Lilac Festival in Rochester, New York: What to Expect

I love the smell of lilacs in the morning! (Or something like that.)

The first lilacs were planted in Highland Park in 1892, and the first Lilac Festival was held in 1893! Today, Highland Park features over 500 varieties of lilac bushes. The more than 1200 lilac bushes in the park cover a twenty-two acre area. The lilacs bloom in white, violet, blue, pink, magenta, and (of course!) lilac!

The lilac is the official bush of New York State.

Is there music at the Lilac Fest?

There's free music everyday, all day at the Lilac Fest! The main stage (now the Bank of America Stage) has free shows from 10:30 am to 8:30 pm. The daytime shows often feature local school bands, the later shows feature popular local bands, and the closing show (beginning at 7 pm) is usually a nationally-known band or artist. Highlights of the 2009 free concert series include Jamey Johnson, The Lost Trailers, and The Chesterfield Kings. Seating is limited, so bring your own chair or blanket.

The Highland Bowl (down the street) is an outdoor venue which features paid concerts. These concerts feature well-known, big name artists. In 2009 Rickie Lee Jones, Joan Osbourne, and Southside Johnny were among those performing at the ticketed venue in Highland Bowl.

How's the food at the Lilac Fest?

The food at the Lilac Fest runs the gamut from chain (Pizza Hut and McDonald's) to local (Nick Tahou's and Red Osier), with a little bit of everything in between!

In addition to the regular festival fair of blooming onions, kettle corn, funnel cakes, and caramel apples; there are gyros, Philly cheese steaks, egg rolls, and greens-and-beans. And that's only naming a few! It's completely possible (but a little uncomfortable) to eat your way through the Lilac fest!

The prices are a bit steep (what I call "stadium prices"), but for free admission and free entertainment, it's worth paying a little more for food.

Alcohol is served at the Lilac Fest. Carrying in food and drink is not allowed.

Is there an arts and crafts show at the Lilac Fest?

There's a huge arts and crafts show at the Lilac Fest! The arts and crafts show features over 300 vendors from across the US and Canada. Take note that they only set up on the weekends, though.

Most people go to an arts and craft show to buy things like handmade soap, dog biscuits, diopside jewelry, and dip mixes. You'll certainly find a wide selection of those items at the Lilac Fest! In addition, you'll find hand-crafted furniture and many high-end art pieces. Watercolors,oil paintings, marquetry, and photography are some of the art choices. And don't forget: there's plenty of bric-a-brac to choose from!

Is the Lilac Fest crowded?

Attendance at the Lilac Fest is usually between the 400- 500,000 mark. Granted, it's over 10 days, but in a park that's only 155 acres, that's a lot of people! The better the weather, the more people. If you love the hub-bub of a big crowd, go when the sun is shining! If you'd rather have a little elbow room, wait for an overcast day and put your coat on and grab your umbrella before heading out!

When is the Lilac Fest?

The annual Lilac Festival, which is held in Highland Park (Rochester, NY), runs for the 10 days that include the second and third weekend in May. The middle of May can bring questionable weather, but the lilacs are usually at their peak during this two week period.

Although many say that the unofficial start of summer is Memorial Day, in Rochester, NY most would say that the unofficial start of summer is the annual Lilac Fest!

Where should I park for the Lilac Fest?

Shuttle Parking is available on the weekends from the Monroe Community College parking lot on West Henrietta Road. The shuttle is $1 per person and runs from 10 am to 8:30 pm. Shuttle parking is recommended.

Weekday parking is available in (makeshift) parking lots on South Goodman Avenue (south of Highland Drive) or on Elmwood Avenue (east of South Avenue). These lots are free during the day, and $5 per car after 5 pm. Parking is limited.

Parking in area neighborhoods is discouraged.

About the author:

Kay Whittenhauer is a freelance writer who also happens to be a native Rochesterian! (And still lives there!) To read more of her work, please click here.

Sources:
http://www.lilacfestival.com/index.html
personal experience