Rochester’s reputation as a “festival town” is one we herald proudly from May through (at least) October. From downtown to the Finger Lakes, our region features festivals celebrating everything from flowering trees and craft cocktails to the Erie Canal and folk music. So break out the calendar and save the dates, because it’s time for CITY’s annual roundup of all the fests we could find from now ‘til fall.
M A Y
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | FAMILY FRIENDLY
May 4
From 12-5 p.m. on the first Sunday in May, Three Heads Brewery turns into a court of post-medieval delights. The Roc Spring Ren Fest, organized and hosted by Carnie Cat Con and Ren Rat Randy, brings axe throwing, a whimsical puppet show, the stringed musicmakers of Merry Mischief and food and craft vendors to Atlantic Avenue — and helps raise money for Mended Little Hearts of Greater Rochester. rocwinren.wixsite.com/2024
Rochester Lilac Festival
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | NATURE | FAMILY FRIENDLY
May 9 — 18
The Flower City lives up to its name every May, kicking off festival season with purple blooms and groovin’ tunes in Highland Park. Now in its 127th year, the Lilac Festival features music, food trucks, vendors and more. The 2025 edition features high-profile performances by a diverse crop, including: Afrobeat star Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 (May 15), New Orleans royalty The Dirty Dozen Brass Brand (May 17), indie rockers The Aces (May 16) and Beach Weather (May 18) as well as Nashville’s Katie Pruitt (May 10), Austin’s Sir Woman (May 8) and more. There’s “Art in the Park,” the Lilac 5K & 10K, and, of course, more than 500 blossoming lilac shrubs. roclilacfest.com
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Geneva Music Festival
MUSIC | ROAD TRIP
May 15 — June 8
Violinist Geoffrey Herd founded this fest — which spans venues around Geneva — back in 2011, which makes this season its 15th anniversary. To celebrate, organizers have booked artists who transcend typical chamber-music signifiers (the electronic-savvy W4RP Trio) as well as a more traditional cohort who will bring German Romanticism selections to life. String group The Sebastians, jazzy Cecile McLorin Salvant & Sullivan Fortner Duo and bluegrassy Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper round out the lineup. Regional wineries will be at select shows for tastings. genevamusicfestival.com
Tree Peony Festival of Flowers
NATURE | ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
Saturdays and Sundays, May 17 — June 1
Starting in mid-May, the private Linwood Gardens opens its grounds to the public every weekend for the blossoming of the tree peonies, which turn the already serene spot into a veritable paradise. The grounds are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and reservations are required. Admission is a $15 suggested donation per adult (kids get in free) or $20 per adult for the guided historical tour. The tour lasts an hour and includes information about the history of the summer house, family and gardens at 1912 York Road West, Linwood, Livingston County. Sweet Arts Bakery will be on site with light lunch and treats for purchase. linwoodgardens.org/festival
The Nitrate Picture Show
ART | FAMILY FRIENDLY
May 29 — June 1
The Nitrate Picture Show is the first and largest festival in the world devoted entirely to screening original nitrate prints, showcasing films made between the 1910s and the 1960s, from the silent era to Technicolor features, noir classics and experimental shorts. The George Eastman Museum’s Louis B. Mayer Conservation Center, is a state-of-the-art vault that houses more than 24,000 reels of nitrate film, meticulously preserved under strict temperature and humidity controls to maintain the medium. (The museum’s Dryden Theatre is the only institution on the East coast that is able to project nitrate prints — some of them more than 100 years old.) The full festival program will be announced on May 29; tickets range from $22-$225 for individual screenings and full passes. eastman.org/nitrate-picture-show
Reel Mind Mental Health Film Festival
ART | FAMILY FRIENDLY
May 20, 27, 29
Reel Mind Film Festival returns to The Little Theatre with three individual films centered around mental health and neurodiversity. The 2025 theme, “Speak Up, Speak Out,” encourages openness, breaking silence and building connection through shared stories. Each screening will be followed by a panel discussion with filmmakers, mental health professionals and individuals with lived experience. $10-$25. reelmindfilmfest.com
GlassFest
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | ROAD TRIP
May 23 — 25
