Alpena Flower Festival
Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 7, 2027
Experience stunning floral displays throughout the downtown created by local florists, snap a photo in front of spectacular floral backdrops, sip themed cocktails, and enjoy live music throughout the downtown. For three days, historic Downtown Alpena is filled with creative floral displays, floral-related activities, and the best downtown has to offer.
Learn more about Michigan's most creative urban floral festival below.
Learn more about Michigan's most creative urban floral festival below.
-
live music
groove to live music outdoors throughout the festival -
installations
view over 35 creative floral installations throughout the downtown -
blooms
take home fresh blooms at bouquet bars & flower trucks -
live painting
enjoy local artists painting live throughout the festival -
kids activities
free kids crafts & activities for the family
2025 Schedule of Events
Thursday, June 5th
5 pm- late: Petal Pub Crawl presented by Lakeshore Fiber
Join us on Flower Fest Eve for our inaugural Petal Pub Crawl! Stop at ten participating bars and taprooms for a chance to win Flower Fest swag and Downtown Dollars in our poker-run style card game. At each stop, pick up a flower card. Buy a drink and swap a card if you choose. Turn in your winning hands at the end of the night for a chance to win:
Friday, June 6th | 5- 11 pm
10- 2 pm: Pottery demonstration by Sam Machulis at Thunder Bay Arts Gallery (127 W Chisholm St)
Stop by Thunder Bay Arts to watch a live pottery demonstration from artist Sam Machulis! Then, stop in their gallery to peruse local art from a variety of regional artists on display.
4- 6 pm: Community meal outside St. Bernard Church (324 W Chisholm St)
Stop by the parking lot near one of downtown's most beautiful churches for a free fish taco meal from the Friendship Room, then take a photo with their installation on the church staircase. Free and open to all community members.
5- 7 pm: Live music from the Alpena Street Performers throughout the downtown
Enjoy free live music from local performers outdoors throughout the downtown to kick off the festival.
5- 7 pm: Flower Fest Braid Bar & Flower Market at Hair by Ellie (121 N 2nd Ave)
Get flowers in your hair, shop gorgeous mugs, candles, and vases from Rose Lynn Clay, and of course fresh Falls Creek blooms!
5- 9 pm: Flower trucks from Lasting Expressions
Make your own bouquet of fresh flowers at one of Lasting Expressions' flower trucks that will be set up on and around 2nd Ave.
5- 9 pm: Artists in the Alley (Center Alley between 2nd & 3rd Ave)
Meet local artists who will be painting plein-air during the festival and selling their artwork, Flower Fest merch, and more.
6- 8 pm: Contribute to a community bouquet with All Saints Catholic Parish (Center Alley between 2nd & 3rd Ave)
Stop by a booth hosted by All Saints Catholic Parish to set an intention and add a flower to their community bouquet. The bouquet will be presented at Sunday Mass at St. Bernard Church.
7- 9 pm: Flower Fest evening cruise with Alpena Shipwreck Tours
Take a sunset cruise and learn about the shipwrecks in Thunder Bay with the Alpena Shipwreck Tours! A special drink will be available for purchase on board along with live music. Purchase tickets here.
7- 11 pm: Flowers After Hours (Center Alley between 2nd & 3rd Ave)
Saturday, June 7th | 9 am- 9 pm
9 am- 11 am: Flower Fest 5K & 1 mile fun run (hosted by Highpointe Rehab & Performance)
Kick off Saturday of the festival with a NEW Flower Fest 5K & 1 mile fun run throughout the downtown hosted by our friends at Highpointe Rehab & Performance! 1 mile starts at 9 am; the 5k starts at 9:30 am. T-shirt deadline May 14th. Register here.
9 am- 2 pm: Sunrise Side Co-Op Outdoor Market at the Alpena Marina (400 E Chisholm St).
Shop the co-op's outdoor market at the marina with 30+ vendors, selling local produce, baked goods, crafts, plants, and other flower-related items for the Flower Fest.
9 am - 9 pm: Artists in the Alley (Center Alley between 2nd & 3rd Ave)
Meet local artists who will be painting plein-air during the festival and selling their artwork, Flower Fest merch, and more.
9:30 am- 5 pm: Flower trucks from Lasting Expressions
Make your own bouquet of fresh flowers at one of Lasting Expressions' flower trucks that will be set up on and around 2nd Ave.
10 am- 2 pm: Natural Plant Dying Workshop: Silk Scarves at Art in the Loft
Unleash your creativity in this hands-on Natural Dye Workshop, where art, nature, and self-expression come together. You'll explore the magic of bundle dyeing using vibrant flowers and plant materials to naturally dye a luxurious, 100% silk scarf. $45 includes all materials and scarf. Register here.
