2 2018 FESTIVAL PREVIEW
THE BEST FEST TIME OF YEAR [ INTRODUCTION ] BY JAKE CLAPP
If you’re like us in the CITY newsroom, there was a point in early April where you got frustrated. Actually, “frustrated” may be too soft of a word. How about enraged? Let’s say there were strong feelings at seeing yet more snow and below freezing temperatures. But the cold did finally pass and right now, it’s — knock on wood — 74 degrees. We can hope for a warm, bright spring and summer. And with the sunshine comes a little something for everyone. For almost 20 weeks, the Greater Rochester Area will be home to dozens of festivals, from celebrating Highland Park’s flowers (the Lilac Festival) and the Erie Canal (Low Bridge, High Water in Fairport and the Spencerport Canal Days) to parties revolving around the region’s music, arts, and food and drink. Big festivals like the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival and the KeyBank Rochester Fringe Festival will fill downtown Rochester in June and September. But every weekend will bring out one-day or weekend-long neighborhood celebrations, like the 19th Ward Square Fair on June 2, and the new North Winton Village Festival of the Arts in September. Inside this annual Festival Preview Guide, CITY rounds-up the dates and details of all of those festivals, which we hope will be useful in planning your summer. Turn to page 4 for the beginning of that guide. Among all of the upcoming festivals are celebrations of the diverse cultures that make up Rochester. Many communities will display their unique arts, dances, and music, but one of the quickest ways a person can connect to another culture’s traditions is through its food. Read more on page 12. And 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the Corn Hill Arts Festival, which has become a tentpole event for Rochester’s summer season. You can learn more about the festival’s history, on page 6. As the festival season gets going, CITY will be adding updated information and new festivals to this guide online at rochestercitynewspaper.com.
CITY NEWSPAPER 2018 FESTIVAL PREVIEW PAGE 4 - FESTIVAL PREVIEW GUIDE CITY Newspaper’s 2018 Festival Preview Guide
PAGE 6 - ART & SOUL The Corn Hill Arts Festival hits 50
PAGE 12 - WORLD OF FOOD At Rochester festivals, the quickest way to connect with a culture is through food On the cover: Illustration by Renée Heininger Publishers: William and Mary Anna Towler Editorial department themail@rochester-citynews.com Music editor: Jake Clapp Special Sections editor: Adam Lubitow Contributing writers: Katie Halligan, Kathy Laluk, Scott Pukos Art department artdept@rochester-citynews.com Art director/production manager: Ryan Williamson Designers: Renée Heininger, Jacob Walsh Advertising department ads@rochester-citynews.com New sales development: Betsy Matthews Sales representatives: Tracey Mykins, David White, William Towler Operations/Circulation kstathis@rochester-citynews.com Circulation manager: Katherine Stathis Distribution: David Riccioni, Northstar Delivery Festival Preview 2018 is published by WMT Publications, Inc. Copyright by WMT Publications Inc., 2018 - all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system without permission of the copyright owner.
rochestercitynewspaper.com facebook.com/citynewspaper @roccitynews CITY NEWSPAPER 250 N. Goodman Street Rochester, NY 14607 585-244-3329
ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 3
The best fest time of year
CITY NEWSPAPER’S 2018 FESTIVAL PREVIEW GUIDE [ GUIDE ] BY SCOTT PUKOS
The winter gear is stored away for another terrible time, and even the spring attire is banished back to the depths of the closet. It’s now time to bust out the festival hats — Rochester’s top season is upon us. Of course, part of what makes this such a fun time of year is that festival season can’t be contained to just Rochester. There’s great food, drinks, and outdoor activities across Monroe County as well as in parts of Livingston and Ontario. So, grab yourself a tall beverage and take a look at our Festivals Preview Guide to the fest time of the year. More details and new festivals are always being announced, so keep up with an updated version of this guide online at rochestercitynewspaper.com. 4 2018 FESTIVAL PREVIEW
Low Bridge, High Water
