Enjoy the lovely weather while we have it at these floral festivals in Austin’s surrounding cities.

Story by Selome Hailu

Illustration by Rylan Henderson

Spring has sprung, and central Texas is in full bloom. Get off the Forty Acres for a weekend with your friends to stop and smell the roses at these annual floral festivals.

The Becker Vineyards Lavender Festival

When: Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, May 6, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Becker Vineyards in Fredericksburg, Texas

What: This fragrant purple party is only an hour and a half drive west. For twenty years, the Becker Vineyards Lavender Festival has hosted lavender-themed luncheons, cooking demonstrations, vendors and even wine tasting! Complete with performances by local blues artists, this festival is the perfect way to finish the last week of classes and spend the semester’s “dead days.” Best of all, it’s completely free!

Too busy with finals? Wait until the semester ends to get your floral fix.

The Blanco Lavender Festival

When: Friday, June 8 to Sunday, June 10

Where: Blanco, Texas

What: The Blanco Lavender Festival was created after National Geographic photographer Robert Kendrick became inspired by landscapes he shot in France. When Kendrick and his wife came back home to the hill country, they introduced thousands of new plants to the area that the surrounding community now celebrates every year. With events at various locations throughout Blanco, you’ll find yourself at sweet-smelling markets, farms and restaurants from dawn to dusk.

These festivals have already passed, but make sure to keep them in mind when planning next year’s springtime activities.

Texas Tulips

When: Late February to Early April

Where: Denton, Texas

What: Located in Austin’s neighboring city to the north, Texas Tulips is a Denton classic. The family-owned farm began as a way to pay homage to their heritage in Holland. Now, they open up their acres of land every year for visitors to explore with picking baskets. Texas Tulips has already closed for 2018, but when spring next returns, pick some tulips and bring a little life back to your West Campus windowsill.

The Wildflower Celebration

When: Saturday, Apr. 7 to Saturday, Apr. 21

Where: Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, Texas

What: Wildseed Farms is the largest working wildflower farm in the United States, and it is only 90 minutes away. The farm is free and open to the public all year long, but during this month’s Wildflower Celebration, everything blossoms to its fullest point. If their two hundred acres of petals and walking trails aren’t enough, the return of their seasonal butterfly garden is sure to get you in the springtime spirit. When you’re done, shop around the Lantana Nursery for some greens to decorate your apartment.

The Bluebonnet Festival

When: Friday, Apr. 13 to Sunday, Apr. 15

Where: Burnet, Texas

What: This list couldn’t be complete without the Texas state flower. The 35th annual Bluebonnet Festival takes place at various locations across Burnet from dawn to dusk all weekend. Watch the Festival Grand Parade go by, see kids on flower-clad rides from the bike decorating contest and attend a wildflower show at the Burnet Library. Get ready to take your yearly bluebonnet pics to a whole new level!

Whatever you choose, you’ll find a way to breathe in something fresh and floral soon!