Appropriately hosted in Corning, home of the Museum of Glass, GlassFest celebrates all things glassmaking. In addition to guided public art tours and live glassblowing on Main Street, GlassFest features food and drinks, crafting, local dancers, Native American storytelling and the Wineglass 8K Race. Free live music soundtracks each day, with headlining sets from alt-rock band Vertical Horizon (May 23) and country singer Tony Jackson (May 24). gafferdistrict.com/events/glassfest
Annunciation Rochester Greek Festival
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | FAMILY FRIENDLY
May 29 — June 1
Spanakopita, gyros, lamb shanks, flaming cheese, dancing, refreshing drinks, kids’ activities, and shopping at the Greek marketplace await at the Greek Orthodox Church, 962 East Ave. And for dessert, don’t forget Greek coffee and a baklava. From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, but closing at 9 p.m. on May 31. rochestergreekfestival.com
South By South Wedge
MUSIC | FAMILY FRIENDLY
May 31
SXSW in Austin doesn’t get to have all the fun, thanks to the Submarine School of Music. Founders Ben and Katie Morey stage this showcase of up-and-coming bands — student bands, to be precise — in the garden of Bookeater, 836 S Clinton Ave., along with performances from Morey’s band, The Eyes, as well as local indie-rock group Comfy and string band Clinton’s Folly. Proceeds will benefit the Submarine school’s scholarship fund. $10, and kids get in free all day. 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. thesubmarineschool.com
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Caledonia Trout Festival
MUSIC | FOOD & BEV | NATURE | FAMILY FRIENDLY
May 31
For the third year in a row, Caledonia’s premier fishing fest brings demonstrations and plenty of vendors to Main Street and Pioneer Street in Caledonia in the spirit of both community and helping folks connect to the great outdoors. The fun runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m. bigspringsmuseumcaledonia.org
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC
June 2 — 8
Raise a glass to Rochester Cocktail Revival, the largest (and longest-running) spirits festival of its kind on the eastern seaboard, which returns for year 12 with more than 75 events at 30 partner venues downtown. Offering something for industry members and cocktail enthusiasts alike, RCR hosts annual pairing dinners, educational seminars, concerts, late night parties and headline events including a garden soirée at George Eastman Museum on Wednesday, June 4; a High Falls Happy Hour showcasing New York State vendors at the Pont de Rennes Bridge on Friday, June 6; an immersive theater production featuring local performers on Saturday, June 7; and the climactic Bar Room Battle Royale on Sunday, June 8 at Radio Social. A portion of all proceeds each year is donated to Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club Rochester; RCR has raised more than $260,000 to date. Full schedule, tickets and speaker lineup at rochestercocktailrevival.com.
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Fairport Canal Days
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | NATURE | FAMILY FRIENDLY
June 6 — 8
The Erie Canal turns 200 this year, which makes Fairport Canal Days even more resonant in its 48th year. Dozens of art merchants will line the water in the middle of Fairport along with plenty of live music and food vendors, as well as the popular rubber duck race for charity. Kick things off during this scenic weekend fest with the Chicken BBQ Friday night, shop on Saturday and stick around for Canal Nights featuring live entertainment. fairportcanaldays.com
19th Ward Square Fair
FOOD & BEV | FAMILY FRIENDLY
June 7
Each first Saturday in June, the 19th Ward Community Association — the oldest neighborhood association in Rochester — hosts the Square Fair, a festival that celebrates the vibrancy of the neighborhood and has been going strong since 1965. The event features games and activities for kids, local vendors, a mechanical bull to ride and more. A parade kicks off the fun. 19wca.org
Rochester Real Beer Expo
FOOD & BEV | MUSIC
June 7
This year showcases 75+ breweries, craft cideries, kombucha makers and craft beverage makers in the concourse at Innovative Field with a focus on local breweries as well as non-alcoholic fare. The fun is accompanied by live music and ballpark food vendors and takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. VIP preview hour kicks off at 5. Tickets are $56.50-$76.50 ($16.50 for DD), and the event sells out every year. All proceeds from the event will fund public art, community events and neighborhood improvements in the South Wedge, where the event began in 2012. Free shuttle from Postler & Jaeckle at 615 South Ave. from 4-6 p.m. and from the venue from 9-10:30 p.m. rochesterrealbeer.com
Quiet on the Set! Film Festival
ART | ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
June 8
