Major Events & Festivals in Rochester, New York, United States

All Topics about Rochester All Cities in United States

1. Rochester Lilac Festival

Celebrating the city's famous lilacs, this festival offers concerts, food vendors, and activities for all ages.

Wide Variety of Activities: Features live music, arts & crafts, and fireworks.
Unique Location: Held in Highland Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States.
Lilac-filled Atmosphere: Over 500 varieties of lilacs bloom during the festival.

A multi-arts festival showcasing theater, dance, music, comedy, and visual arts.

Diverse Art Forms: Features performances from local, national, and international artists.
Unconventional Venues: Performances take place in unexpected spaces like alleys, parks, and rooftops.
Accessible and Affordable: Many events are free or low-cost to encourage participation.

A ten-day event featuring local and international jazz musicians.

World-renowned Musicians: Attracts notable jazz artists from around the globe.
Multiple Venues: Concerts take place at various indoor and outdoor locations.
Educational Workshops: Offers workshops, master classes, and panels for music enthusiasts.

A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, festival, and events throughout the city.

Inclusive Environment: Provides a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
Community Engagement: Features local vendors, performances, and speakers.
Historical Significance: Rochester Pride is one of the oldest pride events in the United States.

A grueling triathlon event consisting of a swim, bike, and run races.

Challenging Course: The course includes Lake Ontario for the swim, steep hills for the bike, and a hilly run.
Competitive Field: Attracts elite athletes from around the world.
Community Support: Offers a strong sense of camaraderie and support among participants.

A concert series highlighting the evolution of jazz music from its roots.

Historical Perspective: Features performances of early jazz styles like blues, ragtime, and dixieland.
Local Talent: Showcases Rochester-based musicians alongside renowned artists.
Informative Panels: Provides educational panels on the history and evolution of jazz music.

A celebration of apples with food vendors, craft booths, and live entertainment.

Apple-themed Activities: Features apple pie eating contests, apple tastings, and apple cider making demonstrations.
Local Products: Showcases apples from local orchards and apple-related products.
Family-friendly Atmosphere: Offers activities for all ages, including a children's area with games and crafts.

A film festival showcasing works by and about people of African descent.

Diverse Screenings: Features independent, documentary, short, and feature films.
Community Engagement: Offers panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Inclusive Environment: Provides a platform for underrepresented voices in the film industry.

A celebration of Irish culture with music, dance, food, and crafts.

Authentic Irish Experience: Offers traditional Irish music sessions, dance performances, and storytelling.
Irish Cuisine: Features traditional Irish food like shepherd's pie and soda bread.
Community Gathering: Brings together the Rochester Irish community and those interested in learning more about their culture.

A celebration of all things spicy with hot sauce tastings, vendors, and competitions.

Spicy Food Challenge: Offers a wing-eating contest and a chili pepper-eating challenge.
Variety of Hot Sauces: Features hot sauces from around the world, with vendors showcasing their products.
Entertainment and Education: Offers live music, cooking demonstrations, and workshops on hot sauce making.

A celebration of Greek culture with food, dance, music, and crafts.

Authentic Greek Cuisine: Offers traditional Greek dishes like gyro, moussaka, and baklava.
Greek Dance Performances: Features traditional Greek dance performances and lessons for participants.
Community Connection: Provides a platform for the Rochester Greek community to share their culture with others.

A celebration of Italian-American culture with food, music, dance, and crafts.

Authentic Italian Cuisine: Offers traditional Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, and cannoli.
Italian Music and Dance: Features traditional Italian music and dance performances.
Community Gathering: Brings together the Rochester Italian-American community and those interested in learning more about their culture.

A celebration of German culture with food, music, dance, and crafts.

Authentic German Cuisine: Offers traditional German dishes like bratwurst, sauerkraut, and pretzels.
German Music and Dance: Features traditional German music and dance performances.
Community Gathering: Brings together the Rochester German community and those interested in learning more about their culture.

A celebration of Mexican culture with food, music, dance, and crafts.

Authentic Mexican Cuisine: Offers traditional Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and churros.
Mexican Music and Dance: Features traditional Mexican music and dance performances.
Community Connection: Provides a platform for the Rochester Mexican community to share their culture with others.

A celebration of the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, with food, music, dance, and crafts.

Authentic Indian Cuisine: Offers traditional Indian dishes like samosas, curries, and sweets.
Indian Music and Dance: Features traditional Indian music and dance performances.
Community Gathering: Brings together the Rochester Indian community and those interested in learning more about their culture.