Thank you to everyone who made the 2024 Flower Festival a success!
Save the date for Friday, June 6- Sunday, June 8, 2025
At the Alpena Flower Festival, step into a world of floral enchantment. Experience stunning floral displays throughout the downtown created by local florists, snap a photo in front of spectacular floral backdrops, sip themed cocktails, and groove to live music.
Each June, downtown is filled with floral-related activities, such as live painting by local artists, free kids' crafts, live music, poetry readings, themed cocktails for the adults, extended shop hours, and more.
Each June, downtown is filled with floral-related activities, such as live painting by local artists, free kids' crafts, live music, poetry readings, themed cocktails for the adults, extended shop hours, and more.
Photos by Noah Gibson for the Alpena DDA
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what attendees had to say about the festival:
Everyone involved did an exceptional job, and I thank you so much. It was truly amazing, with an incredible amount of activities offered.
As someone who loves flowers! I just love that we have a festival that celebrates that! It’s just nice seeing down town lively! And in good spirits!!❤️ Thankyou for all that you do!🤗 Can’t wait for next year!
I see how much it grew from last year and can see your vision of potential for future years to come. This could be a very unique experience for Alpena to hold on to I hope it continues for years to come. Thank you!!
The pride I felt in what our town has become! The flowers were gorgeous- I particularly loved Falls Creek! The shops are lovely and the food choices just keep getting better! I love our town❤️
The hard work that downtown has put in this year! Seeing what the DDA and the downtown business work together to create something beautiful with flowers will always be something special in my heart. I love seeing alpena alive and well!
The creativity blew me away, and the proliferation of flowers is a great way to welcome summer!
As someone who loves flowers! I just love that we have a festival that celebrates that! It’s just nice seeing down town lively! And in good spirits!!❤️ Thankyou for all that you do!🤗 Can’t wait for next year!
I see how much it grew from last year and can see your vision of potential for future years to come. This could be a very unique experience for Alpena to hold on to I hope it continues for years to come. Thank you!!
The pride I felt in what our town has become! The flowers were gorgeous- I particularly loved Falls Creek! The shops are lovely and the food choices just keep getting better! I love our town❤️
The hard work that downtown has put in this year! Seeing what the DDA and the downtown business work together to create something beautiful with flowers will always be something special in my heart. I love seeing alpena alive and well!
The creativity blew me away, and the proliferation of flowers is a great way to welcome summer!
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live music
groove to live music outdoors throughout the festival -
installations
view over 45 creative floral installations throughout the downtown -
blooms
take home fresh blooms at bouquet bars & flower trucks -
live painting
enjoy four local artist painting live throughout the festival -
kids activities
free kids crafts & activities for the family
2024 Schedule of Events
Friday, June 7th
12- 10 pm: Smoking Trolls Food Truck at PIF Cider (205 W Chisholm St). Grab some BBQ lunch and a floral-themed cider cocktail from PIF.
3-6 pm: Happy hour at Old Polish Corner (626 N Second Ave) and $5 flower-themed martinis
3- 5 pm: Live painting with artist Lindsay Donajkowski outside Cedar & Threads (133 E Chisholm St)
4 pm: Festival begins, and floral installations are complete!
4- 8 pm: Flower trucks with Lasting Expressions in Culligan Plaza and at Cedar & Threads (133 E Chisholm St)
4- 8 pm: Boom Town Roasters tea and coffee cart in Culligan Plaza including nitro cold brew coffee and jade tea lemonade
4- 8 pm: Live painting with artist Dorothea Sandra in front of Thunder Bay Arts Gallery (127 W Chisholm St)
5- 7 pm: Bubbles & Blooms at Thunder Bay Winery (109 N Second Ave). Enjoy sparkling wine specials and grab-and-go- bouquets from Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas CF. At 5:30 pm, we will have a special community toast to kick off the 2nd Annual Flower Festival!