Ithaca has become a haven for creative youths interested in making their own short films — the silent kind. Quiet on the Set! entries nod to the region’s early filmmaking history and can be submitted by kids ages 11 to 18 from anywhere in the Finger Lakes, the Southern Tier and Central New York. Submissions, one to five minutes in length, are reviewed by a jury of local arts professionals and educators. Screenings of all the entries and a ceremony for the top three takes place at 2 p.m. at Cinemapolis, 120 East Green St. in Ithaca. whartonstudiomuseum.org/quiet-on-the-set
Low Bridge High Water
FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | NATURE | FAMILY FRIENDLY
June 13 — 14
The Village of Brockport’s signature event, Low Bridge High Water is an annual celebration marking the summer opening of the Erie Canal, which celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. Expect family activities, kayaking, biking, music, a Barge Charge 5K and food, all at the Brockport Welcome Center.
facebook.com/LowBridgeHighWater
The Fast & the Furriest
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | NATURE | FAMILY FRIENDLY
June 14
A must-attend event for animal lovers, The Fast & the Furriest Dog Walk and Pet Fest returns, featuring a 5K and 10K race along the Genesee River and a dog walk downtown, live music, food trucks, sponsor giveaways, vendors, pet contests and other activities for families, including, of course, the furry ones. Proceeds from the race and fest help fund food, shelter, enrichment and medical care for shelter animals and support adoption, lost and found and spay/neuter programs. The festival takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brown Square Park across from Rochester Animal Services, 184 Verona St. vsas.org/the-fast-the-furriest
Adirondack Mountain Club’s Outdoor Expo
FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | NATURE | FAMILY FRIENDLY
June 14
Can’t pitch a tent? The 26th annual Outdoor Expo has you covered. From 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., you can partake in demonstrations and workshops for hiking, canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, camping, bicycling and other related outdoor activities, as well as sustainability, all presented by a variety of local clubs and organizations. Live music from Golden Link Folk Singing Society, and plenty of food (including ice cream), will be there — plus a petting zoo. Sponsored by the Genesee Valley Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club and Monroe County Parks, the festival will take place at Mendon Ponds Park, in the beach parking lot near Canfieldwoods Shelter. Admission is free. gvc-adk.org
Keuka Arts Festival
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | NATURE | ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
June 14 — 15
Festivities along the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, just a short walk from downtown Penn Yan, include hundreds of fine arts and crafts vendors, food, wine and live blues and jazz. The free event also features family activities, clowns and art demonstrations. keukaartsfestival.com
New York State Yoga Festival
MUSIC | NATURE | ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
June 14
If “yoga in front of a breathtaking waterfall” needs an even sweeter sell, how about “waterfall yoga with a ‘90s theme”? This celebration of movement (and nature) features classes set against the backdrop of Letchworth State Park’s natural beauty, including hiking and live music from groups like Head to the Roots. If you’re more of an MTV yogi, “Britney One More Time” and “TLC: Twists, Lunges and Core” ought to do the trick. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tickets run $32.75-$69.51. yogafestlive.com/nys-yoga-fest-live
Rochester Harborfest
FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | NATURE | FAMILY FRIENDLY
June 20 — 22
Rochester Harborfest marks the opening of the summer season at Ontario Beach Park with a celebration of the waterfront. Featuring free family activities like a sand-sculpting competition, a huge car show and a Saturday night boat parade of lights, the fest also boasts food vendors, a kids’ fun zone, tours of the historic Genesee-Charlotte Lighthouse (just down the road), free rides on the 120-year-old Dentzel carousel and more. ontariobeachentertainment.org/harborfest
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Rochester International Jazz Festival
FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | FAMILY FRIENDLY
June 20 — 28
R&B legend Smokey Robinson, Wynton Marsalis’ Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones are just three of the headliners this year on Gibbs Street. Rounding out the lineup are roots band The Wood Brothers and soulful bass virtuoso Thundercat — possibly the only artist with multiple “Dragon Ball Z” references in his discography to be a Jazz Fest marquee act. But with hundreds of performances at dozens of concert venues and clubs, there is, as always, something for everyone across nine days in downtown Rochester. rochesterjazz.com
