Flowers make for some pretty serious attractions, and we here at Ah Sam Flowers do mean the kind you drive to. In the summer, towns, cities, and regions across the country make a point to celebrate their bloomiest and most beautiful flowers. In Rochester, there’s the lilac festival; in Texas, an event devoted to bluebells. Flower festivals present a unique opportunity for us to engage with local culture and to learn about a place. Luckily, our state offers a whole crop of such events, so activate that GPS.

California Poppy Festival, Lancaster, California

Antelope Valley (about two hours from L.A) is awash in fields of poppies this time of year, and it’s visually stunning, which is why they’ve made an entire festival out of it. The event takes place over two days and features tons of exhibits, performances, and a farmers market.

Lavender Festivals

In June, Cherry Valley commemorates their lavender fields forever with flower markets and tours through the pretty purple blooms, as well as seminars on how to make lavender oil. It all takes place at 123 Farm at Highland Springs Ranch & Inn. May through July, Santa Rosa’s Matanzas Creek Winery unites wine and lavender for a three-month affair in honor of both. Take tours, attend tastings, dress for garden parties, and repeat. Our lavender season runs from May through July, and there are plenty more festivals throughout the state.

Portland Rose Festival, Portland, Oregon

Okay, so it’s a bit north of us, but the destination is worth it. This rose festival includes the largest rose show in the country, with 4,000 flowers showcased. The festivities include dozens of activities and events, everything from rides and live music, and, of course, four parades. Bring the party home with some of our Ravishing Roses.