Lilac Festival 2024: Opening day and poster unveiled!

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The Rochester Lilac Festival is back today as dozens of people will flock to enjoy the festivities.

This is the 126th year of the Lilac Festival and over 500,000 visitors come out to look at the collection of lilacs at Highland Park — even from outside of the state!

“We would not have a festival here in our wonderful flower city without Monroe County Parks, City of Rochester, and our visitor’s bureau at Visit Rochester,” said co-executive chair Jenny LoMaglio. “This group, along with our Lilac Festival board members, have worked collaboratively to keep this time-honored tradition alive for 126 years.”

The festival kicked off at 10:30 a.m. and the opening ceremony followed that afternoon. During the ceremony, they showcased this year’s poster.

This year’s poster was created by Alison Coté. She is best known for working with the Jonas Brothers, John Craigie, and Danielle Ponder.

“I wanted the poster to depict the standout features of Lilac Festivals’ past that have made people return year after year,” Coté said in a statement. “As a nod to the era in which the festival began, I drew inspiration from illustrators of the 70s, such as Peter Max, John Alcorn, and Heinz Edelmann. My hope is that the design reflects the beauty, freedom, and happiness of visiting Highland Park during this special time of the year.”

As usual, guests can expect to see the flowering plants, trees, magnolias, tulip and pansy beds, and the extensive lilac collection.

All food vendors will be open at the beginning of the festival. Mayor Evans said these food vendors actually contribute towards the city’s economic development.

“People don’t realize that this festival drives economic development in the City of Rochester,” Mayor Evans said, adding “When you’re going to buy the kettle corn or support one of these vendors, you’re actually supporting the city and county’s budgets.”

New this year is the Sensory Space for individuals with sensory issues who need a break from the festival grounds.

The Lilac Parade and Art in the Park will start on Saturday, May 11, but there is live music that you can enjoy at the festival:

• Local Music: Bellwether Breaks at 4 p.m.
• Supporting talent: Left Handed 2nd Baseman at 5:30 p.m.
• Headliner: Rayland Baxter at 7 p.m.

“This is a way for people to come, they can enjoy the music, they can walk around the park, try some of the unique food and beverages that are going to be here, and they can do it for free and spend some time outside with their families,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello.

The festival is open for all guests from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Drivers are warned the grass lots on Elmwood and Goodman are closed for parking for the day.

Check out News 8’s guide to the Lilac Festival to see what to expect in the next several days!

Full Opening Ceremony & Poster Unveiling!

Watch the full ceremony in the video player above.

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