Lilac Festival closes out this weekend; Here’s your guide
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The 126th annual Rochester Lilac Festival closes out this weekend. It’s your last chance to enjoy live music, shopping, and the fragrant scent of Lilacs in Highland Park.
The festival runs from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday will be the last of the 10 days of the festival. First Alert Meteorologist Alex Bielfeld was in Highland Park with your forecast for the rest of the festival.
It has been a very eventful festival so far. Even rain during the first weekend of the festival didn’t keep people away. Thousands of people came out to see Rochester’s own nationally-touring soul singer Danielle Ponder take the stage. Shoppers came out for the new Small Business Circle, which seeks to promote Rochester businesses that are just starting out. This year, there is also a new sensory-friendly space in partnership with the local nonprofit AutismUp.
But the festival isn’t over yet. This weekend is Art in the Park and the annual Lilac Run. Here’s what you need to know about finding parking and about the parental escort policy.
What’s happening this weekend?
Saturday and Sunday, May 11 -12, and Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19: Art in the Park takes place on both weekends of the festival. There will be art up the hill from the main festival site on Reservoir Ave.
Sunday, May 19: The annual Lilac Run 5K, 10K, and Dunkin’ Dash will take place on the final day at Highland Park. The 5K starts at 8 a.m. and the 10K starts at 9:30 a.m. You can sign up and see the course map here.
What are the rules for the festival?
To enter the festival, people 17 or under must be escorted by a parent or guardian at least 21 years of age, with ID required. No pets are allowed. Neither are bicycles, skateboards, and in-line skates.
In addition, people can’t bring food or beverages to the festival except one sealed bottle of water. People are allowed to bring a small chair, umbrella, or blanket.
Where can people park?
The Lilac Festival has three lots available for paid parking. Parking is $7 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from Monday through Friday. Parking is $10 on Saturdays and Sundays. Handicapped parking will be at 1440 South Ave.
Lot 1: Main Lot (best for the main festival site). Diagonally across the street from 1111 Elmwood Ave. Elmwood Avenue is south of the Lilac Festival site. Enter from the direction of Elmwood Ave./Goodman St.
Lot 2: Goodman Street Lot (best for Pansy Bed & lilacs). Located at 1065 Elmwood Avenue along Goodman St. Enter from Elmwood Avenue or Goodman St.
Lot 3: Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship Lot 150 Sawgrass Dr. on weekends only. There is a shuttle from the lot to the festival.
Who are the music headliners?
Friday, May 17: Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. An electrifying eight-piece band performance blending brass, funk, and hip-hop. For Fans of Trombone Shorty, Vulfpeck, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Saturday, May 18: Dopapod. More than just a jam band, they deliver a mind-bending blend of funk, jazz fusion, and progressive rock. For fans of STS9, Disco Biscuits and Yes.
Sunday, May 19: Trousdale. This powerful female band brings melodic and heartfelt harmonies that spread a message of self-acceptance and love. For fans of The Chicks, Kacey Musgraves, and HAIM.
Friday, May 10: Rayland Baxter. Americana bliss that blends country, roots, and vintage pop. For fans of Fleet Foxes, The Lumineers and Jack Johnson. Supported by Left-Handed 2nd Baseman
Saturday, May 11: Butcher Brown. A genre-bending feast that blends jazz, hip-hop, and funk into an eclectic fusion. For fans of The Roots, Sly and the Family Stone, A Tribe Called Quest
Sunday, May 12: Ghost-Note. A fresh blend of afrobeat, and funk, led by Snarky Puppy’s percussion duo. For Fans of James Brown, Soulive and Thundercat. Supported by Grace Serene and the Super Clean.
Monday, May 13: Pachyman. A breezy, dub and reggae-infused experience where the artist’s Puerto Rican roots shine bright. For fans of Bob Marley, King Tubb, and Fela Kuti.
Tuesday, May 14: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Masters of high-energy swing, BBVD has been integral in revitalizing swing music for over 30 years. For fans of Louis Prima, Duke Ellington and Brian Setzer Orchestra.
Wednesday, May 15: The Skycoasters. A Rochester Institution! This nationally recognized, lively 9-piece cover band has been the life of the party for over 40 years. For Fans of Classic Rock, Funk, and Pop.
Thursday, May 16: An Evening of Soul Curated by Danielle Ponder. Rochester native and nationally touring artist brings masterful songwriting, bold vocals, and soulful storytelling to the stage.
Photos from the festival from News10NBC’s crew
Are the lilacs in full bloom?
First Alert Meteorologist Alex Bielfeld reported live from Highland Park on opening day on how the lilacs are blooming and whether the frost earlier this spring made an impact.