10 am- 2 pm: Let's Get Growing! Activity for kids with the Alpena Garden Club (Center Alley between 2nd & 3rd Ave)
Bring the kids for a free seed-planting activity with the Alpena Garden Club! Kids will learn how to plant seeds and leave with a planted up biodegradable pot that can be planted at home.
11 am- 8 pm: Uncle Mike's food truck at Water Street Commons (123 Water St)
Grab lunch at Uncle Mike's and check out the new tiny shops at the Water Street Commons.
11 am- 12 pm: Flower-themed story time and craft at Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library (211 N 1st Ave)
Bring the kids for a free flower fest themed story time and craft at the library.
11 am- 2 pm: Flower bar at Glik’s (111 N 1st Ave) with Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas CF
Build your own bouquet with a flower bar with Doreen outside of Glik's.
11 am- 2 pm: Chalk art for kids along the river by Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center (500 W Fletcher St)
Help decorate the pathway along the riverfront for the Flower Fest! Bring the kids and leave your chalk art; then grab a snack from the two new riverfront businesses, Sanctuary Dogs & Riverside Ice Cream.
11 am- 3 pm: Flower craft for kids with Thunder Bay Arts (127 W Chisholm St)
Stop by the gallery near the alleyway entrance for a free kids' craft with artists from Thunder Bay Arts. Stop in their gallery to peruse local art from a variety of regional artists on display.
12- 10 pm: Spring Fling Fundraiser by Thunder Bay Folk Society (alleyway next to Black Sheep Pub)
Live music all day, plus food and drinks. $5 cover charge.
1- 2:30 pm: Festive Flower Pots with Art in the Loft (Pocket Park next to Mango's)
Join Art in the Loft for a fun afternoon of festive acrylic florals and the art of brush lettering as you create fun and funky flower pots with Mariah Brancheau of Lovely Little Lettering Co! $40 includes all supplies and a terracotta planter to take home. Open to all ages. Register here.
2- 4 pm: Flower Pounding Workshop: Naturally Printed Tote Bags at Art in the Loft
Get inspired by nature and make your mark—literally! In this fun and vibrant Flower Pounding Workshop, you’ll use fresh flowers and leaves to naturally print colorful designs onto a 100% cotton tote bag. $45 includes supplies and a tote to take home. Register here.
2- 5 pm: Live music from Patrick E (Pocket Park next to Mango's)
Enjoy live, acoustic music from Patrick E in the beautiful Pocket Park downtown.
2- 6 pm: Blossom and Bloom at Bella Rose Wellness (104 N 2nd Ave)
All-day specials at Bella Rose, including a mini Diamond Glow with a Floral Jelly mask, Vitamin infusions, botox injections and much more!
3- 5 pm: Alpena Street Performers in downtown businesses, including:
5- 7 pm: Live music from the Chris Crown & the Get Down Band (Pocket Park next to Mango's)
Enjoy blues from Alpena's favorite musical duo in the Pocket Park.
7- 9 pm: Birch Road Band in Center Alley (between 2nd & 3rd Ave)
Grab dinner and a Social District drink and enjoy live music from Northeast Michigan's premiere bluegrass band!
Sunday, June 8th | 12- 4 pm
11 am- 5 pm: Uncle Mike's food truck at Water Street Commons (123 Water St)
Grab lunch at Uncle Mike's and check out the new tiny shops at the Water Street Commons.
12- 2 pm: Live music from Strawberry Jam (Center Alley)
Grab lunch or a Social District mimosa and enjoy a special jazz session from Strawberry Jam in the alley!
12- 4 pm: Sunday Funday at City Hall Lawn (208 N 1st Ave)
1-2:30 pm: Flower Fest Bike & Pedestrian Parade
Our new event this year! Decorate your bikes, wagons, and strollers OR walk the parade in your best floral garb for our pedestrian parade that goes around the Thunder Bay River. The parade will leave from City Hall Lawn, go up 2nd Ave, around the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Trail around the river, cross the Pedestrian Bridge, then loop back to where we started. Route is1.5 miles. Meet at City Hall Lawn (208 N 1st Ave).
1- 5 pm: Porch Pot Party with Finally, Flowers at PIF Cider (205 W Chisholm St)
Let’s celebrate Downtown Alpena’s Flower Festival getting our hands dirty! Grab a flower friend or two and come to the taproom anytime between 1-5 pm on Sunday to build a porch pot! Soil, pots & flowers provided for $22 each. Message Finally, Flowers to reserve your spot.
