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If there is one thing Rochester has an abundance of, it's festivals. Keeping track of all of them can be daunting, and we know that you wouldn't want to miss out, so we did the hard work for you. Looking to plan out your summer festival stops? Or just curious what's going on any given weekend? Either way, we've got you covered. Below, you'll find major Rochester-area events running almost to the end of 2014, meaning you'll never be at a loss for something to do.
Did we miss an exciting upcoming event? Leave it in the comments section of this article online at rochestercitynewspaper.com.
Erotic Arts Festival
March 28-29
Radisson Riverside Hotel, 120 E. Main St.
Get your freak on this year at the Erotic Arts Festival with Burlesque dancing, art vendors, love classes, and more!
rochestereroticartfest.org, @EroticArtFest
Rochester International Film Festival
April 10-12
Dryden Theatre, 900 East Ave.
Enjoy the world's oldest, continuously held short film festival. Films include narratives, documentaries, and animations submitted from independent filmmakers from all over the world.
Color Vibe 5K Race
April 13
Monroe Community College, 1000 E. Henrietta Rd.
Grab your friends for a color experience not to be forgotten! Get dressed up in your wackiest costume, or throw on all white, to get blasted with color throughout the run.
thecolorvibe.com, @colorvibe
High Falls Film Festival Mini-Fest
April 25-26
Little Theatre (240 East Ave. #100), Dryden Theatre (900 East Ave.), Cinema Theater (957 Clinton Ave. S.)
High Falls Film Festival is one of the longest running women's film festivals on the east coast. Get the full experience with Q&A's and coffee chats with the filmmakers, a fashion show, panel discussions about filmmaking, and much more.
highfallsfilmfestival.com, @HighFallsFF
Sheep Shearing Festival
April 26
Springdale Farm, 700 Colby St., Spencerport
Have you ever wanted to learn to spin, weave, and dye wool? Then check out the Sheep Shearing Festival which also includes a petting zoo, crafts, tours of the farm, and live music.
heritagechristianservices.org/springdale
Flower City Challenge
April 26-27
Genesee Waterways Center (149 Elmwood Ave.), War Memorial (1 War Memorial Sq.)
Come out for a weekend of exuberant running. The Flower City Challenge includes a 5K, half-marathon, duathlon, and triathlon that will guide you all around the beautiful and historic city.
City Newspaper Best Busker Competition
May 1
East Ave., between Chestnut and Alexander
Come out and listen to local musicians playing everything from the banjo to the kazoo, and vote for your favorite. Also, enjoy crazy deals from neighborhood merchants on food, drinks, and goods.
rochestercitynewspaper.com, @roccitynews
Roc City Tattoo Expo
May 2-4
Radisson Riverside Hotel, 120 E. Main St.
This is your chance to get tattooed by some of the best tattoo artists from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Japan. Over 100 artists will be there, as well as an assortment of unique vendors for a full weekend of tattoo culture.
Imagine RIT: Innovation and Creativity Festival
May 3
RIT Campus, 1 Lomb Memorial Dr.
To kick off Rochester's festival season, RIT will once again be showcasing creative and innovative works of students, faculty and staff. Events include hands-on demonstrations, exhibitions, live performances, and more.
rit.edu/imagine, @RITNEWS
Mayday! Underground Crafts and Arts
May 3
Village Gate, 274 Goodman St. N,
Take a look at funky and fresh one-of-a-kind handmade items such as jewelry, artwork, soap and more from over 60 vendors. If you're over buying all your things at big-name stores, this is definitely the place for you.
maydayunderground.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/MaydayUnderground
Lilac Festival
May 9-18
Highland Park, 180 Reservoir Ave.
Enjoy the breath-taking beauty of Highland Park and the annual Lilac Festival. The Festival includes over 500 varieties of lilacs, a 5K race, live entertainment, food vendors and a parade.
lilacfestival.com, @ROCLilacFest
Roc City Ribfest
May 23-26
TBD
This yummy festival may be at an all new location, but it's still packed with BBQ cook-offs, eating contests, grilling shows, live music, and various vendors servin' up tasty ribs.
roccityribfest.com, @RocCityRibFest
Zoobrew
May 23, June 20, July 18, August 8, September 5
Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul St.
