Dahlia Dreams in Full Bloom

Each summer, Swan Island Dahlias in Canby invites visitors to bask in a stunning display of color, community, and creativity at its annual Dahlia Festival. Running Wednesdays–Sundays, Aug. 1–Sept. 28, the festival is a breathtaking 50-acre showcase of 375-plus dahlia varieties. Admission is free, and the event features live music, food carts, and family-friendly activities.

Wander through display gardens and vast flower fields bursting with vibrant blooms. Behind the scenes, Swan Island Dahlias grows 15,000 seedlings annually, selecting only a few for their distinctive stems, quality, and beauty to become next year’s new varieties. In addition to breathtaking blooms, the festival offers fresh-cut flowers, an adorable year-round gift shop, hosts the Canby Dahlia Run, and this year will host the ZNA Northwest Koi Show.

Throughout the season, the festival offers a rotating lineup of classes including Dahlia care, floral arranging, art, and health and beauty workshops (registration online). Food vendors include local favorites such as Sugar Lips Donuts, Blazing Taco, The Feedshack, The Big Scoop, and The Tap Trailer.

Live music happens every weekend noon to 4 p.m., with a rotating roster of talented musicians, including: Katrina Elizabeth (Aug. 2 and Sept. 28); Knotty Sangria (Aug. 3); Tuesday String Band (Aug. 9); Rob Rainwater (Aug. 10); Mojo Holler (Aug. 16); Olivia Harms & The Roadrunners (Aug. 17); Tyler Stenson (Aug. 24 and Sept. 13); Nate Botsford (Aug. 30); River Divide (Aug. 31 and Sept. 6); Tiffany Bird & Band (Sept. 1); Billy Shew (Sept. 7); Hank Shreve Band (Sept. 21); Steve & Margot Show (Sept. 27).

Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, a photographer, or just looking for a peaceful day outdoors, the Dahlia Festival offers something special for everyone.

Swan Island Dahlias is located at 995 N.W. 22nd Avenue in Canby and is open Wednesdays–Sundays, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through September. For event updates and music/food schedules, visit www.dahlias.com. Festival hours: Aug. 1–Sept. 28, Wednesday–Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.