Did you know that Rochester was ranked as the most livable among almost 400 US metropolitan areas by the Places Rated Almanac? For people looking for Rochester things to do, there are many options ranging from lively festivals to the iconic National Museum of Play. Here are some of the top Rochester events that are worth checking out.

1. The Lilac Festival. Rochester has more lilacs than any city in the country, and the Liliac Festival is a springtime celebration in Hyde Park. The festival features live music, food, craft vendors, performers and more, along with great picture opportunities next to these iconic bushes.

2. The International Jazz festival. This is a Rochester events favorite, bringing national and international performers together for an entire week of jazz performances, food and beer. Tickets need to be purchased for the headliner and club pass series, but there are also free shows every day as well. The city closes off several streets, making this festival a unique way to experience downtown Rochester.

3. Tora Con. Every year, the RIT anime club runs an anime convention that has been getting larger every year. For people interested in getting a taste of what special interest conventions are all about, this is a good way to start since registration is cheap. The convention should definitely be on your list of Rochester NY things to do and features panels, vendors, concerts, contests, viewing rooms and more. Part of the fun of going to an anime convention is seeing the cosplay costumes, which are often amazingly accurate and reflect hundreds of hours of hard work.

4. The Rochester Public Market should definitely be on a list of things to do Rochester NY, and this even occurs every week year round. The public market brings together diverse crowds that bargain and banter over the various local produces and goods offered here. Everything from fresh tomatoes to foreign treats to vegan brownies can be found here, and the market has been named one of the top public markets in America multiple times.