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Rochester Lilac Festival Adds Premium Food and Drink Tasting Event
The new 'Lilac Table: A Tasting Collective' will feature local restaurants and craft beverage producers.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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The 128th annual Rochester Lilac Festival will feature a new premium food and drink tasting event called 'The Lilac Table: A Tasting Collective' on May 16, the second-to-last day of the 10-day festival. The ticketed event will showcase Rochester's top restaurants and craft beverage makers, with tents, lounge areas, a DJ, and a surprise-guest MC.
Why it matters
The Lilac Festival is one of Rochester's biggest annual events, drawing over 500,000 visitors last year. Adding a premium tasting experience is a way to attract more attendees and highlight the city's thriving food and beverage scene.
The details
The Lilac Table will run from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on May 16 behind the Lilac Adventure Zone in Highland Park. Guests will receive a welcome drink and a locally curated gift bag, and can also use shuttle services. Participating partners include local restaurants, breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
- The 128th Lilac Festival kicks off on Friday, May 8 and runs for 10 days, closing on Sunday, May 17.
- The new Lilac Table tasting event will take place on Saturday, May 16, the second-to-last day of the festival.
The players
Rochester Lilac Festival
An annual 10-day festival in Rochester, New York that celebrates the city's extensive lilac collection in Highland Park, drawing over 500,000 visitors.
The Lilac Table: A Tasting Collective
A new premium food and drink tasting event that will be part of the 2026 Rochester Lilac Festival, featuring local restaurants, breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
What’s next
Tickets for the Lilac Table tasting event will go on sale on the Lilac Festival website in the coming weeks.
The takeaway
The addition of the Lilac Table tasting event is an exciting new way for the Rochester Lilac Festival to showcase the city's thriving culinary and beverage industries, while also providing a premium experience for attendees.