Go bananas at this year's Zoobrew. These Friday happy hours, for ages 21+, include local beers and wines, food and live music.
www.senecaparkzoo.org/ZooBrew.aspx
Memorial Day Parade
May 26
Starts at East and Alexander, then west onto Main to Plymouth
Come out in honor of the armed forces for a day of remembrance of all those who lost their lives fighting for this country.
cityofrochester.gov, @CityRochesterNY
Greek Festival
May 29-June 1
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 962 East Ave.
Celebrate the tradition of Greek tastes, aromas, sounds, and traditions at Rochester's Greek Festival. Experience Greek dancing and food vendors, church tours and shopping at the Agora.
rochestergreekfestival.org, 244-3377
Fairport Canal Days
June 6-8
Main St. area, Fairport
Come out to Fairport for a weekend to enjoy this volunteer-run festival on the banks of the historic canal. The event also includes live music, arts and crafts vendors, family activities, food, and more.
fairportcanaldays.com; fairsandfestivals.net/events/details/fairport-canal-days4
19th Ward Square Fair
June 7
Aberdeen Square Park, 330 Post Ave.
The city's 19th ward community association puts on this annual neighborhood picnic filled with a parade, pancake breakfast, lunch grills, and vendors.
19wca.org, 328-6571
Rochester Real Beer Week
June 13-22, Expo on June 14
South Wedge and various area businesses
This year's Real Beer Week includes an assortment of beer launches, happy hours, tastings, a pig roast, a clam bake, a keg toss-off, burlesque show, and more. Don't forget to stop by the 14th for the annual expo.
Rochesterrealbeer.com, @ROCRealBeer
Festival on the Green
June 13-15
Fireman's Field (321 Monroe St.) and Harry Allen Park (21 N. Main St.), Honeoye Falls
Bring the whole family! Three days of live music and family-friendly activities await you at this year's Festival on the Green.
17th Annual Adirondack Outdoor Expo
June 14
Mendon Ponds Park Beach Area (95 Douglas Rd.), Honeoye Falls
Hey all you outdoorsy folk! Come out to Mendon Parks for a FREE demonstration on canoeing and kayaking, as well as experts at all your favorite outdoor activities.
Maplewood Rose Celebration
June 14-15
Maplewood Park, Driving Park and Lake Ave.
Enjoy the beauty of the roses in full bloom while you admire the loveliness of this historic city. Family entertainment and food are provided at this celebration of Rochester's heritage and people.
cityofrochester.gov/maplewoodrosefest, @CityRochesterNY
ROC Transit Day
June 19
Public bus stops throughout Rochester
This glassroots campaign encourages Rochesterians to go car-free for a day and use public transportation. Perks include winning prices and hearing live music being played throughout the city while you wait for your bus.
roctransitday.com, @ROCTransitDay
Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival
June 20-28
Many venues throughout downtown Rochester
Steve Martin and Earth, Wind & Fire are just a few of the names you can experience at this year's Jazz Festival. The Festival also includes 1200+ artists at more than 19 venues showcasing 312 concerts (including 81 free shows)!
rochesterjazz.com, @XRIJF
Salute to America with the RPO
July 3
Main Street Bridge, Downtown
Celebrate America with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra this year as they play "The Stars and Stripes Forever" as well as the 1812 Overture. Don't leave right away or you'll miss the fireworks afterwards.
rpo.org, @superRPO
Sterling Renaissance Festival
Saturdays and Sundays, July 5-August 17
15385 Farden Road, Sterling, NY
Huzzah! This year's Sterling Renaissance Festival returns for its 35th year. Travel back in time as you attend a jousting match, experience a wench auction, see a Shakespeare play, and wave to the Queen in a parade.
sterlingfestival.com, 800-879-4446, @SterlRenFest
Big Rib BBQ and Blues Fest
July 10-13
Highland Park Festival Site, Highland and South Ave
Enjoy 4 days and nights of trying and tasting a wide variety of unique BBQ sauces on ribs, chicken, beef brisket, and pulled pork. The Fest includes over 20 smokin' hot blues concerts as well.
