Springtime in the Finger Lakes and Western NY is a splendid, colorful (and muddy) time to enjoy flowers awakening and an end to the winter hibernation. There are many festivals, events and fun happenings in April and May 2026, like Kentucky Derby Parties, Wine and Beer tastings, fundraiser benefits, Rochester Lilac Festival, Food Truck Rodeo and more.
April & May Events: Spring things-to-do in Finger Lakes & WNY
Events may be canceled or postponed. Check websites before heading to event.
2025 Easter Sunday
- Sunday, April 05, 2026
- Check out these local restaurants serving Easter brunch and Easter dinner…
- Easter Brunch / Dinner – Rochester & Finger Lakes
- Easter Brunch / Dinner – Syracuse & CNY
- Easter Brunch / Dinner – Buffalo & WNY
Wild Water Derby | Shortsville, NY
- April 25, 2026
- Flint Creek – Shortsville, NY
- View Website
- Ride down Flint’s Creek in a Raft, canoe, or whatever else floats. Participate in this wild adventure or bring your family to come and watch the 2026 Wild Water Derby .
- The Wild Water Derby race starts off on the Canandaigua Outlet in historic Littleville (Hopewell), continues past Budd Park in Shortsville, and ends in Manchester just before the New York State Thruway. Spectators watch all along the waterfront with the biggest watching at Budd Park in Shortsville.
- The day also consists of the Wild Water Derby 5k, breakfast at Budd Park, Craft show, Raft parade, and award ceremony.
Cherry Blossom Festival | Buffalo NY
- April 25-26, 2026
- The Japanese Garden in Delaware Park – Buffalo, NY
- View Website
- See Pink clouds of cherry blossoms reflected on a lake at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Buffalo NY.
Rochester Lilac Festival 2026
- May 8-17, 2026
- Highland Park, Rochester, NY
- View Website
- Rochester Lilac Festival 2026 in Rochester NY is a free festival with ten days and nights of festivities such as food vendors, live music and of course, lilacs.
2026 Mother’s Day
- Sunday, May 10, 2026
- Check out these local restaurants serving Mother’s Day brunch and dinner…
- Mother’s Day Brunch Restaurants | Rochester & Finger Lakes
- Mother’s Day Restaurants | Syracuse CNY
- Mother’s Day Restaurants | Buffalo WNY
Dansville Dogwood Festival | Dansville, NY
- May 11-17, 2026
- View Website
- Dansville Dogwood Festival features a carnival on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Parade Saturday 5 pm. 5k walk/run. Various other events during week.
Williamson Apple Blossom Festival | Williamson, NY
- May 14-17 2026
- View Website
- The Williamson Apple Blossom Festival has been recognized as the longest continually running festival in New York State. Featuring a parade, live music and food. Fireworks on Saturday.
International Festival & Vintage & Classic Euro Car Celebration | Canandaigua, NY
- Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Main Street, Downtown Canandaigua, NY
- View Website
- The International Festival & Vintage & Classic Euro Car Celebration on Main Street in Downtown Canandaigua features an International marketplace, food, live music and dancing. Celebrate the season opening of the Central on Main at noon.
Newfane Apple Blossom Festival | Newfane, NY
- Sunday, May 17, 2026
- Country Village – 2685 West Creek Rd. Newfane, NY
- View Website
- Enjoy local foods, live performances, flea market and craft vendors, historical demos, animal exhibits, car and tractor displays, historical reenactments and hands-on activities at the Newfane Apple Blossom Festival. 10am-4pm.
2026 National Lake Trout Derby on Seneca Lake
- May 23-25, 2026
- Seneca Lake, Geneva, NY
- View Website
- Fishermen compete for prizes for largest Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout or Landlocked Salmon at the National Lake Trout Derby on Seneca Lake.
2026 Ithaca Festival | Ithaca, NY
- May 28-31, 2026
- Downtown Ithaca from the Commons to GIAC. Ithaca, NY
- View Website
- The Ithaca Festival features days of music and arts. Over 1,000 talented local musicians, painters, dancers, clowns, community groups, and ensembles perform throughout the Ithaca Festival weekend. The Ithaca Festival Spring Craft Fair features nearly one hundred local and regional vendors showcasing their unique creations. Over 70 live performances take place on stages throughout the city of Ithaca. Ithaca festival is free to the public.
2026 Mendon Fire Department Carnival | Mendon, NY
- May 28-30, 2026
- Mendon, NY
- View Website
- The Mendon Fire Department Carnival features carnival rides and games, beer tent, live music, parade and Fireworks.
2026 Rochester Greek Festival | Rochester, NY
- May 28-31, 2026
- Greek Orthodox Church, 962 East Ave. Rochester, NY
- View Website
- Rochester Greek Festival is held on the grounds of the Greek Orthodox Church, 962 East Avenue, near the George Eastman House. Taste Greek food, shop in a Greek marketplace, and enjoy Greek music and dancing. Free admission.
Canandaigua Lake Trout Derby
- Canandaigua Lake
- View Website
- Trout fisherman compete for prizes for the biggest lake trout, brown trout and rainbow trout at The Annual Lake trout derby on Canandaigua Lake
Live Music at Remedy @ Finger Lakes Casino