CITY Newspaper's Festival Guide 2019

2 2019 FESTIVAL PREVIEW

FESTIVALS,

AND FANCY-FREE

CITY NEWSPAPER 2019 FESTIVAL PREVIEW Page 4 - Festival Preview Guide CITY Newspaper’s 2019 Festival Preview Guide

Page 6 - Festival of Balloons

Clearing the air: Veteran hot air balloon pilot Sean Quigley talks flight

Page 10 - Carifest

Celebrating Caribbean culture: Rochester’s Carifest reaches 35th year On the cover: Photo by Jacob Walsh Models: Jesse Amesmith, Piper Jane Austin, Gabrielle Lewis, Greg Maslyn, Claire Popoli Publishers: Rochester Area Media Partners, Norm Silverstein, chairman.

William and Mary Anna Towler, founders [ INTRODUCTION ]

BY DANIEL J. KUSHNER

This is my favorite time of the year. With spring officially here, all the best weather — and the best local festivals — are ahead of us. And as you plan out your celebration destinations heading into the summer, CITY has you covered with our annual Festival Preview Guide. Courtesy of Scott Pukos, we’ve got the listings so you don’t have to miss things.

We’ve also got the inside scoops on two distinctive regional festivals that may have flown under your radar. In the case of The 19th Annual Red, White & Blue Balloon Rally, we mean that literally.

Rebecca Rafferty spoke to seasoned hot air balloon pilot Sean Quigley — not just about the rally, but about what to expect if you’re planning a hot air balloon ride yourself this season. Anchors away.

Chris Thompson gives us a taste of the Caribbean with his preview of the 35th Annual Carifest Parade and Festival.

There’s plenty of music, food, and culture on the docket — and everyone loves a parade — but the story of Carifest is also about the vibrancy of an important Rochester cultural community.

As the festival season gets going, CITY will update information and list new festivals in our online version of the guide at rochestercitynewspaper.com.

Editorial department themail@rochester-citynews.com Special Sections editor: Daniel J. Kushner Contributing writers: Scott Pukos, Rebecca Rafferty, Chris Thompson Art department artdept@rochester-citynews.com Art director/production manager: Ryan Williamson Designers: Renée Heininger, Jacob Walsh Advertising department ads@rochester-citynews.com New sales development: Betsy Matthews Sales representatives: Tracey Mykins, David White, William Towler Operations/Circulation kstathis@rochester-citynews.com Circulation manager: Katherine Stathis Distribution: David Riccioni, Northstar Delivery Festival Preview 2019 is published by Rochester Area Media Partners, a subsidiary of WXXI Public Broadcasting. 2019 - all rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system without permission of the copyright owner.

rochestercitynewspaper.com facebook.com/citynewspaper @roccitynews CITY NEWSPAPER 250 N. Goodman Street Rochester, NY 14607 585-244-3329

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Rochester Lilac Festival

FESTIVAL PREVIEW

Friday, May 10 through Sunday, May 19

I’ve long believed that CITY should deliver a scratch-n-sniff edition, and the Lilac Festival preview is a leading reason for why this needs to happen. The gown of lilacs worn by Highland Park this time of year is no doubt breathtaking, but don’t sleep on that scent. It’s the glorious smell of late spring and early summer in Rochester, and not many things can top it (the aroma coming from a bouquet of food trucks is a close second). The live music lineup includes Rochester superhero Danielle Ponder and the Tomorrow People (performing May 13), Julian Marley (the son of Bob, playing May 14), and tribute acts to Phish, Dave Matthews Band, Led Zeppelin, and the Zac Brown Band. rochesterevents.com/lilac-festival

Rochester Dachshund Parade Saturday, May 11

Can I preview the 18th Rochester Dachshund Parade without using dog puns? No promises, but I’ll give it a shot. The parade is a gathering of dachshunds, and dog lovers in Washington Square Park. While the event is a celebration of the breed, it’s also a chance to support organizations dedicated to the relief of animal suffering. In short, it’s … pawesome. dachshundparade.com

96.5 WCMF’s Roc City Rib Fest Friday, May 24 through Sunday, May 26

In last year’s guide, I determined your blood will be 80-percent barbecue by the end of this fest.

