Virginia in bloom: 8 flower festivals to check out in 2025

Discover eight vibrant flower festivals across Virginia in 2025, from the dazzling daffodils in Gloucester to the colorful sunflowers in Buchanan, perfect for springtime celebrations.

Spring in Virginia ushers in a vibrant display of color as flowers begin to bloom across the commonwealth. Whether you’re a flower enthusiast, a lover of festivals, or just looking for a fun outdoor experience, Virginia offers a range of celebrations that highlight the beauty of its gardens and natural landscapes.

From the cheerful daffodils in Gloucester to the picturesque sunflowers in Buchanan, here are eight flower festivals you won’t want to miss in 2025.

1. National Cherry Blossom Festival

Dates: March 20-April 13

Location: Washington, D.C. area

Each spring, the National Cherry Blossom Festival transforms the Washington, D.C. area into a sea of pink, offering visitors a four-week celebration of culture, beauty, and tradition. The festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan. From March 20 to April 13, D.C. will host a variety of free and public events, including the iconic National Cherry Blossom Parade, art exhibits at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, and the Petalpalooza Art Walk along the Anacostia River, complete with live music and fireworks.

Additional highlights include the Blossom Kite Festival at the Washington Monument grounds, the Petal Porches event, and local spring menus through Cherry Picks. Peak bloom is predicted for March 28–31, so make sure to plan ahead to catch the breathtaking sights of the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Visitors can also stay in nearby Arlington for more affordable hotel rates while being just minutes away from all the festival activities.

Attendees enjoying the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. (Egunt07/CC BY-SA 3.0)

2. The Festival of Spring

Dates: Mid-March-Mid-April 

Location: 11008 Kettle Run Rd., Nokesville, VA 20181

Since 2012, The Festival of Spring has become one of the longest-running spring festivals in North America, drawing visitors to experience a stunning variety of tulips and daffodils. The festival features over 150 tulip varieties and 30+ daffodil varieties, making it a must-see for flower enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy the unique experience of picking their own flowers, with tulips priced at $1 per stem and daffodils at two for $1. 

The festival lasts only about three weeks, with bloom times dependent on spring weather, so it’s important to check for schedule updates via the festival’s field report page or social media channels. In addition to flower picking, visitors can relax in the charming picnic area, explore farm activities, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Admission includes five flower stems, and though flowers are picked by hand, bulbs are not sold during spring. Early-bird access is available for those wanting to beat the crowds, with special hours Thursday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

3. Gloucester Daffodil Festival

Dates: April 5-6

Location: Main Street, Gloucester, VA 23061

Gloucester’s beloved Daffodil Festival returns for its 39th year on April 5-6, bringing a weekend of live entertainment, delicious food, and over 200 vendors to Main Street. This cherished tradition celebrates the daffodil’s deep roots in the county, offering interactive activities, historical interpreters from the 7th Virginia Regiment, and the debut of the VA250 Mobile Museum.

Festival highlights include a dazzling daffodil show at Newington Baptist Church, the Daffodil Festival Parade on Saturday morning, and the return of the Amazing Mutt Show at 1 p.m. on April 5, where dogs can showcase their talents and costumes. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a first-time visitor, this family-friendly event promises something for everyone.

4. Apple Blossom Festival

Dates: April 25-May 4

Location: 135 North Cameron St., Winchester, VA 22601

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester has been a cherished tradition for over a century, celebrating the arrival of spring with a variety of events steeped in history. The 2025 festival, scheduled for April 25 through May 4, will once again bring together visitors and locals for a lively mix of parades, performances, and special attractions.

The festival began on May 3, 1924, as a one-day event featuring a parade and the coronation of Queen Shenandoah. Over time, it has evolved into a grand nine-day celebration that welcomes celebrities, politicians, and sports figures. Parades remain a central part of the festivities, with the annual Firefighters’ Parade showcasing both antique and modern fire equipment, while the Grand Feature Parade fills the streets with colorful floats, marching bands, and honored guests.