Thursday, May 10, through Saturday, May 12 Brockport’s signature event is our gateway to Festival Season 2018. Low Bridge, High Water has something for everyone: Friday features a craft beer festival, while Saturday includes live music, kayak rentals, rock painting, and more. At various downtown Brockport locations. Info: brockportny.org Rochester Lilac Festival
Friday, May 11, through Sunday, May 20 Fun fact: The scientific name for a common lilac is Syringa vulgaris. This is impossibly cool, and kind of sounds like a Queens of the Stone Age album. If you want to go ahead and call this the Syringa vulgaris Festival, you have our support. The Highland Park festival once again features art, live music, food, drinks, flowers, and live music. This year’s headliners include The Devil Makes Three (May 11), Al Copley Band (May 12), The Record Company (May 14), The Wood Brothers (May 18), and Uprooted, featuring Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root (May 17). Info: rochesterevents.com/lilac-festival Rochester Dachshund Parade
Saturday, May 12 From 10 a.m. to noon, Washington Square Park will be transformed into a glorious, real-life version of
“Isle of Dogs.” Adorable dogs, plus information on keeping pets healthy are included. Clearly, this will be a doggone good time. Info: dachshundparade.com Roc City Rib Fest
Friday, May 25, through Monday, May 28 We’re going to need a bigger bib. Ribs and music are the main draw for the 11th edition of Rochester’s rib fest. This year’s location: The Barnard Fireman’s Field in Greece. Your blood will be 80-percent barbecue by the end of this fest. Info: roccityribfest.com Geneva Music Festival
Thursday, May 31, through Sunday, June 17 This season’s theme is “18 Days of Music and Spoken Word,” and will feature a celebration of African-American culture, plus popular artists such as violinist Jinjoo Cho, pianist Esther Park, violist Eric Wong, and the Cavani Quartet. Concerts take place in venues around Geneva, Skaneateles, Canandaigua, and Auburn. Info: genevamusicfestival.com Rochester Greek Festival
Late May/Early June (Dates TBA) The celebration of Greek culture will returns with gyros, spanakopita, and other Greek culinary
delights. Dancing, drinks, and activities for kids also included. Once again held at the Greek Orthodox Church (962 East Avenue). Dates had not yet been announced by publication. Info: rochestergreekfestival.org Sulphur Springs Festival
Friday, June 1, and Saturday, June 2 Two days of pure Clifton Springs fun featuring some festival classics, including a parade, live music, games, and plenty of food. This ode to a fine Ontario County village takes place on Main Street. Info: sulphurspringsfestival.com Fairport Canal Days
Friday, June 1, through Sunday, June 3 Fairport’s summer celebration on the Erie Canal turns 42 this year. Highlights include Canal Nights (music, wine, beer, etc.), a chicken BBQ, and a duck race (rubber duckies duking it out on the canal, like a Pixar version of “Mad Max”). Info: fairportcanaldays.com 19th Ward Square Fair
Saturday, June 2 This celebration of the 19th Ward is returning in June. A parade, games, local vendors, and live music are all part of the fair, which takes place in Aberdeen Square (330 Post Avenue). Free admission. Info: 19wca.org
3 7
Saturday, June 2 You can never be 2 fast or 2 furry for Verona Street’s annual race and festival to support pets. Once again, there will be 5K and 10K races, pet contests, a food truck rodeo, discounted pet adoptions, raffles, and more. Proceeds help reunite lost pets with their owners, create incentives for adopting shelter pets, and support pet retention. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Rochester Animal Services (184 Verona Street). Info: vsas.org Finger Lakes Plein Air Festival
Tuesday, June 5, through Sunday, June 10 Dozens of artists from across the country will paint pictures of various Finger Lakes spots, and the festival culminates with a public exhibition and sale June 10. Takes place throughout Canandaigua, with events at Sonnenberg Gardens (151 Charlotte Street, Canandaigua) June 9 and 10. Info: fingerlakespleinair.com
continues on page 7
A N N U A L
Spencerport Canal Days
The Fast & the Furriest
T H
JULY 28TH & 29TH 10am to 5pm Crafts, Food Trucks, Kid’s Activities, & Live Entertainment
Saturday July 28th
Wine Tasting & Farmer’s Market
Car Show!
