Rochester Public Market and International Plaza offer vibrant family-friendly events throughout Mother’s Day weekend

Rochester, New York – As Mother’s Day approaches, the City of Rochester is rolling out a weekend filled with flowers, food, music, and heartfelt community connection at two of its most cherished spaces — the Rochester Public Market and the International Plaza.

Whether you’re hunting for the perfect hanging basket for mom, craving authentic Latin food, or just looking for a way to spend a joyful Sunday with loved ones, Rochester’s got something blooming for everyone.

Starting Sunday, May 11, the Rochester Public Market at 280 North Union Street will kick off its annual Flower City Days — a series of open-air garden sales that have become a springtime tradition for locals. Running from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., this year’s flower frenzy begins on Mother’s Day itself and stretches into early June, including bonus days during Memorial Day weekend.

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From lush perennials and sun-loving annuals to hanging baskets bursting with color, the market transforms into a gardener’s paradise. Add in succulents, herbs, vegetables, and whimsical yard décor, and there’s truly something for every green thumb — or aspiring one.

What makes Flower City Days unique isn’t just the variety. Hundreds of local vendors bring personal flair to their displays, while seasoned horticulturists from the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County are there to guide gardeners of all experience levels.

Another thoughtful touch? The give-and-take container exchange located just outside the Market Office. Gardeners are invited to drop off or pick up gently used pots, flats, and containers — a simple, sustainable tradition that captures the community spirit of the event.

This year, something special is sprouting alongside the flowers — art.

The City has introduced a new tradition by featuring a local artist on the official Flower City Days at the Market poster. Illustrator and author Julian Plum, known for their richly detailed gouache paintings of flora, fauna, and fungi, is the inaugural artist chosen for this honor.

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“As a kid I spent my time in the forest, running barefoot through streams and picking berries off bushes to eat. That fascination with the natural world – the textures, the colors, the connections – is the soil nourishing all of my work,” Julian shared. “Everything I paint is intensely studied and researched down to the last tiny hidden detail.”

Julian’s work now graces the 2025 Flower City Days posters, which are available for purchase at Market Shed A for $5. With each sale, $4 supports the Friends of the Public Market and their Market Token Program that helps SNAP recipients access fresh, local food. The remaining $1 goes directly to the artist — a small investment that supports both community access and creative expression.

Just a few miles away, at 828 North Clinton Avenue, the International Plaza will host its own Mother’s Day Market Day celebration from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 11.

This vibrant, family-friendly event is free to attend and promises to be a full-sensory celebration. Shoppers can browse a wide mix of merchandise vendors offering handcrafted goods and gifts, while food stalls tempt with authentic Latin flavors.

To soundtrack the festivities, beloved local band La Krema will be performing live — bringing high-energy Latin music that’s sure to get feet moving and spirits lifted.

Organizers invite everyone to “Celebrate your mamá with us in the heart of Rochester!” — and the event delivers on that promise by turning the plaza into a warm and welcoming space for reflection, appreciation, and fun.

Street and on-site parking make access easy, and the laid-back, outdoor setting offers plenty of room for families to gather and enjoy the day together. More information is available online at www.cityofrochester.gov/internationalplaza.

Both the Rochester Public Market and the International Plaza are more than just places to buy things — they’re hubs of connection, culture, and shared joy.

This Mother’s Day weekend, these two beloved spaces will bloom with more than just flowers. They’ll be alive with music, memories, and moments — a reflection of the city’s heart and its deep appreciation for the mothers who make communities strong.

So whether you’re picking out a tomato plant with your kids, enjoying a churro while dancing to live music, or finding the perfect handmade card for mom, Rochester invites you to make this holiday weekend full of local love and celebration.