I’m here to admit I was incorrect. The truth: You’re going to be all barbecue in the end, like the liquid Terminator in “Judgement Day,” just with sauce.

Rib Fest will once again be held at The Barnard Fireman’s Field in Greece. Bring your appetite. roccityribfest.com

Geneva Music Festival Friday, May 24 through Sunday, June 16

This year’s theme is “Women in Music: Key Players.” At least half of the festival’s programming will represent women’s contributions to music through featured composers, performers, or multimedia. Concerts take place across the Finger Lakes region, including Geneva, Skaneateles, Canandaigua, and Auburn. Playing along on the air cello is acceptable. genevamusicfestival.com [ GUIDE ] BY SCOTT PUKOS

We all know that person. You know, that guy. I’m talking about the person who insists (enter ridiculous voice) “there’s nothing to do in Rochester.” This individual is missing out on a world of adventure and events in our city, plus the surrounding counties. My friends, don’t be this person. Here’s your map, your guide, your BFF for festival rituals throughout the spring, summer, and even into the fall. Join in the revelry. By the end, you may even say there’s “too much to do in Rochester.”

4 2019 FESTIVAL PREVIEW

GlassFest Thursday, May 23 through Sunday May 26

You could say this is going to be a “kick-glass” weekend at the Corning Museum of Glass (that sentence may have immediately banned me). But seriously, this is a can’t-miss fest south of Rochester. There’s live glassmaking, music, shopping, food, and drinks are on tap. gafferdistrict.com/glassfest

Annunciation Rochester Greek Festival Thursday, May 30 through Sunday, June 2

“Opa!” It’s an expression you’ll hear plenty of during East Avenue’s Greek Festival. If there are any Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reading this, I can tell you it’s basically the Greek equivalent of “cowabunga!” The festival includes spanakopita, dancing, drinks, kids’ activities, gyros, and people mispronouncing the word “gyro.” The Greek Orthodox Church, at 962 East Avenue, is your location. rochestergreekfestival.org

Sulphur Springs Festival Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1

Festival favorites including a parade, live music, games, and food are here for this Ontario County village celebration at Clifton Springs’ John Brown Memorial Park.

Bonus: There is also a beer and wine stroll on May 31 (by far the best kind of stroll). sulphurspringsfestival.com

Fairport Canal Days Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2

“The Erie Canal Song” sadly doesn’t mention rubber ducks, but these bright yellow bathtub companions are a fun component to Fairport’s Canal Days. The annual duck race raises money for charity by racing rubber ducks down the canal, and is the one time of year you won’t mind your phone’s “ducking” autocorrect.

The festival also features food, live music, and more. fairportcanaldays.com

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Saturday, June 1

Celebrate the beginning of June with this fun-filled 19th Ward party. Square Fair pancakes, a parade, games, local vendors, and live music are all part of the fair, which takes place in Aberdeen Square, at 330 Post Avenue. 19wca.org

July 27th & 28th 10am-5pm Crafts, Food Trucks, Kid’s Activities, & Live Entertainment

The Fast & the Furriest Saturday, June 1

I adopted my rambunctious, cuddly cat, The Great Catsby, from Verona Street, so events like The Fast & the Furriest have a special place in my heart. Proceeds for this race and festival help reunite lost pets with their owners, create incentives for adopting shelter pets, and support pet retention. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Rochester Animal Services,184 Verona Street. vsas.org

A N N U A L

Spencerport Canal Days

19th Ward Square Fair

T H

Wine Tasting & Farmer’s Market

Saturday, 7/27 Car Show!

Sunday, 7/28 The Famous Canaligator Race

SATURDAY & SUNDAY 11AM – 4:30PM

on the canal!