5- 7 pm: Live painting with artist Mariah Brancheau of Lovely Little Lettering Co. in the alleyway between 2nd & 3rd Ave and Samantha Freske in Culligan Plaza next to the Lasting Expressions Flower Truck.
5- 8 pm: Shops will be open late for shopping and sipping! Grab a limited-edition Flower Fest Social District cup and do some shopping at our locally owned stores downtown. Sweet Baby James, Colburn Outfitters, Olivet Book & Gift, Traveling Ladders, Parallel 45 Books & Gifts, Bob's Bullpen, Emery Enterprises, Cabin Creek Coffee, PIF Cider, Myers' Fashions Etc., Rusty Petunias Marketplace, Local Basket Case, Illuminate Wellness, Glik's, and Karma's a Fish will all be open late until 8 pm.
6- 8 pm: Live music from the Alpena Street Performers throughout the downtown
6- 8 pm: Live music at the Red Brick Food Truck Court (River St) and live painting with artist Lindsay Donajkowski
7- 9 pm: Live music from Rich Rider at Black Sheep Pub (113 S 2nd Ave)
12- 10 pm: Smoking Trolls Food Truck at PIF Cider (205 W Chisholm St). Grab some BBQ lunch and a floral-themed cider cocktail from PIF.
3-6 pm: Happy hour at Old Polish Corner (626 N Second Ave) and $5 flower-themed martinis
3- 5 pm: Live painting with artist Lindsay Donajkowski outside Cedar & Threads (133 E Chisholm St)
4 pm: Festival begins, and floral installations are complete!
4- 8 pm: Flower trucks with Lasting Expressions in Culligan Plaza and at Cedar & Threads (133 E Chisholm St)
4- 8 pm: Boom Town Roasters tea and coffee cart in Culligan Plaza including nitro cold brew coffee and jade tea lemonade
4- 8 pm: Live painting with artist Dorothea Sandra in front of Thunder Bay Arts Gallery (127 W Chisholm St)
5- 7 pm: Bubbles & Blooms at Thunder Bay Winery (109 N Second Ave). Enjoy sparkling wine specials and grab-and-go- bouquets from Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas CF. At 5:30 pm, we will have a special community toast to kick off the 2nd Annual Flower Festival!
5- 7 pm: Live painting with artist Mariah Brancheau of Lovely Little Lettering Co. in the alleyway between 2nd & 3rd Ave and Samantha Freske in Culligan Plaza next to the Lasting Expressions Flower Truck.
5- 8 pm: Shops will be open late for shopping and sipping! Grab a limited-edition Flower Fest Social District cup and do some shopping at our locally owned stores downtown. Sweet Baby James, Colburn Outfitters, Olivet Book & Gift, Traveling Ladders, Parallel 45 Books & Gifts, Bob's Bullpen, Emery Enterprises, Cabin Creek Coffee, PIF Cider, Myers' Fashions Etc., Rusty Petunias Marketplace, Local Basket Case, Illuminate Wellness, Glik's, and Karma's a Fish will all be open late until 8 pm.
6- 8 pm: Live music from the Alpena Street Performers throughout the downtown
6- 8 pm: Live music at the Red Brick Food Truck Court (River St) and live painting with artist Lindsay Donajkowski
7- 9 pm: Live music from Rich Rider at Black Sheep Pub (113 S 2nd Ave)
Saturday, June 8th
9:30 am- 5 pm: Flower trucks with Lasting Expressions in Culligan Plaza and at Cedar & Threads (133 E Chisholm St). Stop by and build your own bouquet to take home!
10 am- 5 pm: Meander through a flower themed mini-mart with floral-themed items and fresh bouquets for sale from Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas CF in the alleyway between 2nd and 3rd Ave! Doreen will also have a personalized sunglass craft for the littles, and a special photo-op set up for the day.
