Rochester Lilac Festival

Fun, family, and flowers are coming back to Rochester for the 126th anniversary of the Rochester Lilac Festival.

What to expect at the Rochester Lilac Festival

The annual Rochester Lilac Festival is coming back to Highland Park this year. On May 10 – 19 the largest free festival of its kind in North America will feature 10 days and nights of continuous festivities for guests. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m. each day, the festival offers gardens, music, exhibits and events. An ideal spring weekend getaway, this festival is beautiful and fun! Thousands of people come to see the displays of colorful blooms as well as participate in various activities such as a wine-tasting expo, craft beer-tasting expo, music performances, and the 5K Lilac Run.

The Rochester Lilac Festival is best known for its beautiful flowers spread throughout the park. One of the most notable sights is the collection of pansies, designed in a new position each year, making it a tradition to come see. Another garden to see is over 500 varieties of lilacs on 1,200 plants. Across from it sits the Pinetum, a collection of 300 species of varieties of conifers from around the world. Gardens also include Japanese maple flowers, magnolias, tree peonies, and more. Also featured is the colorful Tulip Garden. The newly renovated Lamberton Conservatory provides simulated environments, such as tropical and desert, to preserve flowers that require specific climates.

Flowers are not the only thing offered by the festival! The ten-day event will feature several activities for people of all ages to participate in. Annual events occur such as the Lilac Parade and Lilac Run throughout the gardens. Over 2000 participants welcome spring with the Lilac Parade, featuring marching bands, dance troupes, specialty vehicles, and more! The festival also provides national touring acts and rising stars for musical entertainment throughout the week. Activities will also include a Dunkin’ Dash, Art in the Park, and Senior Day. Senior Day strives to honor and celebrate the seasoned members of the community, giving attendees a chance to leisurely stroll through the festival grounds with special activities and entertainment geared toward the senior demographic. Family events include singers, bounce houses, mini roller coasters, and more. The Kids’ Zone will be open all ten days of the festival! In the past, the festival has hosted Garden Battles, in which visitors would be able to watch as contestants battle to create the best garden. The Rochester Lilac Festival also includes art displays. Participants who enjoy art have the option to submit their artwork and display their pieces at the festival.

Take Amtrak to the Rochester Lilac Festival

Experience the festival via Amtrak to Rochester Station—Don’t forget to use Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!

Get picked up from Rochester Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Rochester office today at: (585) 423-2220.