For more details, see CITY's 2014 Festival Preview Guide.
Fairport Canal Days
Friday, June 6, through Sunday, June 8
Main Street area, Fairport
FREE
Attracting more than 200,000 attendees every year, this Fairport volunteer-run festival includes live music, arts and crafts from more than 200 artisan vendors, a chicken BBQ, and a Duck Race benefitting the Fairport Perinton Merchants Association. Friday, June 6: 4:30 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, June 7: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, June 8: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fairportcanaldays.com.
Sulphur Springs Festival
Friday, June 6, through Saturday, June 7
Throughout Clifton Springs
FREE
The town of Clifton Springs celebrates the beginning of the summer with its own festival fun, including a car show, a parade, and pie eating contests. Music includes Allen Hopkins & Jim Clark, Bristol Mountain Bluegrass, Celtic Ceilidh Band, and Dady Brothers. Friday, June 6: 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, June 7: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sulphurspringsfestival.com.
19th Ward Square Fair
Saturday, June 7
Aberdeen Square Park, 330 Post Avenue
FREE
The largest event hosted in support of the 19th Ward of Rochester and its community. The day-long fair will include food vendors from local restaurants, live entertainments, lunch grills, and booths selling books, plants, food, and more. Parade at 12:30 p.m. 19wca.org.
East End Music Festival
Friday, June 13
Throughout Rochester's East End
Four stages will be spread across Rochester's East End with twelve local bands scheduled. A food truck rodeo will be held from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Music starts at 6 p.m. Eastendmusicfestival.com.
Festival on the Green
Friday, June 13, through Sunday, June 15
Fireman's Field (321 Monroe Street) and Harry Allen Park (21 North Main Street) in Honeoye Falls
FREE
A 5K run, street vendors, and live music are all in store at the Festival on the Green in Honeoye Falls. The 5K through the village requires a $20 registration ahead of time, and $25 day of the event. Proceeds benefit the Honeoye Falls FISH Food Cupboard. The rest of the festival is free to attend. Festivalonthegreen.us.
Rochester Real Beer Week and Expo
Friday, June 13, through Saturday, June 21
Various locations
$10-$65
Learn all you can about craft beer. Various venues across the city will host events during the 10 day festival. The Expo will take place on June 14, 6 to 10 p.m., on Gregory Street. Tickets from the expo are $45 general admission, $65 VIP, and $10 for designated drivers. Rochesterrealbeer.com.
Maplewood Rose Celebration
Saturday, June 14, through Sunday, June 15
Maplewood Park & Rose Garden (on the corner of Lake and Driving Park Avenues)
FREE
Smell the roses at this year's Maplewood Rose Celebration, featuring more than 3,000 rose bushes and all sorts of festival activities. Cityofrochester.gov/maplewoodrosefest
Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival
Friday, June 20, through Saturday, June 28
Various locations
Prices vary
Over 300 concerts including Steve Martin, Michael McDonald, and Janelle Monáe can be seen at this year's Jazz Fest. Also, don't miss out on over 80 free shows. Rochesterjazz.com. Look for CITY's Jazz Festival Preview Guide out June 18.
Day of Remembrance
Thursday, July 3
Durand Eastman Park, Lake Shore Boulevard & Kings Highway North
FREE
Since 2007, the Maafa Celebration Committee has used this event as a day to commemorate the lives lost in the Middle Passages of the Atlantic Slave trade. Takes place 6 to 8 p.m. Maafacc.webs.com.
Sterling Renaissance Fair
Saturdays and Sundays, beginning July 5 through August 17
15385 Farden Road in Sterling
$12.95-$22.95
Huzzah! The Renaissance Fair returns with even more medieval fun than years past. Sterlingfestival.com.
Big Rib BBQ and Blues Fest
Thursday, July 10, through Sunday, July 13
Highland Park Festival Site (corner of Highland & South Avenue)
$10 after 3 p.m.
This year's lineup includes Robert Randolph and the Family Band, The James Hunter Six, Shemekia Copeland, Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens, and Playing for Change. Rochesterevents.com/festivals-events/big-rib-bbq-blues-fest
Finger Lakes Wine Festival
Friday, July 11, through Sunday, July 13
Watkins Glen International Speedway, 2790 County Route 16 in Watkins
$15-$50
This adult-inspired festival brings you over 90 wineries and all sorts of foods from popular area hot spots. Flwinefest.com.
