Michigan Bucket List: Sunflower Festivals  

07.23.2024 | 3 min read

In Michigan, sunflowers bloom at the beginning of July and finish around October, which means you’ve got a couple months to cross a visit off your bucket list.

Sunflowers typically grow between five to 12 feet tall. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the tallest sunflower was 30 feet tall. Sunflowers are native to North America. Historical evidence suggests that the plant was cultivated by Native Americans as early as 3000 B.C. In fact, some archaeologists believe that sunflowers may have been domesticated before corn.

Michigan has a plethora of sunflower farms scattered across the state. Here are some of the farms that are hosting sunflower festivals this summer and fall.

DeBuck’s Sunflower Farm, Belleville

DeBuck’s Family Farm hosts 15 acres of sunflowers where you can pick your own, as well as enjoy family fun attractions and food and drinks. The farm offers this sunflower festival over three weeks in August. The fest is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am to 4 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays 10 am to 6 pm, between August 8 and 25.

Lewis Adventure Farm Flower Mania, New Era

Lewis Adventure Farm will open their vibrant flower field on August 3, featuring an ocean of zinnias and sunflowers. Discover their new flower house and indulge a U-pick experience for the whole family. Don’t miss this colorful celebration, where the flowers are as endless as the joy they bring! Runs August 3 through September 22.

Sunflower Days, Unionville

Sunflower Days will take place September 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kohl Farms. The event will offer U-pick options by the stem and by the bucket. There will also be pre-picked sunflower bundles available for purchase. They encourage photographers and photo enthusiasts to join in for this lovely festival.

Blake’s Sunflower Festival, Armada

Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill will host its annual sunflower festival the weekends of August 9 – 11, and August 16 – 18. Stroll through the sunflowers, cut your own flowers in the fields, snap lots of photos and shop from more than 150 artisans. Admission includes free classes, speakers and demonstrations will be available on natural wellness and farming. There will be U-pick options available for sunflowers as well as wildflowers, fruits and vegetables.

Frankenmuth Flower Festival, Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth Flower Festival will take place August 2 - 4 at Grandpa Tiny’s Farm. Grandpa Tiny’s Farm is home to 25 acres of sunflowers. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Michigan's Little Bavaria, along with a list of events including acres of sunflower fields with U-Pick, a Sunflower Fun Color Run, plein air artists, craft vendors and food trucks.

Sunflower Festival at Gull Meadow Farms, Richland

Gull Meadow Farms’ Sunflower Festival takes place August 23 – 35, and August 30 – September 1. Come explore their five-acre field which is home to more than two dozen different varieties of sunflowers. Each ticket includes admission to the sunflower field, one U-Cut Bloom to take home with you, and family activities at the farm, including a scenic wagon ride through the woods.

Sunflower Days at Westview Orchards & Winery, Washington Township

Sunflower Days at Westview Orchards & Winery are open August 3 through August 18. They offer many events throughout this period including general admission to the sunflower field, sunset admission, specialty food and drinks, and butterflies and blooms weekends. Sunflower picking packages are available for purchase on site. Be sure to check their website for dates and times and other special events.