10- 11 am: Special story time and craft at the Alpena Country George N. Fletcher Public Library (211 N 1st Ave). Join local author and artist Elisa Chavarri as she reads her new children's book (out this spring) the complete a special flower-bouquet craft as kids share what color love is to them.
11 am- 2 pm: Flower bar at Glik's (111 N State St) with Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas CF
11 am- 2 pm: Daisy Bath Bomb Painting at Soaps and Such (125 W Chisholm St)! Great for little kids or big kids too. Walk-by or in on first come first serve basis. We plan on outside sidewalk tables if it’s nice or inside if not. Cost $13/bath bomb.
11 am- 2 pm: Third anniversary party at Sweet Baby James (200 N Second Ave), Get permanent jewelry with Linked, perfect for you and your little or you and your girls! They will also have a special children's flower craft from 11 am- 4 pm.
11 am- 2 pm: Kids' craft and live music in Avery Park. Stop by Avery Park on North Second Ave for live music with Errin Pagen, face-painting, and a free coffee-filter flower craft for kids.
11 am- 4 pm: Free children's flower craft at Sweet Baby James (200 N Second Ave)
11 am- 6 pm: Boom Town Roasters tea and coffee cart in Culligan Plaza including nitro cold brew coffee and jade tea lemonade
11:30 am- 7:30 pm: Live painting with artist Dorothea Sandra in front of Thunder Bay Arts Gallery (127 W Chisholm St). Watch her paint a piece of floral artwork and stop in the gallery to peruse artwork from local artists until 8 pm.
1 pm- 4 pm: Stop by Thunder Bay Arts Gallery (127 W Chisholm St) and paint your own wooden flower! Artists will be set up in the alleyway entrance to the gallery for this free kids' craft.
1- 10 pm: Zoo's Tasty Eatz food truck at PIF Cider (205 W Chisholm St)
12- 3 pm: Live installation demo with Lasting Expressions. Watch Tara build one of our signature installations on-site at Culligan Plaza.
3- 5 pm: Enjoy live music from the Alpena Street Performers throughout downtown businesses, including:
3- 5 pm: Live painting with artist Samantha Freske in Culligan Plaza next to the Lasting Expressions Flower Truck
3- 6 pm: Happy hour at Old Polish Corner (626 N Second Ave) and $5 flower-themed martinis
4- 6 pm: Live music from the Scholastic News in the alleyway behind Rusty Petunias Marketplace (123 W Chisholm St)
4- 8 pm: Stone carving demonstration with artist Autumn Bildson a at Thunder Bay Arts Gallery (127 W Chisholm St) and try stone carving yourself in a hands-on demonstration!
6- 8 pm: Live music in the alleyway from WinaSchnitzel and live painting from artist Mariah Brancheau of Lovely Little Lettering Co. Grab food or a Social District drink and enjoy a flower-filled evening!
6- 8 pm: Live painting with artist Lindsay Donajkowski in the Red Brick Food Truck Court (River St).
7- 9 pm: Live music from Brenda & Steve at PIF Cider (205 W Chisholm St)
9:30 am- 5 pm: Flower trucks with Lasting Expressions in Culligan Plaza and at Cedar & Threads (133 E Chisholm St). Stop by and build your own bouquet to take home!
10 am- 5 pm: Meander through a flower themed mini-mart with floral-themed items and fresh bouquets for sale from Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas CF in the alleyway between 2nd and 3rd Ave! Doreen will also have a personalized sunglass craft for the littles, and a special photo-op set up for the day.
10- 11 am: Special story time and craft at the Alpena Country George N. Fletcher Public Library (211 N 1st Ave). Join local author and artist Elisa Chavarri as she reads her new children's book (out this spring) the complete a special flower-bouquet craft as kids share what color love is to them.
11 am- 2 pm: Flower bar at Glik's (111 N State St) with Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas CF
11 am- 2 pm: Daisy Bath Bomb Painting at Soaps and Such (125 W Chisholm St)! Great for little kids or big kids too. Walk-by or in on first come first serve basis. We plan on outside sidewalk tables if it’s nice or inside if not. Cost $13/bath bomb.