Corn Hill Arts Festival
Saturday, July 12, through Sunday, July 13
Corn Hill neighborhood
FREE
The festival hosts over 400 contributing artists as well as a beer and wine garden, live entertainment, and an emerging artists expo. Cornhillartsfestival.com.
Canandaigua Art and Music Festival
Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20
Main Street, Canandaigua
FREE
Artists and craftmakers will be selling photography, jewelry, pottery, and woodworking. Friday, July 18: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Canadaiguaartfestival.com.
Canandaigua Lake Music Festival
Wednesday, July 9, through Sunday, July 20
Finger Lakes Community College (3325 Marvin Sands Drive) and Bristol Harbor Resort (5410 Seneca Point Road)
$10-$50
Pianists, violinists, cellists and more will be putting on six performances. The festival will also include four free concerts as well.
Macedonian Ethnic Festival
Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20
St. Dimitria Macedonian Orthodox Church, 235 Telephone Road in West Henrietta
FREE
The Macedonian Festival celebrates the history of the Macedonian culture with costumes, food, and more. Friday, July 18: 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Saturday, July 19: 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.; and Sunday, July 20: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Macedonianfest.com.
Rochester Pride 2014
Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20
Throughout Rochester
With their theme of "Carnival: True Colors," this year's Rochester Pride festival celebrates the progress the LGBT community has made in Rochester. For a full schedule of events visit: Gayalliance.org.
Rochester Jewish Film Festival
Sunday, July 13, through Monday, July 21
Various locations
$7-$48
In honor of local and international Jewish filmmakers, the JCC of Greater Rochester hosts its Film Festival for its 14th year. Shows at The Little, the Dryden Theatre, and the Jewsih Community Center. For more information and ticket pricing, visit Rjff.org.
10 Ugly Men Festival
Saturday, July 26
Genesee Valley Park, 952 E. River Road
$10-$35
The day is packed with sports-related activities including a 5K run, volleyball tournament, and kick ball, all benefiting charity. Takes place 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tenuglymen.com.
Spencerport Canal Days
Saturday, July 26, through Sunday, July 27, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Along the Erie Canal in Spencerport
FREE
A car show, Canaligator race, and two days along the Erie Canal make for one great weekend of festival activities. Takes place 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Spencerportcanaldays.com.
Waterfront Art Festival
Saturday, July 26, through Sunday, July 27
Kershaw Park, Lake Shore Drive in Canandaigua
$3
For more than 40 years, the Waterfront Art Festival has brought a unique collection of arts and crafts vendors selling jewelry, pottery, and one-of-a-kind items. Takes place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Waterfrontartfestival.com.
Native American Dance and Music Festival
Saturday, July 26, through Sunday, July 27
Ganondagan Historic Site, 1488 State Route 444 in Victor
$5-$12
Learn about the area's rich Native American culture with traditional music and dances, tours of a 17th century Seneca Bark Longhouse, and storytelling. Takes place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ganondagan.org.
Monroe County Agricultural Fair
Thursday, July 31, through Sunday, August 3
Northampton Park, Ogden
$6-$7
This year's county fair includes annual favorites such as lawnmower, tractor, and horse pulling competitions, food vendors, kid-friendly rides, and live music. Thursday, July 31: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, August 1, and Saturday, August 2: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Aunday, August 3, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mcfair.com.
Polish Arts Festival
Friday, August 1, through Saturday, August 2
St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 1150 Hudson Avenue
FREE
Polish foods and music favorites (yes, this includes polka) will be featured at this year's Polish Arts Festival. Friday, August 1: 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, August 2: 4 to 8 p.m. Polishartsfest.org.
Puerto Rican Festival
Friday, August 1, through Sunday, August 3
Frontier Field, 333 Plymouth Avenue North
$5-$25
Includes dance groups, youth boxing and performances, children's activities, a 5K race and walk, live salsa, food, and the introduction of Miss Puerto Rico of Rochester Queen and Princess. Friday, August 1, and Saturday, August 2: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, August 3: 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Prfestival.com.
Lima Crossroads Festival
Saturday, August 2
Along Main Street in Lima
FREE
The Lima Crossroads Festival just wouldn't be complete without a lima bean recipe contest. Festival takes place at 9 a.m. Limafest.org.