This year, a new event, Cider Tastings & Orchard Tours, will offer attendees the opportunity to sample hard ciders at The Cider House before heading to a local orchard to learn about apple growing in the Shenandoah Valley. Other beloved traditions will continue, including the Bloomin’ Wine Fest, the Queen’s Coronation at Handley High School, and an array of themed celebrations such as the Country Music Party, the Oldies Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance, and an 80s and 90s dance night.

5. Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival

Dates: April 26-27

Location: Downtown Leesburg, VA 20175

The award-winning Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival has been a spring tradition since 1990, attracting around 30,000 visitors annually to the charming streets of historic downtown Leesburg. Known for its stunning flower and plant displays, the festival showcases a range of outdoor living products, landscaping services, and gardening tools. Festivalgoers can enjoy a variety of activities, including a beer and wine garden on the rooftop, live entertainment across three stages, and a children’s area called the Garden Patch. 

The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 27. Free to attend and taking place rain or shine, the event continues to grow in popularity and recognition each year.

6. Historic Garden Week

Dates: April 26-May 3

Locations: 120 private homes throughout Virginia

Since 1920, the Garden Club of Virginia has worked to conserve land, preserve historic landscapes, and inspire a love of gardening. Each spring, Historic Garden Week offers tours of private gardens, public landscapes, and historic sites across Virginia, enhanced by over 1,000 floral arrangements by club members. From April 27 to May 3, 29 unique tours will showcase more than 120 homes and gardens, with proceeds funding historic garden restoration and research fellowships.

Beyond its beauty, Historic Garden Week is a major economic driver, contributing $679 million to Virginia’s economy over the past 55 years. The Garden Club’s work includes restoring 18th-century gardens at Stratford Hall and enhancing Belmont, the home of Impressionist painter Gari Melchers. Its historic landscape research fellowship, launched in 1996, has documented 31 significant sites, preserving Virginia’s horticultural heritage for future generations.

A garden that was previously featured during Historic Garden Week. (The Garden Club of Virginia)

7. Farmville Flower & Garden Festival

Date: May 3

Location: 517 North Main St., Farmville, VA 23901

The 2nd Annual Farmville Flower & Garden Festival is set to return on Saturday, May 3, bringing a vibrant celebration of nature, gardening, and community spirit to Historic Downtown Riverside Park. Hosted by the Farmville Chamber of Commerce, the festival promises a full day of activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering something for gardening enthusiasts, families, and festivalgoers alike.

A highlight of this year’s event is the Kentucky Derby Hat Contest, where attendees can craft their own floral derby hats for a chance to win. Mint julep cocktails will add a festive touch to the occasion, complementing the Derby theme. Local plant vendors will showcase a variety of flowers, shrubs, and greenery, while craft vendors will feature handmade goods inspired by nature and gardening.

Families can look forward to kid-friendly activities in the Kid Zone, while adults can relax in the Sit ‘n Sip area and enjoy live music from local bands. Downtown Farmville’s shops will be open for festivalgoers looking to explore, and an array of food trucks will serve up delicious bites throughout the day.

8. Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival

Dates: September

Location: 13561 Lee Hwy., Buchanan, VA 24066

The Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival began in 2016 after the family farm, established in 1900, planted 20 acres of black oil sunflowers. Originally a tomato cannery and later a dairy farm, it now raises beef cattle and produces hay and straw. The festival has grown into a major event featuring over 115 craft and food vendors, live music, hayrides, a petting area, and special field trip days for preschoolers, senior citizens, and individuals with special needs.

Beyond the weekend festivities, guests can enjoy sunset dinners in the sunflower fields, with proceeds supporting school projects in the Dominican Republic, as well as goat yoga and sunset yoga. After the festival, sunflower seeds are harvested and sold locally. The event begins with a Friday Night Sneak Peek for an exclusive shopping experience and will return in September 2025.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.