4:30pm

WIN BIG PRIZES

www.spencerportcanaldays.com ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 5

VETERAN HOT AIR BALLOON PILOT SEAN QUIGLEY TALKS FLIGHT [ INTERVIEW ] BY REBECCA RAFFERTY

I’ve always had this romantic notion about hot air balloon rides — of rising to great heights and taking in spectacular views — which is sadly at odds with my uneasiness about said heights. I’ve imagined the insecurity of being exposed to the open air in a swinging basket…no thanks. But having not actually gone up in a balloon, I realized that I know absolutely nothing about it. Regionally, there are opportunities to change that.

The 19th annual Red White & Blue Balloon Festival at Letchworth State Park takes place May 24 to 27, and features 25 balloons from several states. To participate as a passenger, call 493-3340, and visit balloonsoverletchworth.com for more information.

Leading up to the festival, CITY spoke with Scottsville native Captain Sean Quiqley, who has been piloting balloons since 1987 and has logged more than 2,500 flights. Quigley bought Balloons Over Letchworth — the only company that has a contract with NYS to fly over the state park — in 1993. Although he recently sold the company, he will still pilot for the new owners. In a phone interview, Quigley said that after 26 years of running the business, “I just want to do the fun part now.”

CITY: How did you get into flying hot air balloons, and what’s the history of the festival?

CAPTAIN QUIGLEY: It was a childhood dream, believe it or not. I read about it in Popular

Mechanics when I was about 10 to 12 years old. In fact, I still have the issue. I got enthralled with it. There was a big red balloon on the front cover — that’s why I bought the magazine. I just dreamed about balloons, and being up in the clouds.

I started the festival in 2000. It started out with 10 balloons, and now we’re at 25. I’ve got quite a list of pilots that still want to come.

But I have to hold it at around 25 because of the amount of room we have on the field.

The annual rally is this month. Is that the only time people can take a balloon ride over Letchworth?

We fly seven days a week, from the first of May through the middle of October.

What conditions are prohibitive for tethered rides or flights?

Well, we don’t do tethered. With free flight, we normally have to have winds of about five miles per hour or less. That’s why we fly just before sunset, when the winds die down. Or just at sunrise, or the first couple of hours after sunrise. As the day wears on, the winds pick up, and there’s thermal activity that’s very hazardous, so you can’t fly a balloon in the middle of the day. You know when you see the hawks floating around in a circle? They’re riding thermals — rising pockets of warm air — and you don’t want to be in a balloon when that’s going on. And we can’t get the balloons wet, so we don’t fly in the rain.

What are the mechanics of actually flying? To me it looks like floating, and that you don’t have a lot of control. How do you steer a balloon?

There is no steering. You go up and down. A blimp has a rudder and an engine, so they can steer the blimp, but a balloon doesn’t have that. We’re at the mercy of the wind. The pilot can make it go up and make it go down. What we do is look for different wind directions at different levels, which can maybe get you into a different direction. cont. on page 8 6 2019 FESTIVAL PREVIEW

Rochester Cocktail Revival Monday, June 3 through Sunday, June 9

Shake up your summer with a week of cocktails. The sixth edition of RCR will host more than 60 events at 20 different Rochester bars. This year’s celebration moves beyond the booze and focuses on the local arts community as well, which will be highlighted through theatre, music, and visual art collaborations. rochestercocktailrevival.com

Finger Lakes Plein Air Festival Tuesday, June 4 through Sunday, June 9

The dazzling beauty of the Finger Lakes inspires some pretty fantastic art. Over 40 artists from across North America gather in Canandaigua to capture this majestic scenery in their creative work. The festival also includes events June 9 and 10 at Sonnenberg Gardens, at 151 Charlotte Street in Canandaigua. fingerlakespleinair.com

Maplewood Rose Festival Saturday, June 8

Heritage and horticulture meet at the Maplewood Rose Garden, located at Maplewood Drive and Seneca Parkway.