Sunday July 29th
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 11AM – 4:30PM
4:30 pm The Famous
Canaligator Race on the canal!
www.spencerportcanaldays.com ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 5
ART & SOUL The Corn Hill Arts Festival hits 50
Back in 1969, artists in the Corn Hill Neighborhood held a small art show on the fences along Greenwood Street. Fifty years later, the Corn Hill Arts Festival is a Rochester staple. PHOTO PROVIDED [ FEATURE ] BY KATHY LALUK
August 1969: Astronauts from the Apollo 11 lunar landing have just returned home; The Beatles have just taken their famous “Abbey Road” cover photo; and the Woodstock Festival was held in Upstate New York. Farther northwest from Bethel, a group of neighbors — also artists — decide to display some of their latest works on fences along Greenwood Street in Rochester. They call a few friends, round up some burgers, hots, and sodas, and what would become the Corn Hill Arts Festival was born. Today, we’re trying to figure out how to colonize Mars; Arctic Monkeys is working on its next album; and Beyoncé has just headlined Coachella to rave reviews. And the 6 2018 FESTIVAL PREVIEW
Corn Hill Arts Festival has not only survived but thrived. “It is the heart of the Corn Hill neighborhood,” says Elaine Lennox, Corn Hill Arts Festival media chair. “We’ve evolved as a festival, and I think what we’ve got going on right now is really amazing.” Reflection on the festival’s history and where it is going in the coming years will be central to this year’s 50th anniversary celebration on July 14 and July 15 in the Corn Hill neighborhood. Along with the old is something new: a parade will take place on Saturday, July 14, at 11 a.m. Performers will highlight key events from 1969 as the parade snakes through the neighborhood. At the end of the route,
1960’s (and 70’s) tribute band InsideOut will perform. Twenty-four other acts will appear on four different stages throughout the weekend. Organizers are also bringing back a fairy house display and contest, in which artists create whimsical, tiny tree houses out of natural materials. It’s a throwback to the festival’s first poster, which featured a simple green fairy and the words “Greenwood Area Art Show.” The poster had been created by a neighborhood resident and artist, Frank LoCurcio. He also created the 1970 and 1971 posters, the latter of which has touched off a treasure hunt of sorts among the neighborhood association. “We desperately tried to track it down for months, but it was the only one that eluded us — at least so far,” Lennox says. She says the poster features a jack-in-the-box and a festival map in the corner. The Corn Hill Neighbors Association was recently able to track down LoCurcio in Huntington Beach, California. “Initially we were told he had passed, and we thought we had hit a wall,” Lennox says. “Then we got a call from his granddaughter who said he was alive and well.” LoCurcio, though, had sold the original poster years ago. The trail has gone cold. Organizers are still looking; if you have any info, send an email to chna@ cornhill.org. The remaining 48 posters were on display at Rochester Contemporary Art Center in late March, and the 50th will be unveiled on Friday, June 8, at 2 p.m., at the Hervey-Ely House on Troup Street. Many of the artists chosen to create the posters are local — a handful have been from across the country. Rochester native Cordell Cordaro designed the 2010 poster, and like many of the previous versions, his design features the neighborhood’s historic homes and signature gazebo as hats, sitting atop colorful, elegant ladies and gents who look like they’ve been plucked from a lush, wild party. “It was a bit of a challenge for me to figure out how to incorporate the neighborhood into my style,” Cordell says. Six years later, Rachel Cordaro, Cordell’s wife, took a turn. She was nervous. “It was so far out of my comfort zone,” she says. Rachel continues on page 10
Frederick Douglass Freedom Festival
Friday, June 8, through Sunday, June 10 The tribute to Frederick Douglass beings with a trip to Central New York. Friday features an abolitionist tour to the Harriet Tubman home in Auburn, followed by a Wreathing Ceremony at the Frederick Douglass memorial in Highland Park on Saturday. A homage motorcade will proceed from Favor Street Circle to Douglass’s gravesite on Sunday. Info: cityofrochester.gov/frederickdouglass200 Rochester Real Beer Expo
