As the wind blows away the cherry blossom petals, it’s time to turn our attention to tulip season. The colorful stems are starting to popup all across the region — a welcoming sign of spring.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot for spring photos or want to plan a flower-focused day trip, here are five nearby tulip festivals.
Bloomia Tulip Festival
April 11–12, 18–19
Just past Fredericksburg, you’ll find one of the largest producers of fresh cut tulips in the country. Visit bloomia to experience these beautiful stems in person. The weekend event also includes live music, floral design workshops, food trucks, and more. A shuttle will provide festivalgoers with a ride to the fields. Parking at Sealston Elementary School: 11048 Fletchers Chapel Rd., King George; $35 for individual pass; $125 for family/group pass
Burnside Farms Festival of Spring
Through April 19
More than 2 million tulips and daffodils are adding color to this Nokesville farm. For nearly three weeks, flower lovers can pick from 200-plus tulip varieties, grab the best spring photos, and enjoy a wagon ride through the fields. Each ticket includes five stems; additional tulip stems are $1 each. 11008 Kettle Run Rd., Nokesville; $19.50–$31
Chiles Peach Orchard Tulip Field Days
Through April 12
Chiles Peach Orchard is hosting its first pop-up tulip farm. Not only can guests pick from more than 175,000 stems (five stems are included with your ticket), the pop-up will also feature photo ops and satisfying drinks and sweet treats for purchase. One snack is included with admission. 1351 Greenwood Rd., Crozet; $12–$15.99 for day pass, $50.99 for season pass
Great Country Farms
Expected to open late April
This year, Great Country Farms is adding a pick-your-own tulips experience. The inaugural season will have fields full of more than 90,000 colorful tulip blooms. Guests will also be able to enjoy a scenic wagon ride, learn the art of digging tulip bulbs, and bring home their own bulbs to enjoy next spring. 18780 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont; $19.99–$29.99
Montpelier Farms
April 3–19
Half a million tulip stems will adorn this Maryland farm at the start of April. When you’re not wandering the colorful fields and picking the perfect bouquet, explore the farm market and cafe, greet the animals, or try one of the games and activities, like tug-o-war or barnyard basketball. 1720 N. Crain Hwy., Upper Marlboro, Maryland; $15.95–$24.95 for admission; $1.50–$2 for tulip stems
Feature image courtesy Burnside Farms
