The Rochester Lilac Festival has unveiled the headliners and supporting acts for its 128th annual celebration, bringing ten straight days of live music to the Highland Park from May 8 through May 17.
Festival organizers say this year’s KeyBank Center Stage lineup is designed to create full, themed evenings of music by pairing nationally known headliners with direct support acts, rather than presenting standalone performances.
Executive Producer Jenny LoMaglio said the goal is to give festivalgoers a mix of favorite artists and new discoveries throughout the run of the event.
The 2026 headliners include Cimafunk on opening night, Lee Fields, The Lone Bellow, Cruel Summer, Scott Mayo & Prime Time Funk, Mikaela Davis, Joe P, Anees, JD McPherson and Eggy. Each show will also feature a direct support performer, and all headlining sets will include ASL interpretation.
Organizers say nearly 60 performances are scheduled for the KeyBank Center Stage alone, with additional regional acts, buskers throughout the gardens and children’s programming at the Bach to Rock stage. A full daily schedule beyond the headliners will be released in March.
Beyond the music, the festival will also offer a 21-and-over VIP SkyDeck viewing area, food vendors, artists and craft sellers, and family activities.
Adam Bello said the event draws visitors from across the region and provides a boost for local businesses, while Malik D. Evans called the festival a signature celebration of the city’s culture and history.
Held annually since 1898, the Lilac Festival attracts an average of more than 500,000 visitors each spring and features one of the largest collections of lilacs in the Northeast. For more information about this year’s event, visit www.roclilacfest.com, Facebook, and Instagram.