FRIDAY-SUNDAY JUNE 15 TH, 16 TH, & 17 TH Lots of local talent and family fun! Fri night: Annual 5K Friday, followed by music featuring Jonathan Stills , food, and fireworks display at Fireman’s Field Sat & Sun: At Harry Allen Park. Craft vendors, food, and music. Yearly frog jumping contest, pie-eating contest and children’s games. Sunday: 48th Annual Father's Day Pancake Breakfast SPONSORED BY THE Honeoye
Falls Historical Society
Saturday, June 9 Gregory Street in the South Wedge will once again transform into a gloriously sudsy haven for beer fans. This street party includes more than 120 craft beers, plus ciders, poutine, pizza, sausage, cigars, and more. The expo is the tentpole event for the Real Beer Week; more events to be announced. Info: rochesterrealbeer.com Adirondack Mountain Club’s Outdoor Expo
Saturday, June 9 The 21st annual expo will feature more than 60 workshops for hiking, canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, camping, biking, and more. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; beach area, Mendon Ponds Park. Info (including some handy camp cooking tips): gvc-adk.org/expo Keuka Arts Festival
Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10 Art is obviously a focus, but so is family. The festival — only a few blocks from downtown Penn Yan — features a wholesome weekend of food, jazz, blues, and yes, art. Runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., both days. Free admission. Info: keukaartsfestival.com Maplewood Rose Festival
Saturday, June 9 Horticulture and heritage collide at the Maplewood Rose Garden (Maplewood Drive and Seneca Parkway). The rosy affair features more than 5,000 roses in bloom, and more than 300 varieties of the signature flower. Info: maplewood.org/rose-festival Dances at MuCCC
Wednesday, June 13, through Saturday, June 23 Dances at MuCCC will feature 10 contemporary dance performances plus classes and workshops. Hanlon Dance, BIODANCE, and choreographers James Hansen, Heather Roffe, continues on page 11
ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 7
8 2018 FESTIVAL PREVIEW
ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 9
continued from page 6
largely paints florals, so architecture and dimensional work pushed her to think beyond her normal scope. “I sketched it out and sent a picture before I laid paint down to make sure we were on the same page, and they loved it. And that felt good. They gave me so much room to be creative,” she says. The yellow home she painted, adorned with her signature flowers, is on Adams Street and is now where the original painting hangs. “It seemed like the perfect place for it to live,” Rachel says. “We owe so much to our roots in this area,” Lennox says. The arts festival was among the things that convinced the state’s preservation board to declare the area a historic neighborhood, cementing its place in the city and its rich festival scene. “You can’t say Corn Hill without thinking about the arts festival,” says neighborhood resident Jim DeVinney, who is also the historian for the Corn Hill Neighbors Association. “It’s become a part of the very fabric of living here.” In turn, without the festival, the neighborhood couldn’t afford to pay for beautification services, the Police
10 2018 FESTIVAL PREVIEW
Around 365 artists participate in the festival each year. PHOTO PROVIDED
and Citizens Together Against Crime program, and more. The arts festival serves as the neighborhood association’s single biggest annual fundraiser. Dozens of neighbors help with setup, artist registration, and cleanup, and around 365 artists and 125,000 festivalgoers descend on their streets, generating an estimated half a million dollars in economic impact, according to organizers. And while organizers are proud of what they are able to give back to the community financially, for many, it’s
more about the cultural enrichment they offer. “I love the neighborly feel,” Rachel Cordaro says. “That neighborhood is vibrant and revived and you can tell that they respect their neighborhood and it’s just beautiful and thriving and who wouldn’t want to be a part of that.” The 50th Corn Hill Arts Festival is free and open to the public. It runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 14, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 15. For more information, visit cornhillartsfestival.com.
