May

Rochester Lilac Festival

May 12 through May 21

Our Flower City appropriately kicks off each festival season with the Lilac Festival at Highland Park. This year marks 125 years of the fest, featuring music, food trucks, vendors, and more. This year’s music lineup includes funky soul powerhouse Shine (May 13), singer-songwriter Mikaela Davis and Southern Star (May 15), tribute bands to Fleetwood Mac, Phish, The Grateful Dead, Queen, and more. There’s “Art in the Park,” the Lilac 5K & 10K, and, of course, more than 500 blossoming lilac shrubs. rochesterevents.com/lilac-festival

Rochester Dachshund Parade

May 13

This month the Rochester Dachshund Parade celebrates 21 years of its annual fashion show and stroll around Washington Square Park. Get your noodle pup primped and costumed, and head down to the square at 10 a.m. to sing traditional Dachshund songs and make new friends before partaking in the 11:30 a.m. parade. All dog lovers welcome. Organizations dedicated to the relief of animal suffering will be on site. The event takes place rain or shine, although high winds have delayed the event in the past to protect the little stars of the show! dachshundparade.com

FINGER LAKES CELTIC GAMES & FESTIVAL

May 20

Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua hosts this annual celebration of Celtic culture, featuring Highland heavy games, bag pipes, Celtic music, dance, demonstrations, a large gathering of Scottish Clans, historical and heritage societies, artisans’ wares, activities for kids, and more. Mayo for Sam! flceltic.org

Geneva Music Festival

May 21 through June 11

This year’s theme of “Gods, Myths, and The Divine” is simply ripe for spring and summer storytelling in tunes. The music lineup includes Iris Trio’s “Blue Chapter” of its multi-year “Project Earth,” a chamber music prayer for global sustainability; two programs of legends and fairy tales from around the world told by strings and piano, and the beloved trad group The Brothers Blue. Returning artists include ATLYS and other favorites. Concerts take place at several venues in Geneva. genevamusicfestival.com

Tree Peony Festival Of Flowers

Saturdays and Sundays, May 20 through June 4

For three weekends starting in late May, the private Linwood Gardens opens its grounds to the public for the blossoming of the tree peonies, which turn the already serene spot into a veritable paradise. The grounds are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each weekend, and reservations are required. Admission is a $10 suggested donation per adult (kids get in free) or $15 per adult if you’d like to take part in the guided historical tour. The tour lasts an hour and includes information about the history of the summer house, family, and gardens at 1912 York Road West, Linwood, Livingston County. Sweet Arts Bakery will be on site with light lunch and treats for purchase. More info at linwoodgardens.org/festival.

Glassfest

May 25 through May 28

Appropriately hosted in Corning, home of the Museum of Glass, GlassFest is a celebration of glassmaking. In addition to a Friday night “Featured Artist Stroll” — where you can watch live glassmaking and shop for finished wares — there’s live music, including a performance by ’90s rockers Fuel, food, drinks, fireworks, and more. gafferdistrict.com/events/glassfest-2023

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Annunciation Rochester Greek Festival

June 1 through June 4

Spanakopita, gyros, lamb shanks, flaming cheese, dancing, refreshing drinks, kids’ activities, and shopping at the Greek marketplace await at the Greek Orthodox Church, 962 East Ave. From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily rochestergreekfestival.com

THE FAST & THE FURRIEST

June 3

A must-attend event for animal lovers, The Fast & The Furriest Dog Walk and Pet Fest returns for a 17th year, featuring a 5K and 10K walk, live music, food trucks, sponsor giveaways, vendors, pet contests, and other activities for families, including, of course, the furriest. A virtual option for the dog walks will be available for those who can’t attend in person. Proceeds from the race and fest help fund food, shelter, enrichment, and medical care for shelter animals, and support adoption, lost and found, and spay/neuter programs. The festival takes place from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brown Square Park across from Rochester Animal Services,184 Verona St. vsas.org

Rochester Cocktail Revival

June 5 through June 11

It’s year 10 of the Rochester Cocktail Revival, the annual week-long celebration of the craft of spirits, artful concoctions, and delectable food pairings. Dozens of events, from seminars to tastings, pairing dinners, and a Saturday night “Heroes Ball” take you on a tour of more than two dozen Rochester bars. This is one of the social events of the summer. rochestercocktailrevival.com

Maplewood Rose Festival

Dates TBD

If lilacs indicate springtime in Rochester, summer’s signal is the rose. Held in the peak of rose-blooming season since 1991, this annual showcase of the heavenly riverside garden and historic Maplewood neighborhood spotlights Rochester’s history, ecology, people, and horticultural heritage. Stroll among more than 5,000 blossoms of 300 varieties while taking in refreshments, live music, tours, and more. maplewood.org/rose-festival