rochesterevents.com, @RocEvents
Stuart Horse Trials
July 11-13
Townline and Murray Roads, Victor
Saddle up and come out for the triathlon of equestrian sport. Local and top international riders will be competing in dressage, cross country, and stadium jumping. Don't forget to check out Kids Day and Lolipop Farms Adoptable dog parade as well.
stuarthorsetrials.org, @StuartHorseTrls
Hill Cumorah Pageant
July 11-12, 15-19
Hill Cumorah, Highway 21 between Palmyra and Manchester
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints invites you to feel the Savior's love as you enjoy an evening performance of scenes from both the Bible and the Book of Morman.
hillcumorah.org/pageant, 315-597-5851
Finger Lakes Wine Festival
July 11-13
Watkins Glen International Speedway, 2790 County Rte. 16, Watkins Glen
Get carried away while you sample wine from more than 90 wineries, enjoy food from various vendors, and attend culinary classes at this adult-inspired festival.
Geneseo Air Show
July 11-13
3489 Big Tree Lane, Geneseo
6 hours of non-stop flying await you at the World War II-themed air show. The show also includes a WW2 Chaplain Service re-enactment and chicken and steak dinners.
1941hag.org, 243-2100, @GeneseoAirshow
Canandaigua Lake Music Festival
July 11-20
Finger Lakes Community College, Canandaigua
Drift off to another world as you listen to the beautiful sounds of various artists playing the piano, violin, cello, viola, and lute during seven different performances.
Corn Hill Arts Festival
July 12-13
Corn Hill neighborhood
Recognized as one of the top 200 festivals by Sunshine Artist Magazine, the Festival includes activities and fun for everyone. Enjoy four stages of continuous music, hundreds of vendors, and an emerging artists expo.
cornhillartsfestival.com, @cornhillartfest
Rochester Jewish Film Festival
July 13-21
Little Theatre (240 East Ave. #100), Dryden Theatre (900 East Ave.), Jewish Community Center (1200 Edgewood Ave.)
Expand your culture as you experience over 20 films from all over the world by Jewish filmmakers. Genres include documentary and narrative and bring the viewers into a world of Jewish culture.
rjff.org, 461-2000 x237
Canandaigua Arts and Music Festival
July 18-20
Commons Park, Canandaigua
Photography, jewelry, pottery, woodworking, and gourmet foods are just a handful of the vendors experienced at the Canandaigua Arts and Music Festival. The Festival also includes live music, Kids Korrider, and an array of food vendors.
canandaiguaartfestival.com, 396-0300
Macedonian Ethnic Festival
July 18-20
St. Dimitria Macedonian Orthodox Church, 235 Telephone Road, W. Henrietta
Celebrating the Macedonian heritage in the Western New York and Rochester area, this festival brings to you food, baked goods, dancing, and activities of Macedonian culture.
Rochester Pride 2014
July 18-20
Various locations around Rochester
Celebrate Gay Pride with the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley in Rochester with a flag ceremony and rainbow ride, parade and festival, and a picnic.
gayalliance.org, @GAGVinfo
Civil War Re-enactment
July 19-20
Genesee County Village and Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford
Whether you're still rooting for the Union or want to see a comeback made by the Confederates, come and enjoy four re-enactment of the American Civil War. Villagers will also be providing musical concerts and vignettes depicting life during the war.
gcv.org, 538-6822
10 Ugly Men Festival
July 26
Genesee Valley Park, 952 E. River Rd.
Despite the name, men, women, and children alike can come out and enjoy this unique festival. Enjoy a kickball tournament, a 5K run, a volleyball tournament, live music, and unlimited amounts of food.
Spencerport Canal Days
July 26-27
Along the Erie Canal, Spencerport
Missed the Fairport Canal Days? Worry not! Head over to Spencerport for two days of arts and crafts, live music, food, and a car show.