Chautauqua Institution 2025 Season
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | NATURE | ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
June 22 — August 25
For more than a century and a half, Chautauqua Institution has long been a hub of culture and ideas, as well as arts, education, recreation and religion — the four pillars it was founded upon. But this year, perhaps more than ever before, the programming skews toward the mainstream. Laufey, Counting Crows, Guster and The Mountain Goats will all perform at the historic Amphitheater across Chautauqua’s nine-week season; speakers include Morgan Freeman, Lewis Black, Roy Wood Jr. and George Saunders. As such, the entire summer feels like a festival. chq.org
Finger Lakes Chamber Music Festival
FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | ROAD TRIP
June 27 & July 25
For two evenings in the summer, Hunt Country Vineyards (4021 Italy Hill Road in Branchport) becomes a music destination. The first night of this fest (June 27) sees pieces from Beethoven, Charles Ives, Charles Tomlinson Griffes and Florence Price come to life by musicians from the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra. The second, a month later on July 25, features Shostakovich’s “String Quartet #8” and Smetana’s “String Quartet in E Minor” on the program. Both shows are free to attend, though donations are welcome and appreciated. fingerlakes-music.org
Arts at the Gardens
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | NATURE | ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
June 28 — 29
Canandaigua’s Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park provides a florid backdrop to artists’ paintings, ceramics, jewelry, prints, woodworking and fine art from other mediums. Add a wine and beer garden, live music and food to the mix, and you’ve got a full-fledged summer festival. Expect a juried art show and a tent for emerging artists as well as, for the first time, dedicated space for non-juried artists, too. Admission is $10, kids 15 and under are $5 and kids under 3 are free. Arts at the Gardens runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. sonnenberg.org
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
Saturday and Sundays, July 5 — August 17
This festival at 15385 Farden Rd. in Sterling may seem niche to the casual observer, but it’s a popular one in this neck of the woods. This celebration of the post-Middle Ages era of enlightenment and cultural boom is more the stuff of idealized myth than historical fact, but it’s plenty of fun all the same. Each weekend of the Sterling Renaissance Festival focuses on a different theme, from Romance with a Renewal of Vows Ceremony and Ale Fest to Pirate Invasion and Fantasy, Fairies & the Future. Expect plenty of theatrical performances, music, food and general merriment. There’s no better festival for escapism, so grab a turkey leg and a tankard of ale, or have tea with the Queen. Early bird single-day tickets are $26.21 for kids 4 to 11, $41.71 for adults. Early bird kids’ season passes are $133.60, adult passes are $244.30.
sterlingfestival.com
Glimmerglass Festival
MUSIC | NATURE | ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
July 11 — August 17
A must-visit festival every year in historic, glorious Cooperstown features a month’s worth of top-level opera productions featuring up-and-coming pro singers. This year’s lineup includes Puccini’s “Tosca,” the company premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s “Sunday in the Park with George,” an opera adaptation of author Sandra Cisneros’ 1984 novel “The House on Mango Street,” Stravinsky’s “The Rake’s Progress” and “Odyssey,” Ben Moore and Kelley Rourke’s take on Homer’s classic epic. glimmerglass.org
Corn Hill Arts Festival
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | FAMILY FRIENDLY
July 12 — 13
This Rochester festival isn’t as high-profile as those highlighting jazz music, flowers and Fringe performers, but as a staple of the community, it’s right at the top of the list. A tradition dating back a half-century, the Corn Hill Arts Festival revels in the cultural contributions of local artists (including an Emerging Artists Expo) and musicians. Plus there are beer and wine gardens, family-friendly attractions like the Fairy Houses Showcase and bounce houses. This can’t-miss festival runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. cornhillartsfestival.com
JCC Ames Amzalak Rochester Jewish Film Festival
ART
July 13 — 20
The Rochester International Jewish Film Festival enters its 25th year of telling Jewish stories from all over the globe. In addition to film screenings, there are related events such as Q&As with filmmakers and social events. Festival passes information is forthcoming. When it is released, the schedule of films will be available at rjff.org.
