Spring is coming, and with it the annual Lilac Festival in Rochester. Now in its 121st year, the festival attracts about 500,000 visitors per year. In addition to the flora and fauna, the park will be filled with the sound of music. More than 70 performances are scheduled over the span of ten days from May 10 through 19. Headliners were just announced for the main stage, and include Willie Nile, BB King Blues Band, Julian Marley, ZBTB, Big Eyed Phish, Danielle Ponder & the Tomorrow People, and Yonder Mountain String Band.
Headlining Acts at the Sahlen’s Stage
May 10 – Yonder Mountain String Band
May 11 – Willie Nile / The New Mastersounds
May 12 – Kat Wright / Big Something
May 13 – Danielle Ponder & The Tomorrow People / BB King’s Blues Band featuring Michael Lee, a contestant from The Voice
May 14 – Eli “Paperboy” Reed / Julian Marley
May 15 – Lee Rocker of The Stray Cats
May 16 – Cory Wong from Vulfpeck / Maceo Parker
May 17 – Classic Albums Live, a cover band playing Led Zeppelin II
May 18 – Zac Brown Tribute Band
May 19 – The Lizards, a Phish tribute band / Big Eyed Phish, a Dave Matthews cover band
All music events are free and open to the public, thanks to a host of sponsors including Five Star Bank and Sahlen’s . VIP tickets are available for the second year in a row. Upgrades at the Recipe 21 VIP ULTRA LOUNGE include front stage access, in-tent and outdoor lounge area, full private cash bar (beer, wine & spirits), private air-conditioned restrooms, commemorative lanyard, light refreshments, complimentary chair massage, one free drink, and food for purchase inside the tent. A second ticketed option is the The Party Deck. Here, guests so enjoy the music, complete with a tented full bar and private restrooms. Presale tickets go on sale March 6. Visit the website for details.
Head to the park early to enjoy the festivities, including food, art, and family fun. This year’s Lilac Festival Parade will be held on Saturday, May 11 and the Lilac Run will be held Sunday, May 19. Other highlights include Wine Tasting and Craft Beer Expo events.
