NEWSLETTER
Vendor & Artisan Applications Now Open
Rochester, N.Y. (October 22, 2025) – The countdown to spring has officially begun: the 128th Rochester Lilac Festival will return to Highland Park from Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 17, 2026. The Rochester Lilac Festival is recognized as one of the largest events of its kind in the U.S., serving as the unofficial start of Rochester’s festival season. More than 500,000 visitors are expected to celebrate the world’s most extensive collection of lilacs while enjoying a dynamic mix of cultural experiences and new offerings yet to be announced. While May feels far away, festival preparations are already blooming — and now is the moment to get involved.
Whether as a vendor, artisan, or sponsor, community members are invited to participate in this time-honored, ever-growing community tradition. Applications are now open for Festival vendors, the 2nd Annual Lilac Local Farmers Market, Art in the Park artisans, and Small Business Circle entrepreneurs — with deadlines varying by category. Although there are numerous vending opportunities, physical space at each site is limited. Applicants are encouraged to apply early at the all-new www.roclilacfest.com as spaces sold out last year. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can email info@roclilacfest.com.
“Participation in the Lilac Festival is more than visibility — it’s about connection,” said Jenny LoMaglio, Festival Producer and Owner of Best Recipe Productions. “Local businesses and artisans benefit from exposure to hundreds of thousands of attendees, while their involvement strengthens a tradition that enriches Rochester’s cultural and economic landscape.”
Save the Dates – 2026 Highlights
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Friday, May 8 – Festival Grounds Open
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Monday, May 11 through Wednesday, May 13 - Lilac Local Farmers Market
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Saturdays & Sundays, May 9–10 and 16–17
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Art in the Park
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Small Business Circle
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Saturday, May 9 – The Lilac Parade
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Wednesday, May 13 – Seniors Day
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Sunday, May 17 – 47th Annual Lilac Run 5K/10K & Tim Horton’s Timbits Trot
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Daily – Guided Walking Tours, Sensory Tent, Kids’ Zone & live music
“Following this spring’s festival, we’ve spent time connecting with partners and guests to hear what they value most about the Lilac Festival,” continued LoMaglio. “That feedback is guiding us as we plan new ways to elevate the experience in 2026, while celebrating cherished community traditions. This event is such a beautiful reflection of Rochester’s spirit, and while we’re still building next year’s event, we know it will take this beloved celebration to new heights.”
“The Rochester Lilac Festival draws in hundreds of thousands of guests each year, exposing them to new foods, experiences, arts and more,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “Each year, I am impressed by the variety and creativity of our local businesses and artisans, as we see more community members engage in this vibrant event. I encourage vendors, artisans, and sponsors to see how they can join us in this celebration, and look forward to seeing what the 2026 Lilac Festival will bring.”
“Though we are preparing for winter, it is heartening to mark the dates of next year’s Lilac Festival on our calendars to remind ourselves that spring comes to Rochester with a burst of music, food and fun set against the beautiful backdrop of our world-famous lilacs,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “I know the festival’s organizers are planning another fantastic celebration, so I urge performers, vendors and sponsors to reach out now to see how they can be a part of our region’s oldest and most celebrated community gathering.”
“The Rochester Lilac Festival is one of our community’s most beloved traditions and the perfect way to kick off festival season in the Flower City,” said Don Jeffries, President & CEO, Visit Rochester. “Each May, visitors from near and far are drawn to Highland Park to experience the beauty, music, and energy that make Rochester and Monroe County such a special place. The Lilac Festival sets the stage for a season filled with events that celebrate our community’s creativity, culture, and welcoming spirit.”
About the 128th Rochester Lilac Festival
The Rochester Lilac Festival is an award-winning, time-honored tradition celebrated every spring since 1898, in accordance with the blooming of the most extensive collection of lilacs in the Northeast. On average, more than 500,000 visitors from across Western and Upstate NY, the tri-state area, and Canada attend the 10-day festival each year.
In 2026, the 128th Rochester Lilac Festival will return with more than 100 musical performances, 300+ juried arts and craft vendors, kids' activities, and the star of the show – the fragrant lilac blossoms. The annual event is hosted by the Lilac Festival Board, which includes members from Monroe County, the City of Rochester and Visit Rochester. For more information about this year’s event, visit www.roclilacfest.com, Facebook, and Instagram.
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