Fairport Canal Days

June 2 through June 4

Fairport Canal Days returns for its 46th year with three days of music, food vendors, and art merchants, as well as the popular Erie Canal rubber duck race for charity. Kick things off with the Chicken BBQ Friday night, shop on Saturday, and stick around for Canal Night featuring live entertainment. fairportcanaldays.com

19th Ward Square Fair

June 3

Each first Saturday in June, the 19th Ward Association hosts the Square Fair, a neighborhood festival celebrating community. The event is held in Aberdeen Square, 330 Post Ave., and opens with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by games and activities for kids, local vendors, entertainment, and more until 4:30 p.m. A parade starts at 11 a.m., leaving from the 19th Ward Community Association office at 216 Thurston Road. 19wca.org

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ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB’S OUTDOOR EXPO

June 10

If you dream of being outdoorsy, but feel a little out of your depth, head to the 24th annual Outdoor Expo. From 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., you can partake in demonstrations and workshops for hiking, canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, camping, bicycling, and other related outdoor activities, all presented by a variety of local clubs and organizations. Live entertainment will be provided by Golden Link Folk Singing Society. Sponsored by the Genesee Valley Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club and Monroe County Parks, the festival will take place at the beach area of Mendon Ponds Park, Douglas Road, Mendon. Admission is free. gvc-adk.org.

Low Bridge High Water

June 10

Low Bridge High Water is an annual celebration marking the opening of the navigation season of the Erie Canal. Held at the Brockport Welcome Center, the event features family activities, kayaking, biking, music, a Barge Charge 5K, and food. This year’s event marks Brockport’s bicentennial, when the Erie Canal terminated there for two years before it was completed to Buffalo. facebook.com/ LowBridgeHighWater, brockportny.org

Keuka Arts Festival

June 10 and June 11

Festivities along the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, just a short walk from downtown Penn Yan, include hundreds of fine arts and crafts vendors, food, wine, and live blues and jazz. The free event also features family activities, clowns, and art demonstrations. keukaartsfestival.com

Rochester Deaf Festival

June date TBA

The free, day-long family event features vendors and exhibitors, children’s programs, food trucks, and educational opportunities. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Genesee Valley Park, 1000 East River Road. rochesterdeaffestival.wordpress.com

Cgi Rochester International Jazz Festival

June 23 through July 1

Rochester’s Jazz Fest turns 20 this year, and Gibbs Street will once more be transformed into Jazz Street in mid-June. Among this year’s headliners are Keb’ Mo’ (June 23), Omara Portuondo (June 24), and Bonnie Rait (June 27). But with hundreds of acts at dozens of concert venues and clubs, there’s something for everyone. rochesterjazz.com

Dances At Muccc

June 28 through July 1

The annual celebration of movement features a series of new contemporary performances by a variety of established and emerging choreographers and companies on the stage at 142 Atlantic Ave. This year’s highlights haven’t been announced yet, so check out muccc.org.

Rochester Real Beer Expo

June 10

For its 11th year, the annual celebration of suds is moving from its South Wedge stomping grounds to the concourse at Innovative Field. This showcase of 65 breweries, craft cideries, kombucha makers, and more is accompanied by live music and food vendors, and takes place from 6 to 10 p.m., with a VIP hour kicking off at 5. Tickets are $50-$70 ($10 for DD) and the event sells out every year. All proceeds from the event will still fund South Wedge projects like public art, community events, and neighborhood improvements. rochesterrealbeer.com

Rochester Harborfest

June 23 through June 25

Marking the opening of the summer season at Ontario Beach, Rochester Harborfest features entertainment, professional sand sculpting demonstrations, a huge car show and a boat parade of lights, a volleyball tournament, children’s area, food vendors, tours of the historic lighthouse, free rides on the 117-year-old Dentzel Carousel, and more. cityofrochester.gov/harborfest

Roc Pride

July 1 through July 15

Carrying on strong under the community-based coalition ROC Pride Collective, Rochester Pride includes a picnic, parade, and festival, along with an ImageOut film screening, a Pride Night with the Rochester Red Wings, Pride Day at Seabreeze, open mics, concerts, and dance parties. Watch for related events beginning in June, including a pop-up Pride Day at the Zoo. trilliumhealth.org

Sterling Renaissance Festival

Saturday and Sundays, July 1 through Aug. 17 Time may have stood still in the 1585 village world of the Sterling Renaissance Festival, but the outside world has changed dramatically since the festival’s founding 47 years ago. Escape into the simpler times of this recreation of Renaissance culture that includes themed weekends, artisan demos, jousting, giant turkey legs and tankards of beer, tea with Queen Elizabeth I, and more. Costumes are encouraged. Have fun with it at 15385 Farden Road in Sterling. sterlingfestival.com

