From springtime daffodils to summer fields full of sunflowers, there are plenty of reasons to stop and smell the roses, so to speak. Take a road trip through the state and discover vibrant festivals that honor the seasons and their breathtaking blooms.
Daffodils in Dunbarton, Goffstown, Weare and New Boston
Late April – Early May
As the days get longer and the temperature turns warmer, New Hampshire’s daffodils burst into bloom, painting the landscape with bright yellow and white petals. These flowers, symbolizing new beginnings, greet visitors throughout the town of Dunbarton. The stunning display was the result of a ten-year effort by the Dunbarton Garden Club, which helped coordinate the planting or more than 100,000 daffodils to celebrate the town's 250th anniversary in 2015. Watch for them popping up this spring along the John Stark Scenic Byway through Dunbarton, Goffstown, New Boston and Weare.
Tulip Fete – Hancock
Early May
For those who can’t get enough of spring's vibrant colors, Wolf Pine Hollow is the place to be. During the Tulip Fete, the farm's fields come alive with hundreds of thousands of tulips in every shade imaginable. What's even better? You can pick your own! Stroll through the fields and handpick the perfect blooms to take home. This is a must-see for tulip lovers. There is no admission fee, but visitors are encouraged to make a parking reservation. The fields are open most days from 9 AM to 4 PM, but make sure you wear comfy shoes- it’s a bit of a walk from the parking area to the blooms!
Lupine Season in the White Mountains - Franconia, Sugar Hill
Late May – Mid June
Imagine fields and pastures drenched in a kaleidoscope of purple, pink, and blue —this is lupine season in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Every year, the region comes alive with these iconic flowers, especially around Sugar Hill and Franconia, where you can take a self-guided tour to witness the spectacle. Check out the Celebration of Lupine and Harman’s Cheese & Country Store, for suggestions of the best spots to see the best displays. Be sure to bring a camera along to capture this bloom and a reminder to practice being wildly responsible to ensure others have an enjoyable experience too.
Rhododendron State Park - Fitzwilliam
Early to Mid-July
Summer in New Hampshire wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Rhododendron State Park, home to the largest rhododendron grove in northern New England. Spanning 16 acres, this breathtaking sight will have you in awe as thousands of blooms create a sea of pink and white. Keep an eye on the park’s bloom reports so you can catch the flowers at their peak, and don’t miss the nearby wildflower trail, where the beauty continues to bloom throughout the summer season.
Sunflower Festival – Lee
July 26 – August 3
When you think of summer, sunflowers immediately come to mind. Coppal House Farm in Lee, hosts the ultimate summer celebration: the NH Sunflower Festival. During this short but spectacular festival, the farm transforms into a golden sea of oilseed sunflowers—a variety that only blooms for about 10 days, so the window to witness this stunning site is short. In addition to its being an unforgettable experience, 10% of proceeds from the festival are donated to Make-A-Wish NH, an organization dedicated to granting wishes for children facing serious medical conditions.
Sunfox Farm Sunflower Bloom Festival – Concord
August 9 – 17
If you love sunflowers, Sunfox Farm is a must-visit this summer. Their 57-acre farm located in the heart of NH’s capital city of Concord features 20 acres of sunflowers. These towering flowers stretching in every direction. See the dazzling displays first hand as you wander through the fields as part of their 7th Annual Sunflower Bloom Festival. Festival weekends are filled with live music, local vendors, and food trucks making it the perfect outing for friends and family.
Sunflower Soiree - Canterbury
August 9 - 16
For a more laid-back sunflower experience, head to Brookford Farm for their Sunflower Soiree in mid-August. This vibrant festival offers everything from hayrides and cow parades to a sunflower stroll through the fields. Capture the perfect picture from the sunflower observation deck, enjoy live music, and pick your own sunflowers to take home. With fun activities for everyone, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer day on the farm.
