Things to do this weekend in and around Rochester
Friendly fun in Rochester for Friday, May 8 – Sunday, May 10, 2026
Scroll down for full list of weekend activities.
Friday, May 8, 2026
Get ready for a fantastic Friday with plenty of activities for the whole family! Start your weekend at the 2026 Rochester Lilac Festival in Highland Park, running from 10:30am to 8:30pm with live music, blooming lilacs, Art in the Park, walking tours, and family fun. If you're looking for something more adventurous, head to Trading Card Show at Great Lakes Gaming from 5PM to 10PM, where kids and collectors can buy, sell, and trade their favorite TCG and sports cards. For those interested in exploring historic spaces after dark, Upstairs Downstairs After-Hours Tours at the Genesee Country Village & Museum opens from 5-9 p.m. for a unique behind-the-scenes experience. Don't miss the chance to explore art exhibitions either – the Desire and Abundance: American Culture and the Still Life exhibit at Memorial Art Gallery is open during museum hours.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Saturday is packed with exciting opportunities for families! Join the 2026 Pink & Teal Challenge at Monroe Community College from 9:30-11:30am for a 5K women-only run or family-friendly walk. Afterwards, bring the kids to Safari Tours At Hidden Valley Animal Adventure in nearby Varysburg, where they can take an open-air safari bus tour or self-drive through 63 acres to see and feed exotic animals like camels, zebras, llamas, and emus. For those interested in climbing, Guided Climbing at RocVentures Climbing Gym offers staff-guided adventures perfect for first-timers. If your family enjoys learning about animals, check out Cat Behavior 101 at Lollypop Farm from 1:30-2:30 p.m., an introductory course on feline communication and care.
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Wrap up your weekend with a relaxing cruise along the historic Erie Canal! Lunch and Erie Canal Lock 32 Cruise Aboard Sam Patch departs at 12:00PM from Pittsford, offering live narration, a working lock passage, and optional lunch as you travel through this engineering marvel. Before or after your cruise, explore the beautiful art exhibitions at Memorial Art Gallery, including Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden, celebrating the prolific legacy of African American artist John Rhoden. You can also continue enjoying the 2026 Rochester Lilac Festival, which runs through May 17, or visit General Admission at Genesee Country Village & Museum from 10:00-4:00 to explore the historic village and its 1800s buildings.