ROC Pride
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | NATURE | FAMILY FRIENDLY
Entire month of July; parade and fest on Sat., July 19
The cornerstone of ROC Pride Month, a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community shepherded by the community based group ROC Pride Collective, is the iconic parade, which marches down South Avenue to Highland Park on Saturday, July 19 at 11 a.m. From there, the Pride Festival begins with food and drinks, games, vendors and live performances. But the festivities last all month with an ImageOut film screening, a Pride Night with the Rochester Red Wings, Pride Day at Seabreeze, a Pride (bike) Ride in Genesee Valley Park, open mics, concerts, dance parties, an art sale and more. Watch for related events beginning in June, including a pop-up Pride Day at the zoo. trilliumhealth.org, rochester.lgbt
Downtown Canandaigua Art and Music Festival
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
July 18 — 20
This cultural staple of Canandaigua ushers in its 36th year with a juried art competition of more than 150 artists, live music, activities for kids, food and more. Festivities take place on Main Street and the Central on Main area. Hours are 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. downtowncanandaigua.com
Seneca Falls Convention Days
ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
July 18 — 20
It’s been 177 years since the Women’s Rights Convention was held in 1848, and Seneca Falls knows how to commemorate the historic event with its annual Convention Days festival. This year’s theme is “Ripples of Reform,” in commemoration of the Erie Canal’s bicentennial. The Women’s Rights National Historic Park hosts a series of events including talks given by historians, presentations by living history performers and programming for families — all with “the movement of ideas and people through Central and Western New York State” in mind. nps.gov/wori
ChamberFest Canandaigua
FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | ROAD TRIP
July 18 — 25
This classical festival celebrates all things chamber music with virtuosic classical guitarist and native Buffalonian Jason Vieaux and scintillating string trio Time for Three as headliners, bringing their chameleon-like approach to genre. There’s also a July 22 concert paired with a five-course meal at The Lake House on Canandaigua, an evening of “Rhythm and Rapture: the Brahms Effect” at Finger Lakes Community College (featuring a quartet) on July 23, and a children’s concert on July 24. chamberfestcanandaigua.com
F.L.X. Summer Fest at the Glen
FOOD & BEV | NATURE | ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
July 26 — 28
This year, what was formerly called the Finger Lakes Wine Festival officially rebranded to F.L.X. Summer Fest at the Glen, a “multi-day celebration of the Finger Lakes region with a focus on music, food, drink and local craftsmanship” that takes place at Watkins Glen International. The fest’s big beats are all still there, with a few tweaks. As it takes place at a raceway, high-speed cars will go around the track during the day. A 5K whirls around the track on July 28, plus kids’ activities and craft workshops abound. Onsite camping is available in the infield. Tickets run $33.30 to $61.05. theglen.com/events/flxfest
Indigenous Music & Arts Festival
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | NATURE | FAMILY FRIENDLY
July 26 — 27
The story of Haudensaunee culture is also the story of our region. You can celebrate at Ganondagan State Historic Site with a robust schedule of storytelling music, dance, trail walks, traditional crafts, Indigenous cuisine and activities for kids.The headlining performers are yet to be announced, but they will be listed on Ganondagan’s website. ganondagan.org
Canandaigua Lakefront Art Show
ART | FOOD & BEV | NATURE | ROAD TRIP
July 26 — 27
Now in its 52nd year, this festival boasts the opportunity to check out the work of regional artists while catching a beautiful lakeside view at Kershaw Park on Lakeshore Drive. The event also brings local food vendors. 10 a.m to 5 p.m. both days. Admission and parking are both free. lakefrontartshow.com
Spencerport Canal Days
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | NATURE | FAMILY FRIENDLY
July 26 — 27
Perhaps there’s no better source of local historical pride that also makes for a prime festival venue than the Erie Canal. Spencerport hosts its 43nd Canal Days this year, and as always, you can meet with arts and crafts vendors, grab some grub, sample some wine and enjoy live music. Past years have brought classic car shows and chances to win prizes in the Canaligator Race. Free admission. spencerportcanaldays.com
Waterfront Art Festival
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | NATURE
July 26 — 27