Waterfront Art Festival
July 26-27
Kershaw Park, Canandaigua
Stroll along the scenic Canandaigua Lake while you enjoy hand-made arts and crafts, activities, and live music.
waterfrontartfestival.com, 671-9102
Native American Dance and Music Festival
July 26-27
Ganondagan Historic Site, 1488 State Route 444, Victor
Enjoy this one-of-a-kind historic experience as you learn and experience all kinds of the Native American culture. The Festival includes artisan demonstrations, traditional storytelling, guided trail walks, live music, and Iroquois dance performances.
ganondagan.org, @Ganondagan
Monroe County Agricultural Festival
July 31-August 3
Northampton Park in Ogden, NY.
Agricultural exhibits, concession food, animal shows, live music, and child rides await you and the whole family at the county fair this year.
mcfair.com, 262-3247
Polish Arts Festival
August 1-2
St. Stanislaus Church, 1150 Hudson Ave.
Polish traditions will be celebrated at the annual Polish Arts Festival. Experience the Polish culture with live polka music, traditional Polish dinners, and games for all ages.
Puerto Rican Festival
August 1-3
Frontier Field, 333 Plymouth Ave N.
This year's Puerto Rican Festival includes an array of activities including a variety of Hispanic art venues, Puerto Rican cuisine, an Agency Fair, a Miss. Puerto Rico of Rochester Pageant, and a 5K.
prfestival.com, @PRFest
Lima Crossroads Festival
August 2
Main Street, Lima
Lima may be small, but this Festival is jam packed with activities! Just some of the fun includes all day vendors, a lima bean contest, a petting zoo, bounce house, car cruise in, poker run, and live music.
Park Ave Summer Art Fest
August 2-3
Park Avenue, between Alexander Street and Culver Road
One of the most unique and historic neighborhoods in Rochester celebrates its annual Art Fest. The Festival features over 300 artists, vendors, and exhibitors from across the country.
park-avenue.org, @RocEvents
Rochester Teen Film Festival
August 6
The Little Theatre, 240 East Ave.
Come out in celebration of Rochester's youngest filmmakers. Enjoy films made by urban, rural, and suburban teens from the Rochester area as they compete and are judged on their work.
thelittle.org, @TheLittleRoch, 258-0400
Pageant of Steam
August 6-9
N.Y.S.E.A., 3349 Gehan Road, Canandaigua
Come for a ride at the 54th annual Pageant of Steam in Canandaigua. This event works to promote interest in the operation, ownership, and preservation of antique steam-powered vehicles. Don't miss out on the yummy food or exhibits also featured.
National Silver Ball Tournament
August 8-10
Genesee Country Village and Museum, 1510 Flint Hill Road, Mumford
Ditch the modern rules and go back to the way the game was played in 1866. GCV hosts three days of vintage ball with teams competing from Ohio, Massachusetts, Michigan, Canada and New Jersey.
Carifest
August 9
Riverside Festival Site, between Court and Exchange Blvd.
Come out for the 30th annual Caribbean Festival and Parade in Rochester. The Festival includes Caribbean music, food, arts and crafts, and fun for all ages.
rwifo.com, 234-0909
Avon Rotary Corn Festival
August 9
Genesee Street, Village of Avon
Corn has been a staple of the region since the days of the Native Americans. Let's celebrate its impact on the area with an assortment of arts and crafts, live music, and a corn eating contest.
Brockport Summer Arts Fest
August 9-10
Main Street, Brockport
Brockport sure knows how to put on a Festival. Enjoy a vintage car cruise-in, a wine garden, over 100 exhibitors, live entertainment, a farmers market, and more!
Finger Lakes Riesling Festival
August 9-10
Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua
A Festival to celebrate summer, family, fun, and the beautiful surrounding lakes, the Riesling Festival brings to you an array of breweries, wineries, restaurants, artisans, musicians, and craftsmen.
rieslingfestival.com, @RieslingFest
Hopsfest
August 9-10
Nedloh Brewing Co., 6621 State Route 5&20, Bloomfield
Brewers and enthusiasts, come out for Rochester's newest festival. Hopsfest is a time to celebrate, sample and learn about hops and craft beer. In addition to beer, enjoy a food truck rodeo and a Big Green Egg Grill chef cook-off.
