For Mikaela Davis, the 2026 Rochester Lilac Festival is a homecoming. Though the harp-playing, twangy, jam-adjacent singer-songwriter is now based in Catskill, New York, she still considers Rochester home enough to make her May 13 headlining set in Highland Park the release party for her new album, “Graceland Way.” Fellow local cornerstone group Giant Panda […]
Special Sections
Posted inFestivals Preview
2026 Festival Guide
Every regional fest under the sun, from May through October.
Posted inFestivals Preview
Submit your festival listings
The deadline for inclusion in CITY’s annual guide is April 16.
Posted inMusic
Gladys Knight and Mikaela Davis among summer festival performer announcements
Despite a fresh snowfall, festival season is just a few months away. This week, two of the city’s cornerstone summer celebrations have revealed some 2026 headliners. The Rochester Lilac Festival will fill Highland Park with homegrown and touring acts beginning May 8 and running through May 17. Each night has free live music, with local acts […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Applications open February 17 for the 15th annual ESL Rochester Fringe Festival
Performers are invited to submit their shows through March 11 for the multidisciplinary fest, which takes place September 15-26.
Posted inBest of Rochester
Best of Rochester Staff Picks: Recreation
The fastest way to burst a social bubble, a year-round walk ‘n’ talk spot, the ultimate winter escape and more — here’s what was on our radar in 2025.
Posted inBest of Rochester
Best of Rochester Staff Picks: Shopping & Services
A Bills book adults will like, the fair-trade store featuring 38 countries, a Digicam renaissance and more — here’s what was on our radar in 2025.
Posted inBest of Rochester
Best of Rochester Staff Picks: Arts & Entertainment
A new rehearsal space for everyone, a place to spot future Broadway stars, the best millennial emo revival and more — here’s what was on our radar in 2025.
Posted inBest of Rochester
Best of Rochester Staff Picks: Drink
The Finger Lakes wine region, a bar stool fit for yapping, the tastiest zero-proof drink in town and more — here’s what was on our radar in 2025.
Posted inBest of Rochester
Best of Rochester Staff Picks: Food
A $2 sweet treat, an introvert’s dream meal out, the restaurant that should be packed nightly and more — here’s what was on our radar in 2025.
Posted inBest of Rochester
The results are in — here are your 2025 Best of Rochester winners
The results of CITY’s annual “Best of Rochester” readers’ poll are in! This year resulted in more than 18,000 nominations and 180,000 final votes for in 136 categories — everything from your favorite burger and day spa to first date spot and idea for the future. As always, we assembled a team of CITY writers […]
Posted inBest of Rochester
Best of Rochester 2025: Arts & Entertainment
And the winners are… Best Movie Theater: The Little Theatre Vintage Drive-in Theatre | Roc Cinema | Dryden Theater | The Strand Best Film Festival: Rochester International Film Fest ImageOUT | Witness Palestine Film Festival | Anomaly Best Podcast: The InnerLoop The Crime Dawg Podcast | Your Authentic Life | Getting Real with BOSSY Best […]