Webster’s Charles E. Sexton Memorial Park once again hosts this party in its 52nd year. As its name suggests, the setting is the stuff of an idyllic summer. The event itself features hundreds of visual artists as well as a full lineup of live music, plus beer, wine and cider. The fest goes from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. $5 admission; kids 12 and under get in free. waterfrontartfestival.com
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Skaneateles Festival
MUSIC | NATURE | ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
July 31 — August 23
Co-artistic directors Jula Bruskin and Aaron Wunsch continue to program compelling music that goes beyond classical music to include the worlds of jazz, folk and the blues. Skaneateles Lake provides the picturesque backdrop to top-flight performances from Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda & Antonio Sánchez Trio and Esperanza Spalding. Numerous additional concerts — featuring such artists as Bill Charlap Trio, the Jasper String Quartet, trumpeter Brandon Ridenour and more — run throughout August, including programs meant to highlight the refugee communities of Central New York. skanfest.org
Puerto Rican Festival
FOOD & BEV | MUSIC
July 31 — August 2
To celebrate its 55th anniversary, this high-energy festival — one of the longest-running ethnic festivals in the region — will once again take place at Parcel 5. The commemoration of Puerto Rican culture features, in the words of organizers, “three days of live music, delicious food, cultural events, celebrity guests and much more.” Details, including the artists’ lineup, will be available at prfestival.com.
Lima Crossroads Festival
FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
July 31 — August 3
This festival in Livingston County is all about the blues — and the heat. The 2025 performer lineup boasts two tents full of acts like Judah, Steve Grills and the Roadmasters, Johnny Rawls, Kat Riggins Band and more; a BBQ Rib Fest Competition adds additional temperature. There are also family events and activities for kids such as a scavenger hunt and a bounce house, an old-time jail, a 5K run and more. limafest.org
St. Stanislaus Polish Arts Festival
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC
August 1 — 2
This parish festival features Polish food staples like potato pancakes and specialty beers, live music, raffles and outdoor activities, including “pisanki,” or traditional egg decorating. The festival goes Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday 3 to 9 p.m. St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 1150 Hudson Ave. polishartsfest.org
Pageant of Steam
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
August 6 — 9
There have been 65 years of steam at this festival featuring antique steam-powered vehicles. Events include tractor pulls, sawmill demonstrations, live music, food and a worthwhile flea market. The Pageant of Steam runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day at 3349 Gehan Rd. in Canandaigua. General admission for adults is $10, kids under 12 are free. nysteamengineassociation.com/pageant-of-steam
Lucille Ball Comedy Festival
ART | MUSIC | ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
August 7 — 10
The National Comedy Center in Jamestown, the premier museum and cultural institution dedicated to comedy, will feature Jon Stewart, Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers and “SNL”’s Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidell at the 35th annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival. “An Evening with Jon Stewart” will take place on Saturday, Aug. 9; and on Sunday, Aug. 10, a stand-up showcase will be followed by a rock ‘n’ blues concert headlined by Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers. comedycenter.org
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Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC
August 8 — 10
This three-day experience returns with a new location and co-ownership after its inaugural Geneseo-based iteration in 2023. Tommy Brunett of Iron Smoke Distillery and Sean McCarthy of McCarthy Tents and Events have joined forces to produce this year’s fest, which will feature 18 musical acts — including Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Dark Star Orchestra, moe. and Charles Wesley Godwin — alongside more than 30 whiskey brands on 14 acres at Camp Eastman in Irondequoit. Live music will be presented on two outdoor stages, while numerous whiskey experiences, including samples, bottle shops, craft cocktails, a rarities bar and more will be hosted in seven custom-built tent structures. One-day tickets and weekend passes range from $50 to $400. hoochenanny.com
Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival
MUSIC
August 9
2025 marks 30 years of this shindig of soul. Innovative Field will once again host a full day of compelling music performances and, as organizers promise, community spirit. This year’s lineup will be unveiled soon; past performers have included Dru Hill, Troop and Jimmie Highsmith Jr. Ticket and VIP information will be available at rocsummersoulfest.com.