Hundreds of roses, along with good times, will be in bloom. maplewood.org/rose-festival

Rochester Real Beer Expo Saturday, June 8

With suds in the South Wedge, this is a date to save for beer fans. The dankest drinks — about 120 craft brews, to be exact — will be showcased during this Rochester Real Beer week highlight. The lineup hasn’t been announced at this point, but you should know that I’ll be there, beer chalice in hand, with the imaginary title of Rochester Beer Czar. rochesterrealbeer.com

Friends of Frederick Douglass Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9

In continuing celebration of the revered abolitionist and Rochesterian Frederick Douglass, the Friends of Frederick Douglass host an homage motorcade on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., beginning at 42 Favor Street and ending at Frederick Douglass Family Gravesite in Mt. Hope Cemetery. On Sunday, a wreath laying ceremony takes place at the Frederick Douglass Memorial Square and Monument, 1208 South Avenue. Friends of Frederick Douglass can be reached at (847) 436-1982 and (224) 381-7540.

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cont. from page 6

Have you had any particularly harrowing experiences flying?

Not really, because we are very, very conscious of the weather conditions. If it’s not safe, we stay on the ground. It’s that simple. I always tell people: My butt’s up there, too.

I imagine that over the decades, you’ve collected some anecdotes about passengers.

Anything like marriage proposals?

We have several proposals every year. That’s a lot of fun. And we’ve had several weddings aloft. I’m also the town judge here, so I can actually perform the ceremony. When I do that, I normally marry them on the ground, and then we take off — so their friends and family can gather around and be part of it.

Have you ever had an experience where someone was not really into heights but they overcame it?

Once people realize they’re not going to fall, the fear goes away. You’ve got the basket up to your chest. So when you get in there, once people feel the security of the basket, they realize they’re not going to fall out. And everything goes fine. I’ve never had anybody get sick up there — I get asked that a lot.

It seems like somewhere between daredevilry — it’s not skydiving — and just getting to appreciate some awesome sights.

It feels like you’re stationary. Because you’ve gotta remember: You’re in the wind, so you don’t feel any wind. There’s no rocking or rolling, the balloon doesn’t swing or sway.

And that’s what people fear: They think that’s it’s going to be like the Darien Lake ride.

And it’s just the opposite.

Aside from that revelation, what do you think the general public doesn’t know about going up in a hot air balloon?

The other thing is, they think it’s going to be freezing cold up there, when it’s actually warmer. You’ve got the burners in the balloon, number one. And number two, we don’t go to 20,000 feet, where it’s really cold.

I tell people: Whatever conditions there are on the ground, you’ll be comfortable up in the air with. So if it’s 70 degrees, dress for 70 degrees and you’ll be fine.

8 2019 FESTIVAL PREVIEW

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ROCHESTER’S CARIFEST REACHES 35th YEAR [ FEATURE ] BY CHRIS THOMPSON PHOTOS BY JOHNY EDOUARD PHOTOGRAPHY

It is barely spring, and I already cannot wait for the end of summer. August 10 marks the annual Carifest Parade and Festival, a day-long celebration of Caribbean culture with music, dancing, food, and art. This is exciting to me, not only because it is one of the many good excuses to go outside and enjoy a summer day during Rochester’s packed festival season, but also because it is New York’s largest Caribbean heritage festival north of the Five Boroughs.

Additionally, this year’s festival is a milestone: the 35th Carifest celebration.

The Caribbean population in Rochester is also the largest in the state, next to New York City. As with millions before them, Caribbean families came from their home lands to New York with hopes for a better life. As a major hub, however, NYC can be a bit overwhelming, and some sought refuge from such a fast-paced environment but still wanted the opportunity for their families to flourish. Rochester is ideal for that.

A Caribbean community took up roots in the area, and in 1983, the Rochester West Indian Festival Organization was born. RWIFO’s purpose is to promote Caribbean culture in the

Greater Rochester area through educational workshops, public celebrations, and engagement with other cultural community organizations.

