What’s next after the cherry blossoms? Here’s 12 gorgeous flower festivals and floral shows coming up in 2024 for Ontario

Cherry blossom season may be brief in Ontario, but don’t worry — there’s more blooms coming right around the corner like tulips, lilacs, peonies and, later in the season, sunflowers.

Ontario’s much publicized cherry blossom season may be as brief as it is spectacular — two weeks at the most, and that’s in a good year — but the good news is, it’s only the start of Mother’s Nature colourful spring and summer display.

Other blossoms, like tulips, lilacs, peonies and, later on in the season, sunflowers, just to name a few, are coming up right behind!

Here are — in the words of Destination Ontario, which is our province’s lead tourism marketing organization — “12 gorgeous flower festivals and floral shows in Ontario” to take in over the coming months.

1. Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa

When: May 10 to 20

Where: Ottawa

Each year, thousands of tulips bloom in stunning displays at Commissioners Park near Dows Lake.

More info can be found here.

2. Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE Bloor-Yorkville

When: May 8 to 12

Where: Bloor-Yorkville, Toronto

This stunning floral series will be returning to Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood for a second year. The free event involves a gallery of beautiful floral installations at various locations created by florists and designers, as well as workshops, performances and a flower market.

More info can be found here.

3. Warkworth Lilac Festival

When: May 25 to 26

Where: Warkworth

Don’t miss the 12th annual lilac festival in Warkworth, a welcoming rural community in Northumberland County’s Trent Hills. Visitors are treated to rare and beautiful varieties of lilacs along the Millennium Lilac Trail. In addition to the lovely colour and fragrance of the lilacs, local artisans, vendors, food, music and special activities make this an inclusive, family-friendly event.

More info can be found here.

4. Bloom Celebrations at the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG)

When: May and June 2024

Where: 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington

The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is an expansive oasis of biodiversity, conservation and education, showcasing thousands of plant species in natural areas and manicured gardens. Within the gardens are the well-tended signature collections of lilacs, iris, peonies and roses.

In each blooming season, RBG celebrates with special tours and discovery stations. The lilacs in the arboretum reach peak bloom in late May. In June, the iris and peony celebrations take place in the Laking Garden. And finally, in late June, the beloved Centennial Rose Garden in Hendrie Park steals the show. This collection has grown over the years to become one of the largest in Ontario.

Wander the grounds and follow the pathways to thousands of different varieties of blooming roses. The garden also features interpretive signs providing an interesting history of the popular flower.

More info can be found here.

5. Oshawa Peony Festival

When: June 8 to 9

Where: 155 Arena St., Oshawa

From the imperial estates in ancient China to Kew Gardens in London, the vibrant peony has graced gardens the world over. And it’s become a sensation in Ontario too, at the award-winning Peony Festival in Oshawa.

During this free, two-day event, guests are welcome to explore the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, admire hundreds of varieties of peonies in the Peony Garden, browse artisan crafts and goods at vendor tables and enjoy food and entertainment.

A highlight of the event is the Canadian Peony Society Peony Show and Competition. This prestigious competition is serious business as the judges are permitted to “withhold” an award if, in their opinion, the exhibit is not worthy.

More info can be found here.

6. Serenity Lavender Festival

When: June 22 to 23

Where: 130 County Rd. 50 E., Colchester, Ont.

Join artists, artisans and musicians at Canada’s most southern lavender farm on the shores of Lake Erie for a celebration of all things lavender.

More info can be found here.

7. Prince Edward County Lavender Festival

When: July 6 to 7 and 13 to 14

Where: 732 Closson Rd., Hillier, Ont.

If you love the aroma and beauty of lavender, make this event on your calendar. Enjoy local food, entertainment, activities for kids and more over two weekends in the middle of summer during the peak lavender flowering season at Prince Edward County Lavender. Tour the vibrant lavender fields and shop in the boutique for essential lavender oils and other products. There’s even the opportunity to stay on-site in a bed and breakfast if you can’t resist the thought of waking up to the scent of fresh lavender.

More info can be found here.

8. Sunflower Festival at Fieldstone Barn in Elora

When: August

Where: 7450 Middlebrook Rd., Elora, Ont.

The farm at Fieldstone Barn in Elora celebrates sunflower season in a big way. From an artisan market to several staged “selfie spots,” as well as corn mazes, local farm alpacas and donkeys, and of course, fields of tall, luminous sunflowers, there’s a lot to enjoy.

More info can be found here.

9. Sunflower Festival at Davis Family Farm

When: August

Where: 15770 Mountainview Rd., Caledon East, Ont.

Experience your own field of dreams as you wander through fields of bright, beautiful sunflowers. Check the activities schedule for unique experiences like sunflower yoga sessions and picnics in the fields.

More info can be found here.

10. Sundridge Sunflower Festival

When: Aug. 10

Where: Main Street, Sundridge

Gather on the shores of Lake Bernard to enjoy live music, family activities, food and drink and gorgeous sunflowers.

More info can be found here.

11. Toronto Flower Market

When: Monthly, May through October 2024

Where: 1001 Queen St. W. Toronto

Celebrating local flowers, plants and artisans, this market is held monthly from May to October, offering a vibrant selection of locally grown flowers and the opportunity to meet local growers and florists.

More info can be found here.

12. Spring and Summer Shows at the Niagara Falls Floral Showhouse

When: May through September 2024

Where: 7145 Niagara Pkwy., Niagara Falls

There’s always something new to admire at the iconic Floral Showhouse in Niagara Falls, close to the famous falls. In addition to the standard displays including a rare collection of orchids and other exotic plants, a series of special shows take place each year. The annual flower shows include the Hydrangea Show in May, the Regal Geraniums in June and the Summer Show runs from July to mid-September.

More info can be found here.

By Metroland Staff, Insidehaltoncom