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 2025, 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 20, 2025
- 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 26, 2025
- 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 2024 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 26-27, 2025
- 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 2025
- May 9-18, 2025
- 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.
2025 Mother’s Day
- Sunday, May 11, 2025
- 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 12-18, 2025
- 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 15-18 2025
- 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 17, 2025
- 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 18, 2025
- 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.
2025 National Lake Trout Derby on Seneca Lake
- May 24-26, 2025
- 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.
2025 Ithaca Festival | Ithaca, NY
- May 29 – June 1, 2025
- 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. The 2025 Ithaca Festival Parade is on May 29. Ithaca festival is free to the public.
2025 Mendon Fire Department Carnival | Mendon, NY
- May 29 – June 1, 2025
- Mendon, NY
- View Website
- The Mendon Fire Department Carnival features carnival rides and games, beer tent, live music, and parade. Fireworks at 9:33pm on Thursday May 29.
2025 Rochester Greek Festival | Rochester, NY
- May 29 – June 1, 2025
- 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 2025
- May 31 – June 1, 2025
- 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
Letchworth State Park