The ultimate goal is to instill their children with cultural pride and an understanding of their roots while empowering them to succeed in the modern world.

That goal is realized in part through scholarships that the RWIFO grants to qualifying, college-bound students every year.

The proceeds of events like Carifest go directly to the RWIFO scholarship fund, which is all the more reason to attend. It is not often you can soak up some late summer sun, sing and dance during the day, eat food from other regions, and help a kid get money for school at the same time.

Carifest boasts a packed schedule. The kickoff parade starts at 11 a.m. at the Liberty Pole.

The parade travels west down Main Street, across the bridge, and then right onto South Plymouth Avenue. Caribbean festival parades are must-see events. Photos and videos do them no justice.

The work that parade participants put into their lavish, Carnival-style wardrobes and floats deserves a live audience. cont. on page 12

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Keuka Arts Festival Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9

Family fun rules the weekend during this Finger Lakes bash. Festivities will take place along the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, only a few blocks from downtown Penn Yan. Food, blues, jazz, and art are all on the menu. keukaartsfestival.com

Dances at MuCCC Tuesday, June 11 through Saturday, June 22

This ode to dance features 10 contemporary performances by more than 20 different choreographers and companies. Highlights include work by Hanlon Dance, James Hansen, Daystar/Rosalie Jones, plus “Up and Becoming,” an evening of work by young artists. Dancing shoes not required. MuCCC is located at 142 Atlantic Avenue. muccc.org

Rochester Deaf Festival

more. Toronto’s Grupa Rumba returns this year, as does fan-favorite dance group Ensemble Makedonka. The spot: 235 Telephone Road in West Henrietta. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. macedonianfest.com

Sterling Renaissance Festival Saturdays and Sundays, July 6 through August 18

Don’t panic, but this one involves time travel.

You’ll be jettisoned out of 2019, and plunked down in 1585. The villagers will be baffled by the witchcraft of the device you refer to as a “phone.” This recreation of Renaissance culture includes themed weekends, jousting, turkey legs (for eating, not jousting), Queen’s tea, and more. The realm is located at 15385 Farden Road in Sterling. sterlingfestival.com

Rochester Jewish Film Festival

Saturday, June 15

Sunday, July 7 through Sunday, July 14

This year marks the 10thanniversary of the fest, which features vendors and exhibitors, children’s programs, food trucks, and more.

The location is Genesee Valley Park, 1000 East River Road. rochesterdeaffestival.com

Don’t forget about the film fests during festival season. The Rochester International Jewish Film Festival will continue its mission of screening contemporary films telling the stories of Jewish people from around the world. Stay tuned for schedule information. rjff.org

Finger Lakes Chamber Music Festival

Finger Lakes Wine Festival

Saturday, June 15 through Saturday, July 27

A summer of world-class chamber music is here. Performances will be at venues throughout the Finger Lakes. The instrumentation for each concert will include various combinations of violin, viola, cello, oboe, clarinet, trumpet, bassoon, guitar, flute, and piano, along with members of the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra and invited soloists. fingerlakes-music.org

Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14

Don’t be shocked, this celebration is all about WINE (the caps lock is needed here). The fest features over 80 wineries, along with regional artisans, music, classes, and more. The wine weekend is happening at Watkins Glen International Speedway, 2790 County Route 16). flwinefest.com

Corn Hill Arts Festival Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14

CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival Friday, June 21 through Saturday, June 29

You know you’re a big deal when your festival inspires Rochester to change the name of a street. Gibbs Street is annually transformed into Jazz Street for the fest. There’s plenty to love with the headliners, including the Steve Miller Band (June 28), Patti LaBelle (June 22), Steve Gadd Band (June 21), and the one and only Jeff Goldblum (with The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra on June 26). But also, don’t sleep on the rest of the slate. There’s nothing like weaving around the crowds and food trucks on East Avenue, and then stumbling upon a new favorite band. rochesterjazz.com

More than 325 artists will gather on nine historical Corn Hill neighborhood streets during the 51st edition of this Rochester summer staple. Music, food, drinks, and plenty of arts and crafts will be on display. cornhillartsfestival.com

ROC Pride Week Saturday, July 13 through Sunday, July 21

This year’s theme is “What is your Stonewall?”

