Things to do this weekend in and around Rochester
Friendly fun in Rochester for May 13-15, 2026
(Scroll down for full list of weekend activities.)
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Kick off the week with the vibrant 2026 Rochester Lilac Festival at Highland Park, where blooming lilacs, live music, art, and family fun create the perfect spring outing from 10:30am to 8:30pm. Art lovers can immerse themselves in the captivating Desire and Abundance: American Culture and the Still Life exhibit at the Memorial Art Gallery during museum hours, exploring everyday objects with deeper meanings. Catch a thrilling Rochester Red Wings vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs baseball game at Innovative Field with varying start times for family-friendly excitement. Glide along the water with a relaxing Scenic River and Canal Cruise Aboard Riverie from Rochester By Water, enjoying live narration and stunning views multiple times throughout the day.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Discover powerful sculptures in Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden at the Memorial Art Gallery during museum hours, celebrating the prolific African American artist's retrospective. Young photographers' visions shine in the Flower City Arts Center: Studio 678 Photo Club 2025/2026 at the George Eastman Museum exhibit in the Gallery Obscura, open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. Nature and photography enthusiasts will love Edward Steichen and the Garden at the George Eastman Museum, exploring the iconic photographer's lifelong passion during regular hours. Sign up for fresh produce with the CSA Share Membership 2026 Signup Period for G and S Orchards, supporting local farming all day long.
Friday, May 15, 2026
Step into history at 1812: The Genesee Valley at War from 10am-4pm at Genesee Country Village & Museum, experiencing the War of 1812's impact on Western New York. Teens can get creative at Teen Craft: Paint a Tote Bag for grades 6-12 from 4-5pm at Penfield Public Library. Little ones will delight in Wee Walkers Play Time from 9:45-10:30am at Penfield Public Library, perfect for play and fun. Prepare for more weekend thrills with ongoing Erie Canal Lock 32 Cruise Aboard Sam Patch in Pittsford, checking the website for daily times to travel through a working lock with live narration.