Wegmans Rochester LPGA Championship
August 11-17
Monroe Golf Club, 155 Golf Ave, Pittsford
Monroe Golf Club will once again join the list of prestigious courses to host one of the 5 LPGA Majors.
wegmanslpga.org, 427-7100, @lpga
Rochester Ukrainian Festival
August 14-17
St. Josaphats Ukrainian Catholic Church, 940 E. Ridge Road
First introduced as a way to introduce the Ukrainian heritage to the area, the Festival has brought Ukrainian dance, food, and arts and crafts to Rochester for a unique experience for over forty years.
rochesterukrainianfestival.com, @UkrainianFest
Arts at the Gardens
August 16-17
Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion, 151 Charlotte St., Canandaigua
Known for its prestige, this fine arts and craft show offers more than 100 artists presenting paintings, jewelry, sculptures, and photos. The event also includes mansion and garden tours and a beer and wine tent.
artsatthegardens.org, @SonnenbergGnM
Fairport Music and Food Festival
August 23
Liftbridge Lane, Village of Fairport
Come party and help raise money for Golisano's Children's Hospital. The Festival includes a day jam-packed with fun activities, live music on three stages, 20 bands and entertainers, and local food.
Labor Day Parade
August 29
Downtown Rochester, from Alexander Street and Plymouth Avenue
Come out to downtown Rochester for a parade to celebrate the American labor movement (just a few days early). This year's parade will also include over 10 highly skilled marching bands participating.
Antiquarian Book Fair
September 6
Main Street Armory, 900 E. Main St.
Love books? Join other book lovers in the area as you buy and find hard to find books, unusual books, out of print books, and more!
rochesterbooksellers.com, [email protected]
Clothesline Arts Festival
September 6-7
Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave.
Rochester's largest and longest-running fine art and crafts festival is back this year with all-day live entertainment, family-friendly activities, museum visits, and art viewing throughout the museum.
mag.rochester.edu/clothesline, @magur
Macedon Lumberjack Festival
September 6-7
Macedon Center Fireman's Field, Canandaigua Road
A Festival of log rolling and chopping, fire starting, and other timber sports await you at this year's Lumberjack Festival. Don't miss out on the grease pole and collectables sale this weekend as well.
Greentopia Festival
September 9-14
High Falls District
Rochester celebrates sustainability with a series of festivals within a festival at Greentopia. Events to take place include a film festival, a fashion show, and live music.
greentopiafest.com, @greentopiafest
City's South Wedge-Ucation
September 11
South Wedge
City's own event including ridiculous offers from South Wedge merchants, deals and information from some of Rochester's top arts & cultural organizations, and free stuff geared specifically for college students.
rochestercitynewspaper.rcom
Irondequoit Oktoberfest
September 12-13, 18-20
Camp Eastman, 1558 Lakeshore Blvd., Irondequoit
Rochester hosts its own Oktoberfest this September. Come out for authentic German cuisine, kid-friendly activities, master yodeling, and live entertainment.
Palmyra Canaltown Days
September 13-14
Village of Palmyra
Wagon rides, village tours, craft booths, and market vendors can all be enjoyed at the Canaltown Days Fest, a wrap-up of the summer.
Purple Foot Festival
September 14
Casa Larga Vineyards, Fairport
Enjoy the messy and purple-y fun at the Purple Foot Festival. Stomps grapes between winery tours and wine tastings all day long.
Festival of Food
September 15
Public Market, 280 N. Union St.
Spend a day tasting samples from over 100 local wineries, breweries, restaurants, bakeries, and farms. All proceeds benefit Foodlink and all they do for the community.
foodlinkny.org, @foodlinkny
First Niagara Rochester Fringe Festival
September 18-27
Various locations downtown
The Fringe Fest takes place at more than two dozen venues around downtown Rochester. You'll experience 10 days of music, dance, theater, comedy, visual art exhibits, family entertainment, and collaborative performances. Don't miss the Spiegeltent.
rochesterfringe.com, @RochesterFringe
Rochester Sci-Fi, Comic Book, and Anime Con
September 19-21
Kodak's Theatre on The Ridge, 500 West Ridge Road
Get your geek on at Roc Con this year. You won't want to miss out on special guests such as Brent Spiner, Billy West, and Alaina Huffman.
