Looking for some hot events to jazz up your June? Look no further than the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year! From June 23–July 1, 2023, spend hours enjoying exceptional music with dozens of free performances. The nine-day event attracts musicians and attendees from all over the world to Rochester.
But that’s not all June has to offer. From Food Truck Rodeos and Zoo Brews to strawberry picking and outdoor concert series, like Concerts by the Shore and Party in the Park, there’s no shortage of exciting activities to enjoy this month.
It’s also the perfect time to start enjoying all the gorge trails and farmers’ markets. Beaches, public pools, and waterparks will open for the summer by mid-June, and the amusement parks will be in full swing.
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the hottest June happenings, including Fairport Canal Days, the National Warplane Museum Airshow (“The Greatest Show on Turf!”), and much more.
Featured June Events
June 2–4: Fairport Canal Days. As one of the most significant festivals along the Erie Canal, the two-day event draws tens of thousands of visitors to the village. Main Street, Fairport, fairportcanaldays.com
June 2–3: Taste of Syracuse. The free two-day food festival includes over two dozen musical performances on three stages, and more than 70 innovative food vendors offering tastings for a fee. Clinton Square, (315) 471-9597, tasteofsyracuse.com
June 2–3, Cruisin’ Night. Spend a warm Friday evening downtown at the city of Geneva’s longest-running event. Marvel at over 100 classic cars while enjoying food, wine, beer, shopping, and live music on multiple stages. The streets around Seneca Street are closed for this pedestrian-friendly block party. Seneca Street, genevadowntown.com
June 3–4: National Warplane Museum Airshow. Spanning two days, this event showcases planes from their collection alongside guest aircraft. The F22 Raptor and other modern fighter jets cannot take off and land on a turf airstrip, so they must fly in from Rochester International Airport. Visitors can walk around the grounds to view World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam era planes, including the C-47 Whiskey 7, commissioned to transport paratroopers to Normandy on D-Day. Admission fee. 3489 Big Tree Lane, Geneseo, nationalwarplanemuseum.com
June 10–11: Allentown Arts Festival, mid-June. Wander with the crowds along historic Allen Street and enjoy live music, delicious food, and the opportunity to purchase unique pieces from local and regional artisans. This festival is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Buffalo’s culture and creativity. Allentown Historic Preservation District, allentownartfestival.com
June 15–17: New York State Blues Festival. One of the region’s most significant free blues events, this annual three-day Syracuse festival celebrates the blues and its rich cultural history. The lineup features a variety of local and national artists. nysbluesfest.com
June 17: Waterfront Festival. This free, family-friendly event takes place the Saturday before Father’s Day and features a parade of creative cardboard boats, live music, delicious food, and shopping in the park. Seneca Harbor Park, watkinsglen.com
June 24: Northfield Common Creators Fest. Join us for an afternoon of live music, food trucks and over 40 local creators selling their goods, where I (Debi Bower) will be sitting on notion’s front porch selling signed copies of my book! We are taking over the Northfield Commons in Pittsford (Copper Leaf Brewing, NOTION gift shop, Olives, Label 7, etc) with 40+ incredible local artisans, sweets & treats, food trucks, and live music. facebook
June 29: Queen City Jazz Festival. Join The Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum at Lafayette Square in Downtown Buffalo. Gerald Albright Music and Spyro Gyra will headline the festival with opening performances from Rod Bonner, The Damone Jackson Outcome, and GLVT LOVEXtreme JAZZ Ensemble. facebook
June 30–July 2: Seneca Falls Canal Fest. Enjoy this three-day festival centered on Seneca Falls Harbor, with activities on both sides of the canal, including rides, midway games, food, vendors, live music, a yellow rubber duck race, and a fireworks display over Van Cleef Lake. senecafalls.com
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More June 2023 Events
CITY OF ROCHESTER
Look for Flower City Feeling Good weekly guided bike rides on Wednesday evenings and bi-weekly guided walks on Thursday evenings now through late summer.
June 1–2: Fashion Week Rochester at the Public Market
June 3: The Fast & The Furriest
June 3–4: Peony and Rose Weekend at Ellwanger Garden
June 4, 11: Flower City Days at the Market
June 5–11: Rochester Cocktail Revival
June 10: Rochester Real Beer Expo at Innovative Field
June 23–24: Harborfest
MONROE COUNTY
June 1–3: Mendon Fire Department Carnival
June 2: History on Tap at GCV&M
June 3: Trains & Trolleys at Twilight at R&GV Railroad Museum
June 3: Hamlin Wheel Fest
June 10: Mendon Ponds Outdoor Expo
June 10–11: GCV&M Celtic Faire
June 10–11: Landmark Society’s House & Garden Tour
June 17: Father’s Day Train Rides at R&GV Railroad Museum
June 17: Honoring Juneteenth at GCV&M
June 18: Father’s Day at GCV&M
June 22–August 6: Lavender and Flower Days at Wickham Farms
June 25: Lao-Thai Food Festival at Wat Pa Lao Buddhadham
GREATER ROCHESTER
June 9–10: Albion Strawberry Festival
June 10–11: Keuka Arts Festival
June 15–17: Shortsville Fireman’s Carnival
June 24: Chil-E Fest
June 30, July 1–2: Seneca Falls Canal Festival
SURROUNDING COUNTIES
June 1–4: Ithaca Festival of the Arts
June 10–11: Allentown Art Festival
June 17: Watkins Glen Waterfront Festival
More to Explore in June
Our Top 10 Father’s Day Ideas for a Memorable Day with Dad
Treat Dad to a drive at the Glen, a ride on a large-scale model railroad, a classic car show, and more for an unforgettable Father’s Day.
2023 CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival: Things to Do Nearby
Most 2023 CGI Rochester International Jazz Fest performances begin in the early-evening leaving your days free to explore the Rochester area.
Strawberries: 15 Places to Pick Your Own
Here are a few places to pick your own strawberries, plus festivals to taste everything from jams to shortcakes to strawberry wine.
On a hot day, you can sit under a waterfall, swim in a lake, or jump in a creek at one of these refreshing natural swimming areas.
Seabreeze, Darien Lake, and Other Amusement Parks Near Rochester
When May comes around, you find the amusement parks with the dry rides opening on the weekends and water parks opening in mid-June.
The Rochester Public Market is the best place to find the freshest locally grown produce, seafood, beef, cheese, bread, and beverages.
Farms & Farmers’ Markets: Your Guide to Locally Grown Produce
Exploring local markets and roadside produce stand are a great way to immerse yourself in the community and support family farms.
The Ultimate Guide to Year-Round Fun in Rochester
Join me in this series as I explore the best things to do around Rochester each month, highlighting unique activities and events throughout the year.
2023 Rochester Festivals – Six in the City
“Festival season” in Rochester runs from May to September. Let’s focus on the six most popular summertime City of Rochester festivals!
Guided Walks and Tours Around Rochester, NY
Local experts who highlight the rich history, geology, ecology, and community of the greater Rochester region lead these guided walks.
Explore the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Nearly 80% of the upstate population lives within 25 miles of the Erie Canal. Explore the 115-mile stretch between the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and Niagara River.
What are your favorite June events?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