It’s a way to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the uprising at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, which sparked the modern LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Movement. This week also includes one of the grandest parades of the summer: the ROC Pride Parade on Saturday, July 20. outalliance.org/roc-pride-2019

Macedonian Festival Friday, June 21 through Sunday, June 23

St. Dimitria Macedonian Orthodox Church’s annual celebration of Macedonian culture and heritage also features music, dancing, and ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 11

cont. from page 10

The parade ends at Brown Square Park, this year’s festival ground. There, patrons will be greeted with numerous food options, a large performance stage, and activities all day until 10 p.m.

The food will be from local vendors who specialize in their native cuisines, so you can expect choices from Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Guyana, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and more. The music will be from all over the Caribbean as well, primarily focusing on reggae, dancehall, calypso, and soca. Two years ago, the headlining artist was dancehall superstar Elephant Man. Last year, world-famous reggae star Barrington Levy headlined the show. As of the publication of this festival guide, RWIFO President Arianne Walker-Samuels was tight-lipped on who this year’s headliner will be, but she did promise it would be a well-known soca star.

The choice to host the festival at Brown Square Park, instead of the previous two years’ Martin Luther King Square Park location, is partially a callback. According to WalkerSamuels, Brown Square Park was the site of the first Carifest. With this year’s theme, “For the Culture,” she wants the festival to get back to its roots and not only celebrate how far the community has progressed, but also embrace where it’s come from.

Brown Square Park is in the neighborhood where many expatriate Caribbean folks settled,

so much so that Walker-Samuels likes to call that part of the West Side “Little Jamaica.” This is exemplified by the number of Jamaican and other Caribbean food venues in the area. People’s Choice Kitchen is just a few blocks from both It’s All Love and African Caribbean Market, which is a neighbor to Livie’s Restaurant. Down the street from Livie’s, one can find D’Mangu, Jamaican Soul, and Pop Style International. The community is rich with food and Caribbean culture, because the community members built it to support each other. Many of these businesses are also co-sponsors and vendors for Carifest, as all RWIFO members work on a volunteer basis.

Hosting Carifest in a green space like Brown Square Park also encourages the all-inclusive spirit that President Walker-Samuels plans to promote. This year’s Carifest is set to be even more of a family affair than usual. Artists booked will span multiple genres and decades. Elephant Man appealed to younger festivalgoers, and Barrington Levy was a big hit with lovers of classic reggae. This year’s soca artist is meant to be a universal bridge; all generations should have a good time at Carifest. The parade is always free; pricing for other Carifest activities, including the headlining concert, is yet to be announced. As it becomes available, more information can be found at rwifo.org.

Above: The 2019 Carifest will feature a wide variety of Caribbean music styles, including reggae, calypso, dancehall, and soca.

Below: Carifest is just one of the ways that the Rochester West Indian Festival Organization promotes Caribbean culture in the region.

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Canandaigua Art and Music Festival

Indigenous Music & Arts Festival

Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21

Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28

Music, art, and food combine for a festive, fun weekend in Canandaigua. The celebration centers around 115 South Main Street in Canandaigua. canandaiguaartfestival.com

Canandaigua Lake Music Festival Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 28

The 15th edition of this party of classical chamber music and Canandaigua features a week of concerts and education about this beloved form of music. lakemusicfestival.org

Rochester Burger Week Friday, July 19 through Friday, July 26

Burgers on burgers on burgers. This will be a good week, my friends. rochesterburgerweek.com