and Melanie Aceto, and more, will perform during the festival. MuCCC is located at 142 Atlantic Avenue. Info: muccc.org Festival on the Green
Friday, June 15, through Sunday, June 17 Organized by village residents, Honeoye FallsLima students, and business owners, this celebration of artisans, crafters, and food takes place on the Fireman’s Field (321 Monroe Street) on Friday, and Harry Allen Park (21 North Main Street) Saturday and Sunday. Info: festivalonthegreen.us Little Italy Festival
Saturday, June 16 This year marks 150 years of Italian-American History in the City of Rochester. The cultural festival will feature food, music, and a soccer match between Toronto FC II and Indianapolis Eleven. Located at Capelli Sport Stadium (460 Oak Street). Info: littleitalyroc.com Finger Lakes Chamber Music Festival
Saturday, June 16, through Saturday, July 28 World-class chamber music will be performed at various venues throughout the summer. Works by Beethoven, Bernstein, Piazzola, and Mozart are on this year’s schedule. Info: fingerlakes-music.org Rochester International Jazz Festival
Friday, June 22, through Saturday, June 30 That time of year when the East End is transformed into a perfect amalgamation of music, drinks, and food trucks. The 17th edition features a schedule of 300-plus shows, including 97 free events. Jazzed for the fest and want more? CITY will have its XRIJF preview guide on stands Wednesday, June 13. Schedule, tickets, and venue info: rochesterjazz.com Macedonian Festival
Friday, June 22, through Sunday, June 24 St. Dimitria Macedonian Orthodox Church’s annual celebration of Macedonian culture and heritage features music, dancing, and more. Bonus: Toronto’s Grupa Rumba is new this year, and fan favorite dance group Ensemble Makedonka returns. 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday; noon to 1 a.m. on Saturday; noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday. 235 Telephone Road, West Henrietta. Free admission; donations are accepted. Info: macedonianfest.com continues on page 13 ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 11
WORLD OF FOOD At Rochester festivals, the quickest way to connect with a culture is through food Among the dishes at the Polish Arts Festival is the sweet, flaky dessert dish Chrusciki. PHOTO PROVIDED [ FOOD ] BY KATIE HALLIGAN
There are numerous cultures that will hold celebrations this summer during Rochester’s festival season. Greek, Caribbean, Puerto Rican, Turkish, African, Asian, Italian, Ukrainian, and many other cultures will showcase their living traditions during the season. While these festivals will showcase their traditions through dance and art, one of the quickest ways attendees can connect to another culture is through its cuisine. Many of the cultural festivals offer a lot of interesting dishes, from stuffed cabbage rolls at the Polish Arts Festival and cheesy fritters at the Puerto Rican Festival to tender kebobs at the Macedonian Ethnic Festival. While a dance or song can showcase a culture’s history, you are only watching it from a distance. By eating a traditional dish, an attendee can actually in a way participate with another culture and gain insight into the history and flavors that make each culture so unique. Food preparation for the Polish Arts Festival (Friday, August 3, and Saturday, August 4; saintstanislausrochester.org) is 12 2018 FESTIVAL PREVIEW
overseen by Ludwika Kardela, the 95-yearold head of the kitchen at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church of Rochester. Ludwika uses traditional Polish recipes that have been passed down for generations. Most people may be familiar with the potato pancake or pierogi (potato- and cheesestuffed dumplings), but some may have yet to discover golabki, which are cabbage rolls stuffed with rice, beef, and pork, and often topped with tomato sauce. Polish sausage with Kapusta (Polish sauerkraut) can also be found on the menu along with the sweet, flaky dessert dish Chrusciki. According to cochair of the festival Jan Vorndran, Polish people enjoy getting together and sharing these dishes, and the festival provides an opportunity to keep that tradition alive. “Keeping
the Polish culture alive in Rochester is what is most important to us,” Vorndran says. “The food draw is very well received. You can’t deny that the food is made with love and pride.” The Polish Arts Festival will also feature music, a display of pisanki (decorated eggs), Polish costumes, dances, and tours of the St. Stanislaus Church. In Macedonian culture, according to Macedonian Ethnic Festival organizer Dave Georgiev, people pride themselves on taking simple household items and seasoning them to perfection, making even something like peppers into a main part of a meal. The festival (Friday, June 22, through Sunday, June 24; macedonianfest. com) will feature a menu of the culture’s staple dishes, such as grilled minced meat kebobs made of beef and pork and
seasoned with a special pepper mix known as “Bukovska Piper.” “Food was the center of the family,” Georgiev says. “Most of these people came from very humble, meek beginnings, so they ate hefty meals for survival. They had to take common meals, like beans, for example, and through their own herbs, spices, and seasoning, made it a premier meal for their family.” A popular Macedonian dish, Tavche Gravche will be featured for the first time at the festival this year. For all the vegetarians in the crowd, Tavche Gravche is a healthy and delicious bean casserole, made with special spices and without meat. According to Leslie Rivera, vice president of the Puerto Rican Festival’s board of directors, taking a bite of a traditional Puerto Rican dish gives a full understanding of the culture — you’re actually experiencing it for yourself. “These foods are staples in our community that bring us all together,” she says. They “are typically made with the help of the entire family. So when people come to the festival to indulge in it, they are reminded of family and of home.” The 48th annual Puerto Rican Festival (Saturday, July 28, through Monday, July 30; prfestival.com) will feature traditional recipes on the menu, one of which is called pincho, which is Spanish for “spike.” Commonly made of marinated and grilled chicken and pork, these little delights are named after the skewers on which they are cooked. The Puerto Rican festival also features a variety of frituras, or fried pastry appetizers. These include beef-filled alcapurria; empanadillas filled with chicken, rabbit, or ham and cheese; bacalaitos filled with cod and a cilantro-onion mixture; and the delectable Relleno de Papa, which is basically a fried ball of mashed potato filled with seasoned ground beef. Sorullos de Maiz, or sweet corn fritters, are the festival’s prime dessert item, made with flour, salt, sugar, and butter. One can learn a lot about other cultures by experiencing their cuisine. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike at Rochester’s cultural festivals can find all sorts of freshly made dishes by authentic chefs. If you haven’t had a chance to check out any of the local cultural festivals, there’s a whole other world of cuisine and culture out there, just waiting to be discovered.
