Events
128th Rochester Lilac Festival Final Weekend Guide
Don't miss the final weekend of the 128th Rochester Lilac Festival! Enjoy live music, the new Lilac Table tasting event, and stunning blooms in Highland Park.
The 128th Rochester Lilac Festival: Final Weekend Guide
Rochester's favorite spring tradition is in full bloom, and if you haven't made it to Highland Park yet, this is your last chance! The 128th annual Rochester Lilac Festival wraps up its 10-day run this weekend, May 16-17, 2026. As the largest free festival of its kind in North America, it's a must-visit event that perfectly captures the spirit of spring in our vibrant city. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just visiting, the final weekend promises incredible live music, delicious food, and, of course, the stunning beauty of the lilac collection. Browse the full Rochester events calendar to see everything happening this season.
Final Weekend Headliners and Live Music
The KeyBank Center Stage is the heart of the festival's entertainment, and the final weekend features an outstanding lineup of nationally touring artists and local favorites. On Saturday, May 16, get ready to rock out with JD McPherson, bringing his signature blend of rock & roll, R&B, and blues. Local favorites Prime Time Brass will provide the perfect opening set. Then, on Sunday, May 17, the festival closes out with the jam, funk, and psychedelic sounds of Eggy, supported by High Fade.
Beyond the headliners, you'll find dozens of local artists performing throughout the park. The festival is a fantastic opportunity to discover new music while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Don't forget to check out our complete Rochester Lilac Festival 2026 guide with headliners and parking tips for more details on the full musical lineup. If you're traveling in for the day, consider booking one of the hotels and vacation rentals near Highland Park so you can enjoy the late-night music without the drive home.
What's New: The Lilac Table and Sustainability
Even after 128 years, the Rochester Lilac Festival continues to innovate. A major highlight for this final weekend is the debut of the Lilac Table on Saturday, May 16, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Located behind the Lilac Adventure Zone, this new ticketed tasting event features an array of local restaurants and craft beverage producers. It's a fantastic way to sample the flavors of the region in a relaxed, lounge-style setting with a DJ and surprise guest MC. If the tasting whets your appetite, dive deeper into our roundup of the best restaurants in Rochester NY to keep the food crawl going.
Additionally, the festival has partnered with Impact Earth to make the event more sustainable. Compostable items are being collected and turned into soil that will eventually nourish Highland Park itself. It's a wonderful initiative that helps preserve the park's natural beauty for future generations.
Activities, Art, and the Lilac Run
There's much more to the festival than just music and food. The Art in the Park & Small Business Circle continues on Reservoir Avenue from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Here, you can browse and purchase unique works from regional artists and makers. Pair the experience with our self-guided Rochester street art and murals walking tour for a full creative weekend.
For the active festival-goers, Sunday morning features the 47th annual Lilac 5K and 10K races. Starting and finishing on Highland Avenue near the iconic purple crosswalk, it's a scenic and energetic way to kick off the final day. And of course, don't miss the free walking tours of the world-renowned lilac collection, where you can learn about the history and varieties of these beautiful blooms. If you're looking for more ways to enjoy the season, explore our complete summer in Rochester NY guide and our list of free things to do in Rochester.
