While some Washingtonians may still be reeling over the ticket registration debacle that came with the ‘Tulip Day Washington‘ event, the good news is that there are plenty of other fun floral events happening near D.C. this spring!
Later this month, one of the largest Daffodil Festivals on the East Coast is set to draw crowds of up to 25,000 people to a small town over a single weekend!
The town in question, which has a history of being called ‘The Daffodil Capital of America’, is none other than Gloucester, Virginia!
What is the Gloucester Daffodil Festival?
The Gloucester Daffodil Festival is an annual celebration hosted by the small town every spring, highlighting the significance of the daffodil in local history and culture.
2026 will be the town’s 40th annual Daffodil Festival, which will have a unique theme, ‘Anchored in Tradition’, an ode to the town’s roots as a nautical community, as well as the historical significance daffodils have played in developing the town’s identity over the years.
The celebration will feature hundreds of vendors along Gloucester Main Street, an official ‘driving tour’ of all the best daffodil locations in the area, a daffodil parade, and more!
When is the Gloucester Daffodil Festival going to take place?
The Gloucester Daffodil Festival will take place on the last weekend of March – the 28th and the 29th.
Here are a few notable events happening during the festival:
- The Amazing Mutt Show – March 28th at 1 pm
- Best Costume
- Goodest Boy (Best Obedience or Tricks)
- Highest Jumper
- Daffodil Dash 5K – March 29th at 9 am (check-in by 8 am)
- $50 registration fee to participate
- Daffodil Parade – March 28th at 10 am
Is the Gloucester Daffodil Festival free to attend?
Yes, the Gloucester Daffodil Festival is open to the public and does not require an entry ticket.
However, you’ll still want to bring some cash with you, just in case, because a cash-only shuttle bus will be operating to bring those who had to park further away to the festival site.
Additionally, while most vendors and food stalls accept card or contactless payment, having some extra cash handy is still a wise precaution.