Formerly the Native American Dance and Music Festival, this is a celebration of traditional and contemporary music of the Americas. The festival also includes a Native American Arts Market, storytelling, and a family discovery tent. ganondagan.org

Canandaigua Lakefront Art Show Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28

The 46th iteration of this celebration takes place at Kershaw Park, Lakeshore Drive in Canandaigua. A trio of fine art, music, and food greet you like old friends near majestic Canandaigua Lake. Admission is free. lakefrontartshow.com

Spencerport Canal Days Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28

ROC The Taste Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27

While you’re ROC-ing this Festival Guide, you can mark your calendars for this food and music party in and around downtown Rochester’s Parcel 5. rocthetaste.com

Things that rule: a classy carriage ride along Spencerport’s scenic streets, arts and crafts vendors, food, entertainment, and wine.

Spencerport Canal Days has all of the above.

Super bonus: More than 200 cars will be on display at the American Legion on Trimmer Road.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day; free admission. spencerportcanaldays.com

Waterfront Art Festival Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28

For a fourth year in a row, Webster’s North Ponds Park will host this waterfront party (after more than four decades in Canandaigua). The festival will include hundreds of artists, live music, beer, wine, and cider. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. waterfrontartfestival.com

Skaneateles Festival Thursday, August 1 through Saturday, August 24

Skaneateles Festival is the quintessential summer music celebration. This upstate gem brings phenomenal musicians to the Finger Lakes region each August, and the 2019 season is no different: The Aizuri Quartet (August 1 and 2), banjo players Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn (August 3), violinist Hilary Hahn (August 8 and 10), trumpeter Wynton Marsalis (August 17), and many more will play the fest this year. If you love chamber music, both classic and new, you owe it to yourself to make it to Skaneateles. skanfest.org

St. Stanislaus Polish Arts Festival Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3

As of press time, there are few details on this celebration of all things Polish, but we don’t really need to know much to know this one will be a blast. The festivities honoring all the Polish cont. on page 14

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awesomeness will take place at the St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 1150 Hudson Avenue, running from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. polishartsfest.org

Lima Crossroads Blues Festival Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4

Livingston County has top-notch celebrations, too. This year’s brilliant, bluesy lineup at Lima Crossroads includes the Heather Gillis Band, Steve Grills and The Roadmasters, Growlers Blues Band, Poison Whiskey (the name of the band, not the weapon of choice of a Southern Bond villain) and more. limafest.org

Park Avenue Summer Art Festival Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4

We’re on to August, which means Park Ave. season. More than 350 artists, exhibitors, and craftspeople will set up shop along the city street.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, on Park Avenue between Alexander Street and Culver Road. Admission is free. rochesterevents.com/ park-ave-festival

Gateways Music Festival Tuesday, August 6 through Sunday, August 11

Get classical. This festival features AfricanAmerican classical musicians and composers participating in 50 performances and includes a fim series. Gateways concludes with an orchestral concert featuring renowned mezzosoprano Denyce Graves, The concerts are in association with the Eastman School of Music. gatewaysmusicfestival.org

Pageant of Steam Wednesday, August 7 through Saturday, August 10

This showcase of antique vehicles powered by steam also features tractor pulls, sawmill demonstrations, a chainsaw carvings auction, food, and more. Basically, this is the opposite of Park Ave. Fest. The Pageant of Steam runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, at 3349 Gehan Road in Canandaigua. pageantofsteam.org

Avon Rotary Corn Festival Saturday, August 10

What’s the top food of summer? There are plenty of options: watermelon, hot dogs, beer, popsicles, and corn, of course. If you agree with that last one, you’ve come to the right place. This is the area’s only festival with a corn-eating contest. Do I really need to write more? (The editors say yes).

