Almost like a starting gun, the Lilac Festival is the first in a flood of festivals that will fill the Rochester late-spring and summer. Virtually every weekend finds a new event bringing out crowds of people into the warm weather for food, music, and arts.

From Erie Canal celebrations and local heritage commemorations to art competitions and music showcases, Rochester is a community of festivals. Of course, there's the big, downtown festivals, the Rochester International Jazz Festival in June, and September's Rochester Fringe Festival, but there's plenty going on outside of the center city to get you out and about each week.

Inside this Festival Preview Guide, you'll find dates, prices, and details of the region's festivals, a story about three history-focused events, and an examination of what it takes to run a popular food truck during the summer season.

Also check out this guide online at rochestercitynewspaper.com, where you'll find more information on each of the festivals listed, and new festivals added as dates and details become available.