Oregon’s Top 5 Flower Festivals

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Amelie Rousseau, GoLocalPDX Contributor

One of the reasons we love Oregon is the botanical beauty that surrounds us at every bend in the road. And while we all know and love the Rose Festival, what about the other flowers that smell just as sweet? Kidnap your grandma, your girlfriend, or your really sensitive D&D drinking buddy and check out this summer’s floral-inspired festivities.

1. Keizer Iris Festival, May 14-17, (Keizer, OR)

Only 50 minutes from downtown Portland, Shreiner’s irises are world renowned. When you’re done exploring hundreds of exotic varieties, get active for a golf tournament on May 15 or run in the 5K the next day. Don’t miss the Mayor’s pet parade on May 16th. Watch the parade through downtown Keizer, sip a beer or take a carnival ride on the Midway. Shreiner’s farm is celebrating with events all month (May 8-30) Eugene’s Elixir Liqueur distillery will offers tastings of their small batch Calisaya and Iris liqueurs, a unique liqueur made from the Iris root. (May 21, 12-5 pm)

2. 108th Rhododendron Festival, May 15th- May 17th (Florence, OR)

Be a part of history at the second oldest flower festival in Oregon. Hosted by the American Rhododendron Society, this coastal town becomes awash in rhody blooms among the sand dunes. Take a helicopter ride, ride the dunes, or visit the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum. Peruse the street vendors for knickknacks, admire entries at the car, motorcycle and art shows, run a 5K in the 37th annual “Rhody Run” or let out some steam on the carnival rides. The festival ends with the grand floral parade on Sunday morning.

3. 106th Strawberry Festival, June 4th-7th (Lebanon, OR)

Ok, so a strawberry isn’t a flower, but it deserved to be included in our list for this: Lebanon’s fruit festival dishes up the ‘world’s largest shortcake,’ serving 5,000 lb. of cake for free. The massive cake is hauled through the grand floral parade before it is cut up and served to 16,000 people! If tiaras are your thing, attend the royal court crowning ceremony, or belt your heart out in the karaoke contest.

4. Oregon Lavender Daze Festival, July 17-19 (Hood River, OR)

Take a breathtaking day trip through the Gorge for the sensual experience that is the Oregon Lavender Festival. Listen to live music, look at fine art, savor barbeque and lavender gelatos and smell the relaxing fragrance of acres of blushing lavender. Included face painting and crafting classes for the whole family. Don’t forget to take a bunch of local lavender home to use in bath salts, herbal teas and baked goods all year.

5. Annual Dahlia Festival, Aug 29-Sep 7, Swan Island Dahlia Farm (Canby, OR)

Labor Day brings dahlia season to Swan island, the biggest grower of dahlias in America. wine tastings, Grab a glass of wine and wander through 40 acres of blooming dahlias. Enjoy a 350-piece flower arrangement display, then learn how to compose your own at the arranging demonstrations at 1 pm all three days.