Each May visitors travel from all over the world to visit Rochester’s Highland Park for the Annual Lilac Festival and to see the park’s 1,800 lilac bushes displaying 500 varieties of lilacs in a floral masterpiece of the deepest purples and purest whites. The festival celebrates the blooming of the largest collection of lilacs in North America.
Presenting the 126th edition in 2024, the Rochester Lilac Festival is the largest free festival of its kind. Held in Highland Park, a Frederick Law Olmstead-designed park, the Rochester Lilac Festival attracts over a half a million visitors from all over the world annually. The event traditionally begins on Mother’s Day weekend each May.
Not only are the flowers the star of the show, the Rochester Lilac Festival offers up over 80+ bands on the Main Stage, from National touring acts to regional players. There is every type of food you can think of and more, a Lilac 5K/10K, a Special Events Tent that has a Wine Expo and Craft Beer Expo, Garden Battles, exhibitors and vendors, and an award-winning Art in the Park art show. The RLF also chooses several charitable organizations to donate to each year. We’ve set Guinness World Records, and offer up a variety of kids activities and Seniors Day as well.
Get the latest info and daily event schedule for this year's festival by visiting the Rochester Lilac Festival website here.