Park Avenue Summer Art Festival
Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, August 3
Park Avenue, between Alexander Street and Culver Road
FREE
One of the Rochester's biggest festivals, the Park Avenue Fest returns with over 300 artists showcasing handmade and original pieces. Saturday, August 2: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, August 3: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
African American Festival
Saturday, August 2
Highland Bowl on South Avenue
FREE
A.B.O.V.E., and its annual festival — now in its 7th year — is dedicated to celebrating and making a difference among African-Americans in the Rochester area. Takes place 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aboveny.org.
Rochester Teen Film Festival
Wednesday, August 6
The Little Theatre, 240 East Avenue
We think Spielberg would agree you're never too young to start directing (after all, he was only 11). The Festival will present the winners of the Film Festival at the Little Theatre at 5:30 p.m. Go.naz.edu/rtff.
Pageant of Steam
Wednesday, August 6, through Saturday, August 9, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
N.Y.S.E.A., 3349 Gehan Road in Canandaigua
$6
Ah, the good ole days of steam-powered vehicles. Reminiscence in those times as you view and learn more about the operation and preservation of these antique vehicles. Takes place 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pageantofsteam.org.
Hopsfest
Saturday, August 9, through Sunday, August 10
Nedloh Brewing Co., 6621 State Route 5 & 20 in Bloomfield
$30-$50
For its first year, the Nedloh Brewing Company will put on its Hopsfest, allowing you to sample and learn about all sorts of hops and craft beer. Saturday, August 9: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, August 10: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hopsfestny.com.
Carifest
Saturday, August 9
Liberty Pole Way & the Riverside Festival Site (Court and Exchange Boulevard)
FREE
Carifest celebrates Rochester's Caribbean heritage with food, music, and arts. Takes place 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Rwifo.com.
Avon Rotary Corn Festival
Saturday, August 9
Genesee Street in Avon
FREE
Celebrate the impact corn has had on the Western New York area with a corn eating contest, live bands, and craft vendors. Takes place 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Avonrotary.org.
Brockport Summer Arts Festival
Saturday, August 9, through Sunday, August 10
Main Street in Brockport
FREE
Features a vintage car cruise-in, a wine garden, a farmers market, and a Duck Derby in the canal. Saturday, August 9: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, August 10, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Brockportartsfestival.com.
Finger Lakes Riesling Festival
Saturday, August 9, through Sunday, August 10
New York Wine & Culinary Center (800 S. Main Street, Canandaigua) & Canandaigua City Pier (Lakeshore Drive)
FREE
This weekend wine festival features local Riesling, craft beer, a farmer's market, and cooking classes at NYWCC. Takes place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rieslingfestival.com.
Rochester Ukrainian Festival
Thursday, August 14, through Sunday, August 17
St. Josaphat's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 940 E. Ridge Road
FREE
Easter may have passed us, but make sure to check out – and stock up on – Ukrainian Easter eggs for next year. The festival also features traditional Ukrainian dancing, foods, and ceramics. Rochesterukrainianfestival.com.
Fairport Music and Food Festival
Saturday, August 23
Lift Bridge Lane in Fairport
$10-15
As a benefit for the Golisano Children's Hospital, Fairport puts together some of its favorite local talent and food vendors for an all-day festival. Takes place 12 p.m. to dark. Fairportmusicfestival.com.
Sankofa Theatre Festival
Thursday, August 28, through Saturday, August 30
MuCCC Theatre, 142 Atlantic Avenue
$12.50-$35
The festival brings some of the best local African American talent together for three nights of one-act plays. Moodmakersbooks.com.
NYS Festival of Balloons
Friday, August 29, through Monday, September 1
Dansville Municipal Airport, 176 Franklin Street (Maple Street Entrance)
$5
Despite the name, the NYSFOB offers more than just hot air balloons. Enjoy arts and craft vendors, campground space, live entertainment and more. Nysfob.com.
Clothesline Festival
Saturday, September 6, through Sunday, September 7
Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Avenue
$4-$5
One of the area's largest art festivals, Clothesline returns to showcase work by more than 400 local artists. Mag.rochester.edu/clothesline.
Macedon Lumberjack Festival
Saturday, September 6, through Sunday, September 7, 8 a.m.
Macedon Center Fireman's Field, 2481 Canandaigua Road, Macedon
$1-$3
Grab your favorite flannel and axe as you head over to the Macedon Lumberjack Festival for log rolling, axe throwing, and more. Macedoncenterfire.org.
Greentopia
Tuesday, September 9, through Sunday, September 14
Various locations
Prices vary
Celebrate sustainability with a film fest, a fashion show, and an art and photography show all wrapped into one festival. Greentopiafest.com.
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