There will also be arts, crafts, live entertainment, and games. Free of charge, the festival is located on Genesee Street in the Village of Avon. avonrotary.org

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Brockport Arts Festival Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11

This free festival just feels like summer. The arts and the outdoors go hand in hand here, with a whole slate of artists and artisans present to sell their wares. There’s plenty to enjoy here, with live music, food--including a wine garden and farmers’ market, and a vintage car cruise-in. brockportartsfestival.com

NOT(A) Festival Sunday, August 11

This bash throughout multiple locations in the Neighborhood of the Arts is, as the title clearly states, not a festival. It’s a party. Including it in something titled “festival guide” definitely classifies as rebel behavior. Three Heads Brewing is teaming up with the Rochester Neighborhood of the Arts Business Association (NOTABA) for this celebration of the creative and fun city neighborhood. notaba.org

Flower City Brewers Fest Friday, August 16

Cheers! The brew fest in the Rochester Public Market, 280 North Union Street, brings together top-notch beers from New York State breweries, food, and music. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. flourcitybrewersfest.com

Rochester Ukrainian Festival August (Dates TBA)

Celebrate Ukrainian culture, arts, food and culture at St. Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 940 Ridge Road East. Traditional Ukrainian folk dancers and musicians will also be on hand. rochesterukrainianfestival.com

Arts at the Gardens Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18

Work from more than 100 artists, plus a wine and beer garden, live music, and food, along with a sculpture garden, await festival-goers at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park Located at 151 Charlotte Street in Canandaigua, Arts at the Gardens runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. $10; children under 12 are free. artsatthegardens.org

Highland Greek Fest Thursday, August 22 through Sunday, August 25

One Greek festival is nice, but two is perfect. More amazing Greek food, dancing, and “Opa!” shouts are always welcome. The festival takes place at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, 835 South Avenue, in the South Wedge. highlandgreekfest.com

Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival Friday, August 23 and Saturday, August 24

Frontier Field is the scene for lovers of soul music and good times. Bonus: This year’s festival includes a block party outside the ballpark. cityofrochester.gov/MusicFest

New York State Festival of Balloons Thursday, August 29 through Monday, September 2

The closest we’ll ever get to a real-life version of the movie“Up,” this balloon fest in Dansville is as majestic as it gets. The plan includes six scheduled balloon launches, an international food court, kids’ rides, and unfortunately, zero talking dogs. nysfob.com

Turtle Hill Folk Festival Friday, September 6 through Sunday, September 8

Prediction: Folk fans will come out of their shell during this Rush fest. Acts include Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, Debra Cowen, plus Richie and Rosie.

Located at the Rotary Sunshine Campus, 809 Five Points Road, in Rush. goldenlink.org/festival

Clothesline Arts Festival Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8

Art attack: Clothesline features more than 375 artists outside the beautiful Memorial Art Gallery.

No word if the MAG’s resident unicorn, Miss Glittersparkles Rainbow, will be on-hand for the fest. Find out, 10 a.m. through 5 p.m., both days.

Admission is $5 ($4 for MAG members); free for children 10 and under if accompanied by an adult. mag.rochester.edu/clothesline

Rochester Fringe Festival Tuesday, September 10 through Saturday, September 21 Fringe Festival has a fun origin story: It begins in 1947, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Eight theatre groups rebelled by crashing the newly established Edinburgh International Festival. They weren’t invited and certainly weren’t welcomed, but performed anyway on “the fringe “ of the festival.

The fringe concept didn’t go away — over 200 cities worldwide celebrate a Fringe Festival, including Rochester. We’re getting bonus Fringe this year as the celebration of creativity expands to 12 days. rochesterfringe.com

Rochester Garlic Festival Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15 I just shoved several gloves of garlic in my mouth to properly write this. Needless to say, this is for lovers of garlic, arts, crafts, and entertainment.

The festival is at 1350 Chiyoda Drive in Webster. rochestergarlicfestival.com

Festival of Food Monday, September 16

They had us at food. Foodlink’s annual fundraiser features tastings from more than 100 local restaurants, wineries, and breweries. All proceeds benefit Foodlink. This festival is at Rochester Public Market, 280 North Union Street, and runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. foodlinkny.org

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