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The 11 Most Magical Sunflower Festivals You Have to See to Believe


Thereโ€™s something irresistible about standing in a sea of golden blooms stretching as far as the eye can see. Sunflower festivals arenโ€™t just about the flowers; theyโ€™re about joy, community, food, art, and unforgettable photos. From small-town charm to international flair, these are the most spectacular sunflower festivals around the world that are worth planning a trip around.

1. Kansas Sunflower Festival โ€“ Lawrence, Kansas, USA

Sunflower.
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Kansas is the Sunflower State for good reason, and Grinterโ€™s Sunflower Farm near Lawrence puts on a dazzling late-summer show. Hundreds of thousands of blooms stretch across the horizon, drawing crowds from all over the Midwest. Entry is donation-based, and the sunsets are absolutely stunning.

2. Tuscany Sunflower Season โ€“ Tuscany, Italy

Sunflowers. Sunflowers.
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While not a formal festival, sunflower season in Tuscany is a dreamy affair. The rolling hills near Siena and Val dโ€™Orcia burst into bloom in July, with golden fields contrasting the regionโ€™s iconic cypress trees and villas. Rent a car, explore small towns, and time your photos for golden hour.

3. Sunflower Festival at Biltmore โ€“ Asheville, North Carolina, USA

Sunflower.
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The famous Biltmore Estate holds a sunflower celebration in late summer, featuring a sprawling field planted with over 50 varieties. The view of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background makes it uniquely picturesque. Admission is included with a Biltmore day ticket.

4. Canadian Sunflower Festival โ€“ Clarington, Ontario, Canada

Sunflower field and woman.
Anton Mukhin via Shutterstock.

Hosted by the Pingleโ€™s Farm Market in Ontario, this festival includes sunflower trails, live music, food trucks, and pick-your-own sunflowers. With over 100,000 blooms and themed photo stations, itโ€™s a family favorite.

5. Zama Sunflower Festival โ€“ Zama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

sunflower.
sunflower. abegum4048 via Shutterstock.

Located about an hour from Tokyo, this festival features nearly half a million sunflowers across multiple fields. Held in August, it includes local food stalls, sunflower maze paths, and a viewing platform for sweeping aerial shots.

6. Sunflower Festival at Burnside Farms โ€“ Nokesville, Virginia, USA

Sunflower.
Pavlo Baliukh via Shutterstock.

Burnside Farms plants over 30 acres of sunflowers each summer, with walk-through fields and U-pick options. They stagger the planting to stretch the bloom season. Add in live music and a picnic and youโ€™ve got a perfect day trip from Washington, DC.

7. Provence Sunflower Routes โ€“ Provence, France

Sunflower.
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Like Tuscany, Provence doesnโ€™t have a single sunflower festival, but it doesnโ€™t need one. Drive the D942 between Avignon and Carpentras in July to witness radiant sunflower fields that inspired van Gogh. Pair it with local wine and lavender fields for the ultimate sensory escape.

8. McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area โ€“ Poolesville, Maryland, USA

sunflower.
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This state-managed land bursts into bloom in mid-July with more than 30 acres of sunflowers planted to support pollinators and birds. No ticket or entry fee, just bring your camera and enjoy a peaceful stroll through towering blooms.

9. Taiwan Sunflower Festivals โ€“ Various Regions, Taiwan

sunflower oil.
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Taiwan celebrates sunflowers in several regions during summer and fall. Fields in Taoyuan and Hualien offer photo zones, workshops, and floral markets. Check local tourism boards for exact dates and locations, which shift slightly each year.

10. Sunflower Festival at Coppal House Farm โ€“ Lee, New Hampshire, USA

New Hampshire.
Image credit Jon Bilous via Shutterstock.

This New England gem offers 5 acres of flowers, with a different theme each year and dedicated photo spots. Proceeds support local wildlife conservation. Early risers can catch the golden fields in misty morning light.

11. Sarina Sunflower Festival โ€“ Sarina, Queensland, Australia

sunflowers.
Jakub Malec via Shutterstock.

Held every other spring, this cheerful community event in rural Queensland includes a sunflower queen pageant, parades, art competitions, and, of course, fields of brilliant blooms. Itโ€™s a celebration of rural life as much as it is of sunflowers.

The Takeaway

Sunflower.
Crisss12000 via Shutterstock.


Whether youโ€™re a flower fanatic, a travel photographer, or just someone looking for a joyful, sunny escape, a sunflower festival offers something rare; pure, golden happiness. From Japan to Kansas, these vibrant fields are a celebration of nature, community, and light. Add one to your travel list; you wonโ€™t regret it.

In Full Bloom: A Travelerโ€™s Guide to Must See Flower Festivals Around The World

Skagit Valley Tulips.
Image credit Amber Walker via Shutterstock.

READ: In Full Bloom: A Travelerโ€™s Guide to Must See Flower Festivals Around The World

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  • Dede Wilson Headshot Circle

    Dรฉdรฉ Wilson is a journalist with over 17 cookbooks to her name and is the co-founder and managing partner of the digital media partnership Shift Works Partners LLC, currently publishing through two online media brands, FODMAP Everydayยฎ and The Queen Zone.

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