From coast to coast, the United States celebrates exciting flower festivals, offering more than just a feast for the eyes. It’s also often a wonderful time when local communities come together to celebrate nature’s beauty and blessings.
Whether you’re a certified flower enthusiast or simply looking for an epic getaway that’ll send your camera roll or Instagram feed in full color, this blog is for you. Pack your bags and get ready to discover the biggest and most beautiful flower festivals in the US!
Spring Flower Festivals
The Festival of Flowers – Mobile, Alabama
When: March
Hosted by the Mobile Botanical Gardens, the Festival of Flowers showcases flamboyant floral displays, garden art, and horticultural education. With beautiful spring weather and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a great event for garden enthusiasts and families alike.
International Cherry Blossom Festival – Macon, Georgia
When: End of March
Known as the "Cherry Blossom Capital of the World," Macon boasts over 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees that burst into bloom in late March, making it one of the largest flower festivals in the world. The three-day event features a wide range of events and activities for all ages. From parades and concerts to art exhibitions and food festivals, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
National Cherry Blossom Festival – Washington, D.C.
When: Late March to Early April
This iconic flower festival celebrates the arrival of spring and commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees from Tokyo, Japan, to the United States. One of the main attractions is the opportunity to witness the amazing display of cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin. Visitors can take leisurely walks, boat tours, or bike rides to admire the delicate pink blooms. Festivals within festivals. It also features Sakura Matsuri (Japanese Street Festival) and the Blossom Kite Festival. These events showcase traditional music, dance, art, and cuisine from both countries.
The Bluebonnet Festival – Chappell Hilly, Texas
When: Early April
Celebrating Texas’s state flower, the bluebonnet, this local flower festival draws over 35, 000 visitors every year. The scenic countryside around Chappell Hill provides a gorgeous backdrop as fields of bluebonnets create a sea of color, making it a favorite destination for photographers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the Bluebonnet Festival Grand Parade, Highland Lakes Birding & Wildflower Show, and The Mighty Thomas Carnival.
North Carolina Azalea Festival - Wilmington, Nay orth Carolina
When: Early April
Wilmington is known for its breathtaking azalea flower gardens throughout the city, including Airlie Gardens, Greenfield Lake Park, and the Wilmington Riverwalk. Some of the highly anticipated events include the coronation night for the Queen Azalea beauty pageant, the star-studded Celebrity Reception, Tunes and Blooms, and the grand parade.
California Poppy Festival – Lancaster, California
When: End of April
An ode to its state flower, the California Poppy Festival was hailed as the winner of the Best Flower Festival in the 2024 USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards.
The Tulip Time Festival – Holland, Michigan
When: Early May
Known for its Dutch heritage, Holland transforms into a sea of tulips every spring. The Tulip Time Festival boasts more than 5 million tulips in bloom, along with Dutch dance performances, traditional music, and a lively parade. The festival also includes a Dutch market and a variety of family-friendly activities.
The Lilac Festival – Rochester, New York
When: Mid-May
Celebrating the lilac’s bloom, this festival is held in Highland Park, home to over 500 varieties of lilacs. The Lilac Festival includes live music, craft vendors, and garden tours. The sweet fragrance of the lilacs fills the air, creating a sensory delight for visitors.
The Albuquerque BioPark Botanic Gardens Spring Festival – Albuquerque, New Mexico
When: April
The Spring Festival at the Albuquerque BioPark Botanic Garden features blooming flowers, garden tours, and live entertainment. The festival celebrates the arrival of spring with a variety of educational activities and workshops focused on gardening and sustainability.
The Biltmore Blooms – Asheville, North Carolina
When: April through May
Set against the backdrop of the historic Biltmore Estate, Biltmore Blooms offers a magnificent display of spring flowers. The estate’s gardens come alive with color, and the festival features guided tours, floral workshops, and special events in the estate’s picturesque grounds.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival – Mount Vernon, Washington State
When: Mid-April to Early May
One of the largest and most well-known tulip festivals in the US. Stretching across the picturesque Skagit Valley, the festival features millions of tulips in a vibrant array of colors. Visitors can enjoy scenic field tours, photography opportunities, and various family-friendly events. The festival is not only about tulips but also includes art shows, garden tours, and local food vendors. The breathtaking landscapes and floral displays make it a must-see for flower lovers.
Summertime Blooms
Portland Rose Festival – Portland, Oregon
When: Late May to Early June
This festival is all about roses! Portland’s Rose Festival features a grand Rose Parade, a rose show, and a carnival. The city’s International Rose Test Garden, with its 10,000 roses, is a highlight, offering a lively display of floral diversity.
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Bloom – Boothbay, Maine
When: May through September
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens offer a marvelous display of blooms throughout the growing season. Their annual “Bloom” event highlights the best of Maine’s native plants and includes guided tours, gardening talks, and various family-friendly activities.
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival – Michigan
When: Early to Mid June
Explore the charming island adorned with thousands of fragrant lilacs, enjoying horse-drawn carriage rides, historic tours, and live music.
Fall and Beyond Delights
Dahlia Festival – Portland, Oregon
When: August to September
An annual event that celebrates the beauty and diversity of dahlias. This colorful festival takes place at Swan Island Dahlias, a stunning 40-acre garden filled with thousands of dahlia plants in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Learn about the history of dahlias, their cultivation, and the science behind their extraordinary blooms.
Chrysanthemum Festival – New York
When: Around October to November
Admire the intricate displays of chrysanthemums in various shapes and sizes at the New York Botanical Garden. Visitors can admire intricate floral arrangements and sculptures crafted from chrysanthemums. These displays often showcase traditional Chinese and Japanese motifs, reflecting the flower's deep cultural roots.
Northwest Flower & Garden Festival – Seattle, Washington
When: February
Admire beautifully designed and landscaped gardens created by talented professionals.
These gardens often feature unique themes and showcase a variety of plants, flowers, and outdoor living spaces. The festival often includes activities and events for children, making it a fun experience for the whole family.
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