April & May Events | Spring Things-to-do

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 2022, like Kentucky Derby Parties, Wine and Beer tastings, fundraiser benefits, Lilac Festival, Food Truck Rodeo and more.

April & May Events: Spring things-to-do in Finger Lakes & WNY

With the pandemic still lingering, events may be canceled or postponed. Check websites before heading to event.

Buffalo Wine Festival

• Saturday, April 23, 2022
• Buffalo Niagara Convention Center -153 Franklin St. Buffalo, NY
• View Website
• Buffalo’s Premier Wine Festival

Buffalo Blues & Roots Festival – Buffalo, NY

• Saturday, April 23, 2022 – (1-11pm)
• Buffalo Riverworks – 359 Ganson St. Buffalo, NY
• View Website
• The 1st Annual Buffalo Blues & Roots Festival at Buffalo Riverworks in Buffalo, NY features live national, regional and local blues / roots / rock bands all day.

Rochester Food Truck Rodeos 2022

• April 27, 2022 – (5-9pm)
• Rochester Public Market 280 N. Union St. Rochester, NY
• View Website
• Four-Wheeled Food Fests at the Public Market each last Wednesday of the month through September. Local Food, Local Brew, Local Bands. Recommended to bring chairs/snack table. Limited picnic tables.

Rochester Lilac Festival 2022

• May 6-8, 2022
• May 12-15, 2022
• May 19-22, 2022
• Highland Park, Rochester, NY
• View Website
• Rochester NY free festival with ten days and nights of festivities such as food vendors, live music and of course, lilacs.

Cherry Blossom Festival – Buffalo NY

• Saturday, April 30 – Sunday May 1, 2022 (11am-3pm)
• The Japanese Garden in Delaware Park – Buffalo, NY
• View Website
• See Pink clouds of cherry blossoms reflected on a lake.

Genny Fest™ Music Festival & Food-Truck Frenzy – Geneseo, NY

• Friday, May 6, 2022 (4-7pm)
• On campus at SUNY Geneseo – Geneseo, NY
• View Website
• Genny Fest is a free music-and-food festival hosted each spring on campus featuring live music and food trucks.

2022 Mother’s Day

• Sunday, May 8, 2022
• 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 9-14, 2022
• View Website
• Carnival – Thursday, Friday,Saturday. Parade Saturday 5 pm. 5k walk/run. Various other events during week.

Newfane Apple Blossom Festival – Newfane, NY

• May 15, 2022
• 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.

Williamson Apple Blossom Festival – Williamson, NY

• May 19-21, 2022
• View Website
• The 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.

Finger Lakes Celtic Games and Festival – Farmington, NY

• Saturday, May 21, 2022 (9:30am-7pm)
• 4925 Collett Road, Farmington, NY
• View Website
• The Finger Lakes Celtic Games and Festival features the culture of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Cornwall with food, historical presentations, competitions, vendors, entertainment, dance and music.

The Skycoasters – Opening Night at the Farm – Canandaigua

• Saturday, May 28, 2022
• Lincoln Hill Farms – Rte 247, Canandaigua, NY
• View Website
• Enjoy 2022 opening night at the farm with live music by The Skycoasters. Tickets: $10.00 | Children 16 & Under FREE | Doors open 5pm

2022 National Lake Trout Derby on Seneca Lake

• May 28-30, 2022
• 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.

Rochester Food Truck Rodeos 2022

• May 31, 2022 – (5-9pm)
• Rochester Public Market 280 N. Union St. Rochester, NY
• View Website
• Four-Wheeled Food Fests at the Public Market each last Wednesday of the month through September. Local Food, Local Brew, Local Bands. Recommended to bring chairs/snack table. Limited picnic tables.