Rochester is the lilac capital – hence our lilac and violet brand colors. The Rochester Lilac Festival is free and one of the largest of its kind. Each year more than 500,000 people attend The Lilac Festival. Here are our tips for moms attending the festival this year.
Festival Details
- The festival is open 10:30am – 8:30pm each day, May 8 – 17.
- No pets allowed.
- With the exception of one sealed bottle of water, visitors may not bring food or beverages into the festival grounds.
- Breastmilk and formula are allowed.
- No backpacks, duffel bags or drawstring bags allowed.
- Bags that are accepted:
- Fannypack/Belt bags
- Photography bags (subject to search)
- Clear bags
- Small purses (under 6 H x 8 W)
- Diaper Bags
- Medical Bags
- All persons entering festival grounds should be prepared to have bag(s) checked by security personnel at points of entry.
Special Events
There are several special events during the festival. Make sure you don’t get caught in the parade or the Lilac Run!
Friday, May 8
– Festival Opens
Saturday, May 9
– The Lilac Parade
– Art In The Park
Sunday, May 10
– Art In The Park
– Small Business Circle
Monday, May 11
– Lilac Local Farmers’ Market
Tuesday, May 12
– Lilac Local Farmers’ Market
Wednesday, May 13
– Lilac Local Farmers’ Market
– Senior’s Day
Saturday, May 16
– Art In The Park
– Small Business Circle
– The Lilac Table
Sunday, May 17
– Fairlife Lilac Run 5K & 10K presented by Fleet Feet
More info about Special Events.
Plan Your Parking
Main Lot
Open daily at 9:30am. Elmwood Avenue is south of the Lilac Festival site. The lot is located between South Clinton and South Ave on Elmwood Ave, just west of Meadowbrook Road. No shuttle available.
Main Lot Parking Rates:
- Monday – Friday: $7 before 2:30pm | $10 after 2:30pm
- Saturday – Sunday: $10 during all hours
Handicapped Lot:
Handicapped parking will be located at 1440 South Ave. You must have your handicapped tag in order to be let in. Limited spots available.
No parking on area side streets or Goodman Street. Festival parking is not permitted at 1111 Elmwood Ave.
The festival site is serviced by 2 RTS routes. Route #13 and route #41.
The Layout Of The Festival
Knowing which parking lot to go to, might depend on what you want to do in the festival as it is spread all across Highland Park. Here is a map of the festival.
Kids’ Zone
The Kids’ Zone is open all 10 days with bounce houses, face painting, rides and games!
Music
From the Music Stage, you will be able to enjoy a great lineup of music. There is usually a large crowd at the stage and along the paths around the stage. Guests are permitted to bring a small chair.
Food Vendors
Get ready for some of the best festival food Rochester has to offer! Food Vendors are located throughout the paths near the Music Stage. The areas with food vendors are tightly packed. Pathways can be very crowded and are not stroller friendly.
Sensory Space
The Lilac Festival Sensory Space has a large tent and outdoor area. The Sensory Space will be decorated to create a relaxing environment with various seating options for visitors looking for a quiet rest spot to recharge. Visitors to The Sensory Space who require supervision must have a parent, guardian, or responsible adult with them at all times.
Lilac Adventure Zone
The Lilac Adventure Zone is a large natural playground along Highland Ave with a parking lot and restrooms. During The Rochester Lilac Festival, the parking lot is not available as it is used for tent event space. The playground is great for kids to explore but is more appropriate for older kids.
The Lilac Gardens
The first lilac trees were planted in Highland Park in 1892. Today there are over 700 varieties of flowers in Highland Park. You can enjoy walking among the flowers on paved paths. Note that there are many hills on these paths.
More information about Highland Park.
More information about The Lilac Festival.
