Lilac Festival’s music lineup includes American Idol winner Chayce Beckham, among various local artists

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The grounds of Highland Park are full of snow now but the 127th annual is just months away, complete with a star-studded music lineup.

Country artist Chayce Beckham, the 2021 winner of American Idol, is among the headliners. The acclaimed Afrobeat group Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, featuring the son of Afrobeat innovator Fela Kuti, will also take the stage.

Festival organizers announced the music headliners for the KeyBank Center Stage on Thursday and released Spotify playlist where people can stream the artists’ music. The Lilac Festival will run for ten days in a row, from Friday, May 9 through Sunday, May 18.

Organizers also announced local supporting talent during a release party on March 6. Some of the local artists include A Girl Named Genny, Spooky & The Truth and Candy.

Here’s the full lineup:

• Friday, May 9: Headliner: Sir Woman (R&B, soul, and indie pop from group form Austin, TX). For fans of Lake Street Dive, Sammy Rae & Friends, & Vulfpeck). Supporting artists: A Girl Named Genny and Claude Bennington’s Fever Dream.

• Saturday, May 10: Headliner: Katie Pruitt (Soul, singer-songwriter, and folk artist form Nashville, TN) For fans of John Mayer, Brandi Carlile & Ed Sheeran. Supporting artists: Girls Rock!, Funknut, Helium Bubble and Spooky & The Truth.

• Sunday, May 11: Headliner: Chayce Beckham (Country artist from Apple Valley, CA). An “American Idol” winner whose raw country sound is reminiscent of Chris Stapleton & Ella Langley. Supporting artists: Submarine School of Music Choir, Womba Africa Dance Drumming, Divine Nature, River Lynch & The Spiritmakers and The Crooked North.

• Monday, May 12: Headliner: Cruel Summer (A Rochester-based musical tribute to Taylor Swift). This musical experience will cover all of Taylor’s biggest Era’s Tour hits. Supporting artists: Stunt Double and Candy

• Tuesday, May 13: Headliner: AFriKan2. Supporting artists: Orchestra Antonetti, 5 Con Swing, Bachata Rebelde and DJ Logek.

• Wednesday, May 14: Headliners: The Skycoasters with Shine. This Rochester party band is known for their energetic mix of rock, pop, R&B, swing & funk. Supporting artists: Steve Grills & The Roadmasters.

• Thursday, May 15: Headliner: Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 (An Afrobeat and funk group from Lagos, Nigeria). The son of Fela Kuti continues the Afrobeat tradition, blending powerful rhythms and lyrics. Supporting artist: The Buddahood and Senoj From The Roc.

• Friday, May 16: Headliner: The Aces (An Alternative pop and indie rock group from Provo, Utah). This sister-duo and friends lead single, “Daydream,” has 35 million streams. For fans of HAIM, The 1975, & Chappell Roan. Supporting artists: Overhand Sam & Bad Weapon and Pluck.

• Saturday, May 17: Headliner: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band (A New Orleans jazz, bebop, and funk group from New Orleans). For fans of Trombone Shorty. Supporting artists: Rocstar Academy, Maddy Walsh & The Blind Spots, Flying Object and Public Water Supply.

• Sunday, May 18: Headliner: Beach Weather (A pop rock and indie pop group from Phoenix, AZ) Beach Weather has more than 1 billion streams on their latest hit. It’s the perfect festival finale for fans of Arctic Monkeys, Harry Styles & Tame Impala. Supporting artists: Mountain River Traveler, Reddy Hollow, All Them Squares and Coral Moons.

The Lilac Festival typically draws 500,000 or more visitors with its music, food, shopping, and the fragrant scents of multiple lilac varieties. Highland Park has the largest collection of lilacs in the northeast.

Vendors, artists, and sponsors can apply to take part in the 2025 festival online here.

For more information on performances and the lilac festival, click here.