7 of the Most Beautiful Flower Festivals in North America

One of the surefire signs that spring has sprung is the new life that blossoms in the garden. As early as the month of April, flowers of all varieties start to bloom, providing a good excuse for spending your afternoons frolicking in floral fields of vibrant colors and sweet fragrances.

North America’s abundance of flower festivals ring in the spring season and allow locals and tourists alike to stop and smell the flowers. Furthermore, these celebrations do their part to showcase the unique culture and roots of their communities.

Here’s a selection of some of the very best and the most beautiful flower festivals that the United States and Canada have to offer.

Canadian Tulip Festival

Ottawa, Ontario

Tiptoe through the tulips in Canada’s capital. Ottawa is host to the world’s largest tulip festival, attracting over 650,000 visitors annually to stroll among one million blooming tulips. The festival’s origins date back to World War II, when the Dutch Royal Family donated 100,000 tulip bulbs in gratitude of the safe refuge they obtained in Canada during the war, and thus marking Ottawa’s official flower as the international symbol of peace and friendship. The festival runs from May 11 to 21, 2018.

Texas Bluebonnet Festival

Burnet, Texas

The small Texan town of Burnet is home to the yearly welcoming party for the symbolic state flower. Each April, visitors come in search of the blue beauties and some good ol’ Southern hospitality and fun. Arts and crafts demonstrations, live music entertainment, a pet parade, and a carnival round out the weekend festival’s many attractions. The festival runs from April 13 to 15, 2018.

Portland Rose Festival

Portland, Oregon

Portland’s signature Rose Festival transforms the hip downtown area into a full-on celebration of the City of Roses, with the hallmark Grand Floral Parade, complete with floral floats and a marching band, at the center of all the action. Overflowing with over 4,000 intricate blooms, the Spring Rose Show is the largest and longest-running rose show in the nation. The city’s International Rose Test Garden is not to be missed as well. The festival runs from May 25 to June 9, 2018.

Kauai Orchid & Art Festival

Kauai, Hawaii

Held in the town of Hanapepe on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, Hawaii’s orchid and art festival offers a fine display of the island’s exotic tropical flower. This event is also a haven for painters, artisans, and creative types to find community. The festival runs from April 13 to 14, 2018.

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

Vancouver, British Columbia

At the dawn of every spring season, the neighborhoods of Vancouver become pretty in pink (and snow white) with the cherry blossoms that blossom upon over 36,000 magnificent cherry trees. A walking or bike tour is the recommended way to experience the full glory and romance of the magnificent cherry blossoms around the city. A series of activities related to Japanese culture, such as haiku readings, origami demonstrations tea ceremonies, and traditional cuisine accompany its fair, Sakura Days. The festival runs from April 3 to 29, 2018.

Rochester Lilac Festival

Rochester, New York

The Lilac Festival is a free 10-day celebration in Highland Park, where 1,200 plants stemming from over 500 varieties make up the country’s largest collection of lilacs. The event also includes a parade, a 5K and 10K run, live music, a craft beer festival, and a farmers’ market. The festival runs from May 11 to 20, 2018.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Orlando, Florida

Disney’s annual flower and garden show temporarily transforms the theme park into a horticultural  wonderland. Beloved Disney characters are put on display through flower sculptures and manicured trees modelled after their likeness. In true Epcot fashion, the park pays homage to world-famous gardens through exhibits such as the English Tea Garden (in the UK Pavilion) and the Bonsai Collection (in the Japan Pavilion).  The festival runs until May 28, 2018.

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What are some of your favorite places to see springtime flowers in North America? Share with us in the comments below.