Avon Rotary Corn Festival
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
August 9
Corn on the cob might just be the perfect summer food. Why not celebrate at the Avon Rotary Corn Festival, now in its 37th year? You don’t even have to participate in the corn-eating contest to enjoy the festival. There are plenty of arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment on two stages and games. Free of charge, the festival takes place on Genesee Street in the Village of Avon. Free parking and shuttle available at Avon Middle School; reserved handicapped parking onsite. avoncornfest.com
Victor Music & Food Festival
FOOD & BEV | MUSIC
August 9
For one afternoon and evening, the Village of Victor’s Mead Square comes alive with this celebration of food and drinks, along with live music from twangy, crowd-pleasing, down-home favorites. The fun begins at 4 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m. victormusicfoodfestival.com
Brockport Arts Festival
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
August 9 — 10
This village festival has been going strong for 29 years and shows no signs of stopping. The gathering sees Main Street in Brockport filled with live music, artists’ work for purchase, live music, a rubber duck derby on the canal, and food — including a wine garden and farmers’ market. The free festival is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. brockportartsfestival.com
St. Josaphat Ukrainian Festival
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC
August 14 — 17
Rochester has long been home to a thriving Ukrainian community, so this annual festival — which started in 1973 — is an essential celebration of the culture. St. Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Church on East Ridge Road in Irondequoit hosts a free celebration of traditional Ukrainian folk music and dancing, arts including ceramics, wood carvings and Ukrainian Easter eggs, food like pierogi and holubtsi, church tours and more. Thursday, 6 p.m.-10:45 p.m.; Friday, 6 p.m.-12 a.m..; Saturday, 1 p.m.-12 a.m..; Sunday, 1 p.m.-7 p.m. rochesterukrainianfestival.com
Flour City Brewers Fest
FOOD & BEV | MUSIC
August 22
The New York State Brewers Association brings this sudsy celebration to the Rochester Public Market. If you like your beer to be local, the offerings here seem infinite at what organizers call the longest-running craft beer festival in New York State. Sample your preferred brews and munch on food from 5-9 p.m. flourcitybrewersfest.com
Rochester Tiki Week
FOOD & BEV | MUSIC
August 25 — 31
The second annual Rochester Tiki Week — operated by the crew behind Jack’s Extra Fancy and Easy Sailor — returns earlier this year, featuring rum-soaked cocktail events across multiple bars, “all for the love of tiki.” The culminating event is a Swizzle Contest at Marge’s Lakeside Inn, which will take place at just before sundown on Sunday, August 31. Follow instagram.com/rochestertikiweek for the most up-to-date announcements.
Irondequoit Arts & Music Festival
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | FAMILY FRIENDLY
August 30
The third annual suburban event features live music, food and local art vendors — all hosted by Dino Kay of The Wease Show, Radio 95.1. The family friendly fest takes place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 400 Bakers Park, next to the House of Guitars and I-Square. Free parking and admission. For the most up-to-date info, visit artcenterrochester.com.
