Rochester Lilac Festival 2026: Info to know before you go
Written by Site Hub on March 31, 2026
Source: RochesterFirst (WROC) Published: March 27, 2026
The 128th Rochester Lilac Festival will run from Friday, May 8, through Sunday, May 17, at Highland Park. The festival opens daily at 10:30 a.m. and runs until 8:30 p.m. All guests 17 and under must be escorted by a parent or guardian who is at least 21 with a valid ID. Applications to register for the Lilac Festival Parade on Saturday, May 9, are due by March 31. Over 2,000 participants are expected to march. Art in the Park and the Small Business Circle will be held every weekend during the festival on Reservoir Avenue. The Lilac Local Farmers Market returns for its second year from May 11 to 13. May 13 is designated as Seniors Day with lunch specials, curated music, and bus and van parking for senior homes. Closing out the festival is the Lilac Run on May 17, with a 5K at 8 a.m. and a 10K at 9:15 a.m., followed by the Tim Hortons Timbits Trot at 11:30 a.m. Parking in the main lot on Elmwood Avenue is $7 before 2:30 p.m. on weekdays and $10 on weekends.
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