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Finger Lakes Wine Festival

July 8 and 9

Featuring more than 80 wineries, loads of regional artisans, music, classes, a grand prix race, and more, this is a celebration of the fruit of the vine that you can camp out at, if you so choose. The wine weekend is happening at Watkins Glen International Speedway, 2790 County Route 16). flwinefest.com

Corn Hill Arts Festival

July 8 and 9

One of Rochester’s most anticipated arts festivals turns 55 this year and it continues to provide one of the best bets for early holiday shopping. This massive artist showcase draws hundreds of vendors from across the country who gather on nine historic Corn Hill neighborhood streets for a weekend of art, music performances, food, a 5K race, and more. cornhillartsfestival.com

Douglass Week

July 10 through July 16

Now in its third year, Douglass Week is presented by nonprofits The Globe Lane Initiative, Frederick Douglass Family Initiative, and The Frederick Douglass Ireland Project, as well as a variety of scholars, artists, athletes, and other partners. The collaborative series of events celebrates the work and life of Frederick Douglass in different countries around the world, and includes in-person and virtual performances, creative installations, and critical discussions addressing the history and impact of Douglass in each location. douglassweek.org

Canandaigua Art And Music Festival

July 14 through July 16

Well into its third decade, the celebration includes the work of more than 150 juried artists in every medium along with music, children’s activities, and food. The celebration takes place at and around 115 South Main St. in Canandaigua. canandaiguaartfestival.com

Chamberfest Canandaigua

July 15 through July 23

This week of concerts and educational events is focused on classical chamber music. Featured programs this year include “Ale-Legro: Classical Music and Beer” (July 16), A Classical Blue Jeans Concert with clarinetist Moran Katz pairing global food and fiery music (July 19), and a Children’s Concert (July 20). chamberfestcanandaigua.com

Macedonian Ethnic Festival

July 16 through July 18

Held at St. Dimitria Macedonian Orthodox Church on Telephone Road in West Henrietta, this annual celebration of Macedonian culture and heritage features music, dancing, and more. Check the festival site for the entertainment lineup, but expect uplifting music and dancing to help work off the Mediterranean fare and pastries. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Macedonianfest.com

Arts At The Gardens

July 22 and 23

Work from more than 100 artists fill the Sonnenberg Mansion and gardens, and the event includes a wine and beer garden, live music, and food. Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park is located at 151 Charlotte St. in Canandaigua. Arts at the Gardens runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. sonnenberg.org

Seneca Falls Convention Days

July 21 through July 23

Commemorating the 175th anniversary of The Women’s Rights Convention, this year’s Convention Days will feature a special lineup of speakers and events on site at the Women’s Rights National Historic Park in Seneca Falls. nps.gov/wori

INDIGENOUS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

July 22 and 23

This annual celebration of traditional and contemporary Indigenous culture spotlights global native cultures through music, dance, storytelling, art, food, demonstrations, and family activities. The event will be held at at the Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan. This year’s headliners are have not yet been announced, but they will be listed on Ganondagan’s website. The festival goes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. ganondagan.org

Canandaigua Lakefront Art Show

July 29 and 30

This lakeside celebration marks its 50th year this summer. The annual event brings fine art, music, and food to the sparkling shore at Kershaw Park on Lakeshore Drive in Canandaigua. Admission is free. lakefrontartshow.com

Spencerport Canal Days

July 29 and 30

Browse the arts and crafts vendors, nosh on festival food, sip wine, and enjoy live entertainment at the 41st annual Canal Days. You can also indulge in an elegant carriage ride along Spencerport’s scenic streets, participate in the canaligator race (like rubber duckies, but ’gators), and check out the classic car show. Free admission. spencerportcanaldays.com

Waterfront Art Festival

July 29 and 30

Webster’s Charles E. Sexton Memorial Park is the new location for this annual waterfront party that’s marking its 50th year. Previously it was held at North Ponds Park and, for the four decades prior, in Canandaigua. The event features hundreds of artists as well as live music, beer, wine, and cider, and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. waterfrontartfestival.com

Skaneateles Festival

July 29 through Aug. 19

With a tagline of “World Class Musicians by the Lake,” you know you’re in for some serious entertainment at this four-week celebration of chamber music both classic and new. Running Thursdays through Saturdays for a month, this year’s schedule includes string quartets, folk flavors, tributes to Mozart with soprano Kearstin Piper Brown, and a performance by banjo king Béla Fleck. skanfest.org

Rochester Jewish Film Festival

July 31 through Aug. 6

The Rochester International Jewish Film Festival screens contemporary films telling the stories of Jewish people from around the world, and hosts related events such as talkbacks with filmmakers and social events. When it is released, the schedule of films will be available at rjff.org

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