheesecake and Wine Pairing

Celebrate and honor the Mothers in your life with a fun and delicious wine and cheesecake pairing at Casa Larga Vineyards on May 11 and 12! Learn more here.

Mother’s Day Calligraphy for Beginners

Treat any of the moms or mother figures in your life to a fun afternoon of calligraphy and wine at Flight Wine Bar. Class includes 1.5 hours of instruction and demonstration, a beginner’s calligraphy kit, and all materials to write on. Learn more here.

Mother’s Day Psychic Fair

Give your mom an experience she’ll never forget on May 12 featuring fortune forecasts, amazing local artisans, a special MOMosa menu, and lucky stars all day at Iron Smoke Distillery. Learn more here.

The Spa at the Del Monte
Celebrate mom with the gift of self-care by surprising your loved ones with a gift card from the Spa at the Del Monte. Purchase a gift card here or book an appointment here

Woodcliff Hotel & Spa
Give mom the gift of relaxation and the Woodcliff Hotel & Spa will take it from there. Whether it's a day at the spa or a weekend getaway, Woodcliff Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to say "thank you." 

Ape + Canary

Provide mom with a well-deserved pampering day by giving her a gift card to Ape + Canary; an urban salon providing upscale hair, nail and spa services. Purchase a gift card here

Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum

Enjoy a mile-and-a-half round trip train ride through the bucolic museum grounds at the museum, located just 20 minutes from downtown Rochester. Tour exhibits of historic trains and take a peek behind the scenes in the Restoration Shop. Refreshments available for purchase. All aboard!

Genesee Country Village & Museum

Enjoy the opening weekend of the largest living history museum in New York State, including free admission for moms on Mother’s Day (May 12). 

ARTISANworks

Treat your mom to a special day surrounded by beautiful art at ARTISANworks with Madeline’s Catering providing a mouth-watering menu featuring both sweet and savory options. Enjoy your meal while taking in the stunning art and exhibits - the perfect backdrop for a memorable Mother’s Day celebration.

Brown Hound Downtown

Head to Brown Hound Downtown for a special Mother’s Day Brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. featuring a special buffet. Call (585) 506-9725 for reservations.

Black Button Distilling Mother’s Day Cocktail Class and Brunch Buffet

Experience an enchanting Mother’s Day cocktail class and brunch buffet celebrating the vibrant flavors of spring, where you’ll craft two exquisite cocktails highlighting the delicate essence of lilac-infused gin. Find event details here

Farmer's Creekside Inn & Tavern
Make your reservation for a Mother's Day Brunch at Farmer's Creekside Inn & Tavern. View event details and the a la carte menu here

Genesee Country Village & Museum
Our Mother’s Day Brunch is a wonderful way to celebrate Mom’s special day! With delectable brunch favorites, vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options, a cash bar, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Savor a delicious chef-inspired meal made in-house in the Museum’s Meeting Center dining room, then head out into the Historic Village to explore all of the daily happenings! Seatings for Mother’s Day Brunch will be every half hour from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Get your brunch tickets here

Mendon 64
Enjoy a special late lunch/dinner on Sunday, May 12 from 2-7 p.m. They will be offering part of their main menu and plenty of special dishes. 

Monroe's
Head to Monroe’s on May 12 for a Mother’s Day brunch buffet. Call (585) 348-9103 for reservations and view the brunch menu here

New York Kitchen - Mother’s Day Brunch for a Queen
Join New York Kitchen for a great family dinner for Mother's Day. Create a perfect Sunday dining experience under the professional guidance of the Chef Instructor. Bring the kids and leave the cleanup to the team! In this special class a complimentary mimosa will be given to all mothers at the end of class. Spots are limited. Learn more and sign up here

RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium: Mother’s Day Brunch

Begin the morning dining in the Star Theater with a catered, buffet-style brunch with foods ranging from hot quiche to a yogurt bar. Don’t forget to make your way over to the mimosa and bloody Mary stations to make your brunch experience complete! After brunch in the Planetarium Star Theater, you’ll enjoy a unique showing of our classic Star Show, The Sky Tonight, featuring information on lunar eclipses. Seating is limited, reserve your table here.

The Strathallan

Enjoy a fun and tasty Mother’s Day Brunch at the Strathallan with your family without the stress of preparing and cleaning up at home. Enjoy live music by a jazz trio from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

20 Deep Winery

Head to 20 Deep Winery for a Mother's Day Brunch on May 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. View the menu and purchase your tickets here

There are so many things to see, do and experience when you visit Rochester this May! Looking for even more inspiration? Discover things to do this spring in Rochester here. Whatever you choose to do, share your adventures in Rochester with us using #VisitROC!