Flower Festivals in the Month of May
The Spring Flower Festivals of USA are a beautiful way to admire and soak in the beauty of this country. Every year, these choicest of Flower Shows all across America attract millions of visitors to delight in the enchanting beauty of spring blooms. Azaleas, Tulips, Roses, Dogwood Blossoms, Lilacs and many more spring flowers show off their pristine beauty standing gracefully in expansive public gardens and private homes.
With spring setting in beautifully during the month of May in most places, we give you our list of must-visit Flower festivals hosted during the month of May. If you are a lover of gardens, gardening, traveling to scenic places or simply visiting USA to feast your eyes on its lush beauty, you might want to plan around these dates and catch the blossoming beauty of the country in action.
Most flower festivals begin in March, April or May and continue till June. We list here, all our favorite festivals that you can expect to catch during May, whether on-going from a previous month or beginning now.
The Biltmore Festival of Flowers
The stately house in Asheville, NC has extensive gardens to show off. The Biltmore Festival of Flowers begins from March and you can progress through the months to see different flowers and varieties in the beautiful gardens of Biltmore. During the month of May, the profusion of Azaleas is on display in addition to other annuals and perennials. Starting from the Estate entry and the approach road to the Inn on Biltmore Estate, Winery, Farm and the specialized gardens like the Spring garden, the Azalea garden and the Walled garden, there is blossoming beauty all around waiting to be taken in. Poppies, Snapdragons and Pansies look lovely in the Walled garden and the Winery beds and you are going to need your camera to be ready at every bend in the road. Look out for pink Lady’s Slippers, Beauty Bush, “Little Girl” magnolias and lovely bluebirds that love to nest around these blossoms.
Where: Asheville, NC
When: March, April, May
Website: www.biltmore.com
Annual Tulip Festival
The Annual Tulip Festival has now become a spring tradition in Albany when over 100,000 tulips in every color imaginable, sway in the gentle spring breeze. You will be marveled at the sight of a sea of tulips, both native and hybrid varieties. And your trip to this flower festival is made even memorable by the host of other activities taking place during the festival. A remarkable craft fair, kids activities and live music are only a part of the general festive air that surrounds the city during the festival.
Where: Albany, New York
When: May
Website: www.albanyevents.org
Portland Rose Festival
Image Credits: Diane Gilleland and Chris
The ‘Rose City’ blooms with pride during the months of May and June when it hosts the famous ‘Portland Rose Festival’. It would unfair to call it a mere flower festival since it is much more. Other than the stunning Rose show that attracts flower lovers, and the crown jewel ‘Flower Parade’ with elaborately flower-decked floats, the rose festival also hosts a fleet of activities like golf tournaments, rose cup races, live concerts, and waterfront events.
Tip: Stop by to see the creatively designed container gardens at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Each year, a different designer showcases there container creations here.
Where: Portland, Oregon
When: April, May, June, July
Website: www.rosefestival.org
Tulip Time Festival
Celebrate Pella’s Dutch heritage at Tulip Time, when Pella is all aglow with a sea of tulips and turns into nothing short of Holland, complete with a Dutch village. Take your time admiring the Annual Flower Show and then visit the Sunken and Brinkhoff gardens. Crafty minds will love the Dutch craft market and quilt show. Another event not to be missed is the Antique Tractor show.
Where: Pella, Iowa
When: May
Website: www.pellatuliptime.com
Tulip Time Festival
Take a trip to Holland this May to see the tulips – Holland, MI we mean! The city of Holland in the state of Michigan is soaked with rich history and culture. The Tulip Time festival was started way back in 1929 with an aim to beautify the city with tulips. The show is marked by a display of millions of tulips as well as three parades, Dutch dancers, a Dutch market, dinner shows, vintage base ball, rock camp and fireworks.
Where: Holland, Michigan
When: May
Website: www.tuliptime.com
Blossomtime Festival
Visit the Southwest of Michigan to celebrate a Blossom time getaway this May. There are lovely farms, orchards and gardens to feast your eyes upon, but it is the Grand Floral parade that draws in 250,000 spectators & travels 2-½ miles through St. Joseph across the bridge into Benton Harbor and is a sight to behold. The most popular non-floral events are the pageants.
Where: Benton Harbor / St. Joseph, Michigan
When: May
Website: www.blossomtimefestival.org
Magnolia Blossom Festival
Enjoy the fragrant blossoms on the Magnolia trees in Magnolia, Arkansas while participating in the festivities of the Magnolia Blossom Festival being hosted alongside the World Championship Steak Cook Off. Other events include Magnolia Arts Fashion Show, Fishing Tournament, Pageant, Antique Car Show, Motorcycle Show and an exciting Treasure Hunt.
Where: Magnolia, Arkansas
When: May
Website: www.blossomfestival.org
Rochester Lilac Festival
Celebrate the burst of colors at the Rochester Lilac Festival where 1200 Lilac bushes decorating the 22 acres of Highland Park in Rochester will put up a spectacular show, exploding with color and fragrance! And the Lilac Festival has more than just the largest collection of Lilacs. The festival is an experience for all your senses. See the magnificent array of colors, people, and arts & crafts; Smell the aromatic lilacs; Hear entertaining musical acts; Taste the variety of foods and treats; and Touch a lilac branch as you sniff a fresh bud or walk hand-in-hand along the spectacular park paths.
Where: Rochester, New York
When: May
Website: http://www.rochesterevents.com/festivals-events/lilac-festival
Orleans Dogwood Festival
“In Spring, Dogwoods Beckon Us Home” – Visit the Dogwood Capital of the World – Orleans, Indiana, for a unique experience at the Orleans Dogwood Festival. Enjoy the beautiful Dogwood blooms in southern Indiana as you get caught up in other festivities like the parade, live entertainment, food stalls, contests and lots more!
Where: Orleans, Indiana
When: April-May
Website: http://orleansdogwoodfestival.com/
Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival
Everything Disney does is unmatched! Kids and grown-ups will enjoy the spectacular displays at Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival. Giant sized topiaries designed to mimic popular Disney characters and enchanting gardens are sure to transport you into the Disney Dreamworld. Enjoy seasonal spring foods created by expert Walt Disney World chefs as you take in the sights. As evening falls in, the gardens and modeled shrubs all light up for an even more magical experience.
Where: Epcot, Walt Disney World, Florida
When: April 29 – May 19, 2013
Website: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-international-flower-and-garden-festival/
Oh how I wish I could keep plants and flowers alive! They just wilt in my presence…ugh!
Biltmore Gardens are beautiful any time of the year, but April-May has got to be the best with Spring flowers blooming. A great compilation!