Sterling Renaissance Festival Saturday and Sundays, July 7 through August 19
Raise your glass (or flagon of ale) for this recreation of Renaissance culture. The festival includes themed weekends, jousting, turkey legs (not turkey legs that joust, sadly), Queen’s tea, and more. The realm is located at 15385 Farden Road, Sterling. Info: sterlingfestival.com Rochester International Jewish Film Festival
Sunday, July 8, through Monday, July 16 While this year’s program hasn’t yet been announced, the Rochester International Jewish Film Festival this summer will continue its mission of screening quality contemporary films telling the stories of Jewish people from around the world. Taking place at the JCC Rochester, Dryden Theatre, and The Little. Info: rjff.org. Corn Hill Arts Festival
Saturday, July 14, and Sunday, July 15 This is the 50th anniversary for the Corn Hill Arts Festival (hold for applause). For more on this year’s event, turn to page 6. Info: cornhillartsfestival.com Finger Lakes Wine Festival
Friday, July 13, through Sunday, July 15 It’s pretty straightforward: Wine and cheese, that’s what you’re getting here. Finger Lakes wines from 90 wineries are featured, along with live music, artisans, culinary classes, and cooking demonstrations. The grape goodness is happening at Watkins Glen International Speedway (2790 County Route 16). Info: flwinefest.com Rochester Pride 2018
Saturday, July 14, through Sunday, July 22 This year’s theme, “Stand Out: [Live] in Color,” encourages attendees to be true to themselves, find inspiration from icons in the LGBTQ community, and to utilize every color of the spectrum to highlight individuality and diversity. Colorful and super fun events include the annual parade, Gayme Night, Sassy in the South Wedge, and more. Info: rocpridefest.org Canandaigua Art and Music Festival
Friday, July 20, through Sunday, July 22 Art, music, and food are solid ingredients for a fun weekend, and they’re all in Canandaigua for this one. Centering around continues on page 14
ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 13
115 South Main Street, Canandaigua. Info: canandaiguaartfestival.com Canandaigua Lake Music Festival
Friday, July 20, through Sunday, July 29 The 14th edition of this classical music celebration features eight different performances plus a free children’s concert. Info: lakemusicfestival.org ROC The Taste
Friday, July 27, and Saturday, July 28 A new festival taking place at Parcel 5 downtown. As the name alludes, there will be a variety of food from local vendors and restaurants, along with a lineup of music performances. Info: rocthetaste.com Native American Dance and Music Festival
Saturday, July 28, and Sunday, July 29 The 27th celebration of Seneca and Haudenosaunee heritage returns to the Ganondagan Historic Site (1488 State Route 444, Victor). Actor and vocalist Gary Farmer Cayuga, Wolf Clan, and his blues band, “The Troublemakers,” will perform both festival days. There will also be daily performances by the Allegany River Dancers; traditional artisan demonstrators; Haudenosaunee storytelling; and more. Info: ganondagan.org Canandaigua Lakefront Art Show
Saturday, July 28, and Sunday, July 29 The scenic north shore of Canandaigua Lake hosts this event with top-notch art, food, and more. The 45th celebration takes place at Kershaw Park, Lakeshore Drive in Canandaigua. Free admission. Info: lakefrontartshow.com Spencerport Canal Days
Saturday, July 28, and Sunday, July 29 There’s something perfectly quaint about a carriage ride through the streets of Spencerport. Aside from this charming tour, the canal days will host tasting areas with fresh produce and honey plus a car show. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., each day. Free admission. Info: spencerportcanaldays.com Waterfront Art Festival
Saturday, July 28, and Sunday, July 29 Held in Webster’s North Ponds Park for the third year (after 41 years in Canandaigua), the fest will include hundreds of artists, live music, beer, wine, and cider. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., both days. Info: waterfrontartfestival.com
14 2018 FESTIVAL PREVIEW
Lima Crossroads Blues Festival