Rochester Marathon
September 21
Downtown Rochester
It's time to show off what you've been working for all summer! Take your pick between a marathon, half-marathon, and a marathon relay that will lead you all around Downtown.
rochestermarathon.com, @ROCMarathon
AppleUmpkin Festival
September 27-28
Gaslight Village, Wyoming
Revel in the final warm(ish) days of summer as you fill up on apple and pumpkin food, crafts and more.
Naples Grape Festival
TBA
Naples Village, State Route 21, Naples
Naples is the center of an important grape-growing region. Therefore, it's no surprise the village jams a whole weekend full of grape fun. The Festival includes fine arts and crafts, wine tasting, and, of course, a grape pie contest.
Rochester River Romance Weekend
TBA
Genesee River corridor
Fall in love all over again as you spend a weekend soaking up the beauty of the Genesee River. Weekend tours include the lower falls and gorge, Downtown's oldest landmarks, Maplewood Rose Garden, historic aqueducts, and more.
cityofrochester.gov/riverromance, @CityRochesterNY
Autumn Festival of Ales
October 4
Honeoye Falls Fireman's Field, 321 Monroe St., Honeoye Falls
Take a detour to Honeoye Falls for over 40 kinds of beer, live entertainment, and a chili cook-off to benefit Mercy Flight.
cbsbrewing.com, @CBBrewery
Cohoctan Fall Foliage Festival
October 4-5
Town of Cohoctan
Get into the spirit of the season as you stroll and shop for arts and crafts, antiques, and flea market finds. The Festival will also host a themed parade.
Fall Festival feat. Agricultural Society Fair
October 4-5
Genesee Country Village and Museum, Mumford
Gather the family for this authentic 19th-century county fair. Over 150 types of exhibitions, pumpkin competitions, and various acts of puppeteering, magic, and villagers are included in this quaint fair.
Hilton Apple Fest
October 4-5
Hilton
Hilton brings a weekend of arts and crafts, a car show, apple pie eating contest, 5-mile run and more. Now how 'bout them apples!
University of Rochester Meliora Weekend
October 16-19
University of Rochester River Campus
Don't miss out on Meliora Weekend and its range of events including major speakers, panel discussions, sporting events, seminars, open houses, and kid-friend programs.
rochester.edu/melioraweekend, @UofR
Brick City Homecoming
October 16-19
Rochester Institute of Technology
Brick City Homecoming is a weekend-long event for families of students and alumni to enjoy reunion events, entertainment, and live music.
rit.edu/brickcity, @RITNEWS
ImageOut Film Festival
October 10-19
Dryden Theatre, Little Theatre, and other venues
The film festival returns with over 60 films from more than 20 countries depicting LGBT life in documentaries, features, and shorts.
imageout.org, @ImageOut
Rochester Fashion Week
October 14-19
Various locations downtown
Despite its inspiration from NYC Fashion Week, Rochester's mission is to make it widely available to the whole community to enjoy the fun and glamorous time of a fashion show.
fashionweekofrochester.org, @Roc_FashionWeek
High Falls Film Festival
October 23-26
Little Theatre (240 East Ave. #100), Dryden Theatre (900 East Ave.), Cinema Theater (957 Clinton Ave. S.)
High Falls Film Festival is one of the longest running women's film festivals on the east coast. Get the full experience with Q&A's and coffee chats with the filmmakers, a fashion show, panel discussions about filmmaking, and much more.
highfallsfilmfestival.com, @HighFallsFF
Rochester Jewish Book Festival
November 2-16
Jewish Community Center, 1200 Edgewood Ave.
Jewish comedy, culture, and classics make up this Book Festival. Meet various Jewish authors, meet for panel discussions, and snag a seat at a film screening all right here!
Polish Film Festival
November 5-10
Dryden Theatre; Little Theatre
Six days of unique Polish culture are in store. Buckle up for Polish films, panels with the filmmakers and actors, music recitals, and lectures.