8 Floral Festivals to Enjoy This Spring and Summer in Ohio

Though April showers are said to bring May flowers, they start to pop up in Ohio during the fourth month of the year, kicking off a stream of flowers that last through summer. No matter your favorite flowers, you cannot deny the beauty of blooms that are celebrated across our state. Plan ahead for these festivals full of family fun and flower power.

White House Fruit Farm Tulip | April
Incredible hues of orange, yellow, red, pink and purple blend at the first-ever Tulip Experience at Whitehouse Fruit Farm in Canfield. Stroll the farm grounds and pause for photo opportunities as you take in the sight of 225,500 tulips. The festival begins once the tulips are in bloom, which is weather dependent. Visitors should check the farm’s website and social media channels before traveling to see the blooms in person this April.

Timbuk Farms Tulip Festival | Mid-April
A breathtaking display of 500,000 tulips are on view as you walk through Timbuk Farms Tulip Festival in Granville. If the tulips weren’t enough to draw a crowd, Timbuk Farms offers other activities such as family-friendly games and rides for kids, live music on the weekends and food trucks on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. You can even pick tulips to take home with you. Exact festival dates are dependent upon the time of the tulips blooming, so check the Timbuk website and social media channels before traveling. 

Lilac Festival & Street Fair | May 10
Loads of beautiful blooms await at the Lilac Festival & Street Fair in downtown Defiance. Be one of the first 750 people to visit the festival to receive a free lilac, sure to fill the air with a sweet fragrance all day. Family-friendly activities, arts and crafts, and food make for a lovely day celebrating the city of Defiance’s official flower.

Van Wert Peony Festival | June 6-7
Both people and peonies flood the streets of Van Wert the first Friday and Saturday of June. A car show, live music, food trucks and the children’s fishing derby are all on the agenda of this festival, which celebrates 50 years in 2025. Enjoy midway games and rides to complete the festival feel. Don’t miss the Grand Parade and a stop by the vendor fair for local shopping.

Lilyfest | July 11-13
Explore a bounty of lilies in the Hocking Hills region during Lilyfest. Take your time wandering 3 acres at the Bishop Educational Gardens in Rockbridge, and be sure to visit the more than 60 arts and crafts vendors. Enjoy activities for kids, live music and food at Chef Moe’s On-the-Go or Pap’s Ice Cream. Guided nature hikes will be offered too. 

Frankfort Sunflower Festival | July 26-27
The Frankfort Sunflower Festival in Ross County puts smiles on faces with its star flower and activities for all. Lace up your sneakers and participate in the 5K and Fun Run or the sunflower or craft shows. There is a baby contest and kiddie tractor pull, and the whole family can enjoy a stroll through the car show. Live music and a petting zoo add to the two days of festivities in downtown Frankfort.

Coshocton Sunflower Festival | Aug. 2-16
Four acres and over 50 varieties of sunflowers bask in the summer sun at the Coshocton KOA Holiday. Festivities kick off Aug. 2 with a family day (new for 2025) before a main festival weekend Aug. 8 through 10 that includes food trucks, craft vendors, a beer and wine garden, live music and more. Visitors looking for a quieter experience can visit Aug. 3 through 5 and Aug. 14 through 15 to enjoy the peace of the fields and pick flowers to take home. All festivities conclude Aug. 16 with one final festival day. 

Bellavenue Manor Lavender Festival | Aug. 16
Prepare your senses for the sights and scents at the Bellavenue Manor Lavender Festival in McConnelsville, where the beautiful bundles of the breathtaking purple flower make for an incredible experience. Enjoy lavender-infused drinks, food and themed crafts, participate in fun lavender workshops or kick back and enjoy the atmosphere with live music. Be sure to stop into the Belleavenue Manor shop for handmade gifts and goods.

For more Ohio travel inspiration, sign up for our Ohio Magazine newsletters.

Ohio Magazine is available in a beautifully designed print issue that is published 7 times a year, along with Spring-Summer and Fall-Winter editions of LongWeekends magazine. Subscribe to Ohio Magazine and stay connected to beauty, adventure and fun across our state.