Friday, August 3, through Sunday, August 5 A lively, bluesy weekend is on tap in Livingston County. Rochester favorites Hanna and The Blue Hearts and Steve Grills and the Roadmasters will hit the Crossroads stage. Proceeds benefit Camp Good Days. Info: limafest.org Park Avenue Summer Art Festival
Saturday, August 4, and Sunday, August 5 Creative crafts, artwork, food trucks and more takeover Rochester’s Park Avenue for the first weekend in August. More than 350 artists, exhibitors, and craftspeople will set up shop on the nearly 1.5-mile stretch. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday; 10 to 5 on Sunday. Park Ave. between Alexander Street and Culver Road. Free. Info: rochesterevents.com/park-ave-festival Pageant of Steam
Wednesday, August 8, through Saturday, August 11 The Pageant of Steam celebrates its 58th year in 2018. The showcase of antique vehicles powered by steam also features tractor pulls, sawmill demonstrations, chainsaw carvings auction, food, and more. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. 3349 Gehan Road, Canandaigua. Info: pageantofsteam.org Avon Rotary Corn Festival
Saturday, August 11 There will be arts and crafts, three stages with live entertainment, games, and of course, a corn eating contest. Genesee Street, Village of Avon. Free. Info: avonrotary.org New York State Wine Festival
August (Dates TBA) Hanging out on Canandaigua Lake with plenty of Finger Lakes wineries and food trucks is basically living the dream. Info: facebook.com/NYSWineFestival Flour City Brewers Fest
Friday, August 17 The festival in the Rochester Public Market (280 North Union Street) brings together New York State breweries, food, and music. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Info: flourcitybrewersfest.com Arts at the Gardens
Saturday, August 18, and Sunday, August 19 Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park (151 Charlotte Street, Canandaigua) is not just historic, it’s gorgeous. Arts at the Gardens takes advantage of its lovely host, and its August date. It features work by more than 100 artists plus a wine and beer garden, live music, food, a sculpture garden, and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Info: artsatthegardens.com
New York State Festival of Balloons
Thursday, August 30, through Monday, September 3 This Dansville festival features a sky full of beautiful hot air balloons. Info: nysfob.com Turtle Hill Folk Festival
Friday, September 7, through Sunday, September 9 A fest for folk lovers, Turtle Hill will feature evening concerts by Pepper & Sassafras, Jamcrackers, Christine Lavin, Reggie Harris & Scott Ainslie, and Bruce Molsky with special guest Allison de Groot. Located at the Rotary Sunshine Campus (809 Five Points Road), in Rush. Info: goldenlink.org Clothesline Arts Festival
Saturday, September 8, and Sunday, September 9 Clothesline is one of Rochester’s largest and longest-running fine art and crafts festival, and it continues to evolve. There’s all-day live entertainment, food vendors, family activities, and attendees can check out galleries in the museum.10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday. Admission is $5 ($4 for MAG members); free for children 10 and under. Info: mag.rochester.edu/clothesline Rochester Fringe Festival
Wednesday, September 12, through Saturday, September 22 The September staple expands to 11 days of creative, mind-blowing performances, musical acts, comedy, and basically every form of entertainment you can imagine. Look out for CITY’s preview guide to the Rochester Fringe Festival, on stands Wednesday, September 5. Info: rochesterfringe.com North Winton Village Festival of the Arts
Saturday, September 15 Music, food, and, of course, art will fill the North Winton neighborhood as festival season reaches its conclusion. The community fest also includes face painting, games, a bounce house, and more. Info: northwinton.org Festival of Food
Monday, September 17 There’s no official contest, but this is a contender for best festival name. It’s simple, yet gives the people what they want. Includes tastings from more than 100 local restaurants, wineries, and breweries. All proceeds benefit Foodlink. Rochester Public Market (280 North Union Street); 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Info: foodlinkny.org
ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 15
16 2018 FESTIVAL PREVIEW