11 am- 2 pm: Third anniversary party at Sweet Baby James (200 N Second Ave), Get permanent jewelry with Linked, perfect for you and your little or you and your girls! They will also have a special children's flower craft from 11 am- 4 pm.
11 am- 2 pm: Kids' craft and live music in Avery Park. Stop by Avery Park on North Second Ave for live music with Errin Pagen, face-painting, and a free coffee-filter flower craft for kids.
11 am- 4 pm: Free children's flower craft at Sweet Baby James (200 N Second Ave)
11 am- 6 pm: Boom Town Roasters tea and coffee cart in Culligan Plaza including nitro cold brew coffee and jade tea lemonade
11:30 am- 7:30 pm: Live painting with artist Dorothea Sandra in front of Thunder Bay Arts Gallery (127 W Chisholm St). Watch her paint a piece of floral artwork and stop in the gallery to peruse artwork from local artists until 8 pm.
1 pm- 4 pm: Stop by Thunder Bay Arts Gallery (127 W Chisholm St) and paint your own wooden flower! Artists will be set up in the alleyway entrance to the gallery for this free kids' craft.
1- 10 pm: Zoo's Tasty Eatz food truck at PIF Cider (205 W Chisholm St)
12- 3 pm: Live installation demo with Lasting Expressions. Watch Tara build one of our signature installations on-site at Culligan Plaza.
3- 5 pm: Enjoy live music from the Alpena Street Performers throughout downtown businesses, including:
- Dolf Cwik at Old Polish Corner (626 N Second Ave)
- The Brandon's at HopSide Brewery (129 W Chisholm St)
- Gypsy Heart at Thunder Bay Winery (109 N Second Ave)
3- 5 pm: Live painting with artist Samantha Freske in Culligan Plaza next to the Lasting Expressions Flower Truck
3- 6 pm: Happy hour at Old Polish Corner (626 N Second Ave) and $5 flower-themed martinis
4- 6 pm: Live music from the Scholastic News in the alleyway behind Rusty Petunias Marketplace (123 W Chisholm St)
4- 8 pm: Stone carving demonstration with artist Autumn Bildson a at Thunder Bay Arts Gallery (127 W Chisholm St) and try stone carving yourself in a hands-on demonstration!
6- 8 pm: Live music in the alleyway from WinaSchnitzel and live painting from artist Mariah Brancheau of Lovely Little Lettering Co. Grab food or a Social District drink and enjoy a flower-filled evening!
6- 8 pm: Live painting with artist Lindsay Donajkowski in the Red Brick Food Truck Court (River St).
7- 9 pm: Live music from Brenda & Steve at PIF Cider (205 W Chisholm St)
Sunday, June 9th
11 am- 5 pm: Finish out the festival with a themed lavender cider cocktail OR a cider mimosa at PIF Cider (205 W Chisholm St).
11 am- 1 pm: Free kids flower craft at the Local Basket Case (109 W Chisholm St)
1- 2:30 pm: Sunday Stroll. Meet new friends during a guided walking tour of the Flower Fest installations from festival organizers. Meet in Culligan Plaza. The route is approximately 3 miles. Social District beverages welcome!
1- 3 pm: Live music from Rich Rider at the Black Sheep Pub (113 S 2nd Ave) and $1 off bloody marys
2 pm- 4 pm: Live music from Jeff & Sue, Cult of 2 at PIF Cider (205 W Chisholm St) and live painting with artist Samantha Freske
11 am- 5 pm: Finish out the festival with a themed lavender cider cocktail OR a cider mimosa at PIF Cider (205 W Chisholm St).
11 am- 1 pm: Free kids flower craft at the Local Basket Case (109 W Chisholm St)
1- 2:30 pm: Sunday Stroll. Meet new friends during a guided walking tour of the Flower Fest installations from festival organizers. Meet in Culligan Plaza. The route is approximately 3 miles. Social District beverages welcome!