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | FAMILY FRIENDLY
September 5 — 6
The sixth annual Barry’s Irish Festival will take place at the Webster Fireman’s Field. This is the second year the two-day fest celebrating all things Celtic returns to Webster; it previously took place at the Hilton homestead of Jess and Danny Barry, former owners of Barry’s Old School Irish Pub in Webster and current producers of Barry’s Irish Cream Liqueur. From 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, the fest will have live Irish music, crafts and games for the family, food trucks, Irish brews and spirits, a Rochester Cocktail Revival bartender competition, raffles, arts vendors, a kilt-wearing contest, Irish dancers, bagpipers and more. $17 general admission includes both days, rain or shine. thebarrybrand.com
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Pan Afrikan Festival
FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | FAMILY FRIENDLY
September 6
Formerly called the Afrikan American Festival, Rochester A.B.O.V.E.’s one-day festival at the Highland Bowl celebrates the various cultures of the African diaspora with plenty of live music throughout the day, plus food and other vendors. This year’s musical headliner is the Buffalo-born R&B singer D’Mott. The fest runs 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $10 standard tickets, $15 day of event. Children 12 and under get in free. panaffestival.org
M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival
ART | FOOD & BEV | MUSIC
September 6 — 7
For more than 60 years, Clothesline has been a showcase for work by fine artists and craftspeople and an opportunity for those artists to connect directly with community members on the lawn of the Memorial Art Gallery. In addition to more than 400 artists from around the country, there will be music and dance performances, food, art-making activities and more. New this year is the $5,000 Luvon Sheppard Award for Creative Excellence, celebrating artists across different media types from the Finger Lakes region. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Shopping for MAG members starts at 9:30 a.m. both days. mag.rochester.edu/events/clothesline-festival
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ESL Rochester Fringe Festival
ART | MUSIC | FAMILY FRIENDLY
September 9 — 20
Named “one of the country’s more prominent multidisciplinary events” by The New York Times, Rochester Fringe Festival returns this fall with more than 500 ticketed and free performances at arts venues and public spaces around the city. The 12-day event brings in local, national and international acts ranging from theater and comedy to dance and visual art for audiences of all ages and is among 250 Fringe Festivals in the world and approximately 50 across the U.S. rochesterfringe.com
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Turtle Hill Folk Festival
ART | MUSIC
September 12 — 13
This annual celebration of folk music traditions, presented by the Golden Link Folk Singing Society, is custom-fit to focus on both professional and amateur musicians alike. A full slate of events include evening concerts on both days, workshops and small presentations. This year’s festival takes place at Greece Baptist Church, 1230 Long Pond Rd. Featured performers include Anna Egge, The Brothers Blue, Gathering Time and Joe Jencks. goldenlink.org
Borderland Music + Art Festival
FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | NATURE | ROAD TRIP | FAMILY FRIENDLY
September 12 — 14
Since 2018, East Aurora in Erie County has become a bit of a music destination, thanks to Borderland, which welcomes perhaps its most notable crop of headliners this year. Vampire Weekend, Khruangbin, Mt. Joy, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Band of Horses, the Teskey Brothers and Trampled By Turtles are all slated to perform at the fete, which also features tent and RV camping. Ticket prices go up at the door, though kids under 10 get in free. borderlandfestival.com
Festival of Food
FOOD & BEV | MUSIC
September 15
Spend an early fall evening tasting (and voting for your favorite) food and beverages prepared by myriad area eateries set to a backdrop of live music at the Rochester Public Market. All proceeds benefit Foodlink, the region’s largest food pantry serving 10 counties. 2025 marks the festival’s 20th anniversary. From 6-8:30 p.m. General admission is $85; VIP tickets are $115. foodlinkny.org/fof
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FOOD & BEV | MUSIC | FAMILY FRIENDLY
September 20
The annual neighborhood shindig returns to Linear Garden between East Main St. and Mayfield St. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 20. Families can stroll through food and arts vendor booths, enjoy live music and spend time in the dedicated kids area. Free to attend; visit the website for artist and vendor announcements. northwinton.org/neighborhood/festival-of-the-arts
Indigenous Peoples Day
Don’t see your favorite festival listed? Send us an email: leah@rochester-citynews.com.
This article appears in Dec 1-31, 2024.
