Rochester, NY Festivals

Although Rochester spends 6 months of the year digging out from beneath snow, the folks here find a reason to celebrate pretty much anything - even the cold, snowy, windy winter! Summertime is beautiful in upstate, New York because it gets more sunshine than even Miami during that time of year and daytime temperatures average about 80 degrees (F). Rochester is lucky enough to be outside of any dangerous thunderstorm and tornadic activity zone, but the occasional and quick pop-up thunderstorm does happen, enough to whet the appetite then move on to the rest of the sunlit day. Sunny skies, free of rain and chill is optimal weather for summer festivals, though Rochester celebrates its cold weather with the winter festival known as "Cold Rush." What follows is a list of activities Rochesterians and surrounding areas can enjoy.

The Lilac Festival takes place every year in mid May at Highland Park, home to acres of different lilac species. The Festival includes live music, food, crafts, and of course, lilacs galore.

"River of Light" Laser and Light Show take place between May 31 and September 1. This Laser Light show is developed by Stone Mountain Productions. With intriguing laser light displays, fireworks, flood lights all choreographed to popular music, this feast for the eyes is made even more dramatic against the 96-foot waterfall known as High Falls in the Genesee River Gorge. Not only is this 20-minute show exciting, it's also educational, as the lightshow tells a story surrounding the geological and historical meaning of the Genesee River gorge and Rochester in general.

Greek Festival at the Greek Orthodox Church on East Avenue in the city of Rochester. The festival is known for its Greek food, serving both traditional favorites as well as new taste experiences. There is also entertainment, cooking demos, dance exhibitions, tours of the Greek Orthodox Church (where the festival is held). There is also an area specifically for children. Artisans and vendors offering jewelry, clothing, music will also be in site.

East End Festival in the East End District of Rochester. This festival takes place in early June, July and August, and is an opportunity for folks to listen to live bands (they're everywhere), partake in various beer vendors who set tents up along the roadsides, and socialize in the bars that make up East Avenue through Alexander Street. Oftentimes, bars in this area promote specials to pick up on the East End crowd.

Rochester International Jazz Festival takes place in various locations, and they book different artists every year. It is billed as one of the nation's most respected jazz festivals. Over a dozen venues are used in the east end cultural district of Rochester for this festival, ranging from concert halls to outdoor stages.

Maplewood Rose Weekend in the city. This takes place between Lake Avenue and Maplewood, known as the Maplewood District. It is a celebration of roses, gardens and homes. The event takes place in mid-June.

Rochester Harbor and Carousel Festival takes place along Lake Ontario in late June. This festival attracts over 100,000 visitors and included fireworks and entertainment. Tall ships visit, as well as several marine rescue and coast guard vessels. A 10k race is also held, as well as a Boat Parade of Lights, an antique car show, and a boat-load of kid's activities.

Corn Hill Arts Festival in the Corn Hill neighborhood takes place in mid-July. This festival attracts over 250,000 people and offers over 500 different craftsmen and artisan's work. Everything from woodworks, sculptures, pottery, jewelry and other art are on display for purchase. There is also, of course, live music and plenty of food.

Park Avenue Festival takes place along Park Avenue in the city of Rochester. This festival features over 300 artisans from around the country and Canada. The festival usually takes place in early August and food, drink and live music are always featured.

Clothesline Arts Festival takes place on the 17 acres of the Memorial Art Gallery grounds. This festival is billed as one of the largest and oldest in Rochester, just bypassing its 50^th year. There is a ton of live music on the soundstage, as well as food vendors and artisans crafts to purchase.

Cold Rush is a winter-long celebration of all things cold and snowy. There is the Mendon Ponds WinterFest in January that includes wildlife exhibits, face paintings and a Star Party put on by the Rochester Astronomical Society. ColdBlast is a free weekend at the Rochester Museum and Science Center sponsored by Preferred Care. There is the Lakeside Winter Celebration in February at Ontario Beach Park with horse-drawn wagon rides, dog sleds and children's activities. Can't forget the "Polar Plunge" when brave (maybe insane is a better word for it?) souls dip into frigid Lake Ontario.

All in all, Rochester is an active area with a ton of festivals and attractions to enjoy throughout the year. For information on even more attractions, please follow this link: http://www.cityofrochester.gov.