1- 3 pm: Live music from Rich Rider at the Black Sheep Pub (113 S 2nd Ave) and $1 off bloody marys
2 pm- 4 pm: Live music from Jeff & Sue, Cult of 2 at PIF Cider (205 W Chisholm St) and live painting with artist Samantha Freske
Ongoing Activities
- Enjoy large, vibrant floral installations throughout downtown sponsored by local businesses and created by local florists
- Get your picture taken in front of large floral photo ops sponsored by our presenting sponsor
- Enjoy floral-themed cocktails and food specials at downtown restaurants and bars: a lavender themed cider cocktail at PIF Cider (205 W Chisholm St) and drink specials at HopSide Brewery (129 W Chisholm St)
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Attend the Festival
Step into a world of floral enchantment at the Alpena Flower Festival 🌸✨ Whether you're attending from 10 minutes or 10 hours away, we would love to have you join us in Downtown Alpena. Learn more about what to expect while attending the festival below.
Where is the Flower Festival?
The festival takes place throughout Downtown Alpena, located in beautiful Northeast Michigan. Stunning floral displays, interactive photo-ops, and activities will be spread throughout the downtown district. We encourage you to walk or bike throughout the downtown to enjoy the festival in its full splendor!
How many installations will there at be?
45+! You can view a map of all installations at the top of this page or pick up a printed version at any downtown business during the festival.
Is the festival family friendly?
Absolutely! We welcome people of all ages to enjoy the festival. There are even some special kids activities hosted during the festival on Saturday, June 8:
What is admission for the festival?
Admission is free. All floral installations on display and free to enjoy. All events and music are free unless otherwise noted.
I am traveling to attend the festival. Where should I stay?
There is a Holiday Inn Express in the heart of our downtown and within walking distance to all the festivities. Book your stay here. There are also a variety of AirBnB's that are within the downtown district and make a fabulous landing pad for your trip to downtown.
Where is the Flower Festival?
The festival takes place throughout Downtown Alpena, located in beautiful Northeast Michigan. Stunning floral displays, interactive photo-ops, and activities will be spread throughout the downtown district. We encourage you to walk or bike throughout the downtown to enjoy the festival in its full splendor!
How many installations will there at be?
45+! You can view a map of all installations at the top of this page or pick up a printed version at any downtown business during the festival.
Is the festival family friendly?
Absolutely! We welcome people of all ages to enjoy the festival. There are even some special kids activities hosted during the festival on Saturday, June 8:
- 10- 11 am: Special story time and craft at the Alpena Country George N. Fletcher Public Library (211 N 1st Ave). Join local author and artist Elisa Chavarri as she reads her new children's book (out this spring) the complete a special flower-bouquet craft as kids' share what color love is to them.
- 11 am- 2 pm: Kids' craft and live music in Avery Park. Stop by Avery Park on North Second Ave for live music with Errin Pagen, face-painting and a free coffee-filter flower craft for kids.
- 11 am- 4 pm: Stop by Sweet Baby James (200 N Second Ave) for a free children's flower craft to celebrate their third anniversary.
- 1- 4 pm: Free wooden flower painting craft for kids at Thunder Bay Arts Gallery (127 W Chisholm St). The booth will be set up in the alleyway entrance.
- Sunday, June 9
- 11 am- 1 pm: Free kids flower craft at the Local Basket Case (109 W Chisholm St)
What is admission for the festival?
Admission is free. All floral installations on display and free to enjoy. All events and music are free unless otherwise noted.
I am traveling to attend the festival. Where should I stay?
There is a Holiday Inn Express in the heart of our downtown and within walking distance to all the festivities. Book your stay here. There are also a variety of AirBnB's that are within the downtown district and make a fabulous landing pad for your trip to downtown.
Partner Florists
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