2- 3:30 pm: Guasch Garden Markers with Art in the Loft (Pocket Park next to Mango's)
Join artist Mariah Brancheau of Lovely Little Lettering Co. and spark your creativity as you "grow" your artistic style! Learn about gouache paint, florals, and hand lettering techniques to create 3-5 custom plant markers. $40 includes all supplies. Open to all ages and skill levels. Register here.
12- 4 pm: Flower trucks from Lasting Expressions
Make your own bouquet of fresh flowers at one of Lasting Expressions' flower trucks that will be set up on and around 2nd Ave.
5 pm- late: Petal Pub Crawl presented by Lakeshore Fiber
Join us on Flower Fest Eve for our inaugural Petal Pub Crawl! Stop at ten participating bars and taprooms for a chance to win Flower Fest swag and Downtown Dollars in our poker-run style card game. At each stop, pick up a flower card. Buy a drink and swap a card if you choose. Turn in your winning hands at the end of the night for a chance to win:
- Four of a kind- Flower Fest gift basket (festival swag, gardening tools, and more) + $100 in Downtown Dollars
- Full house- $50 in Downtown Dollars + free bouquet from a participating florist
- Three of a kind- $25 gift certificate from a participating bar/restaurant + free small bouquet from a participating florist
- Find the rarest flower (middlemist red camellia)- $75 in Downtown Dollars
Friday, June 6th | 5- 11 pm
10- 2 pm: Pottery demonstration by Sam Machulis at Thunder Bay Arts Gallery (127 W Chisholm St)
Stop by Thunder Bay Arts to watch a live pottery demonstration from artist Sam Machulis! Then, stop in their gallery to peruse local art from a variety of regional artists on display.
4- 6 pm: Community meal outside St. Bernard Church (324 W Chisholm St)
Stop by the parking lot near one of downtown's most beautiful churches for a free fish taco meal from the Friendship Room, then take a photo with their installation on the church staircase. Free and open to all community members.
5- 7 pm: Live music from the Alpena Street Performers throughout the downtown
Enjoy free live music from local performers outdoors throughout the downtown to kick off the festival.
5- 7 pm: Flower Fest Braid Bar & Flower Market at Hair by Ellie (121 N 2nd Ave)
Get flowers in your hair, shop gorgeous mugs, candles, and vases from Rose Lynn Clay, and of course fresh Falls Creek blooms!
5- 9 pm: Flower trucks from Lasting Expressions
Make your own bouquet of fresh flowers at one of Lasting Expressions' flower trucks that will be set up on and around 2nd Ave.
5- 9 pm: Artists in the Alley (Center Alley between 2nd & 3rd Ave)
Meet local artists who will be painting plein-air during the festival and selling their artwork, Flower Fest merch, and more.
6- 8 pm: Contribute to a community bouquet with All Saints Catholic Parish (Center Alley between 2nd & 3rd Ave)
Stop by a booth hosted by All Saints Catholic Parish to set an intention and add a flower to their community bouquet. The bouquet will be presented at Sunday Mass at St. Bernard Church.
7- 9 pm: Flower Fest evening cruise with Alpena Shipwreck Tours
Take a sunset cruise and learn about the shipwrecks in Thunder Bay with the Alpena Shipwreck Tours! A special drink will be available for purchase on board along with live music. Purchase tickets here.
7- 11 pm: Flowers After Hours (Center Alley between 2nd & 3rd Ave)
- Live music from Gemini Moon (7-9 pm). Grand Rapids duo with guitar-driven covers and originals. The group is influenced by 90s alternative and 60s/70s classic rock, as well as blues, pop, and folk from all eras.
- Live DJ Chris Chrzan (9-11 pm). Get ready to grove a DJ set from downtown DJ Chris Chrzan!
- Flowers and bouquets for sale from local florists
Saturday, June 7th | 9 am- 9 pm
9 am- 11 am: Flower Fest 5K & 1 mile fun run (hosted by Highpointe Rehab & Performance)
Kick off Saturday of the festival with a NEW Flower Fest 5K & 1 mile fun run throughout the downtown hosted by our friends at Highpointe Rehab & Performance! 1 mile starts at 9 am; the 5k starts at 9:30 am. T-shirt deadline May 14th. Register here.
9 am- 2 pm: Sunrise Side Co-Op Outdoor Market at the Alpena Marina (400 E Chisholm St).
Shop the co-op's outdoor market at the marina with 30+ vendors, selling local produce, baked goods, crafts, plants, and other flower-related items for the Flower Fest.
9 am - 9 pm: Artists in the Alley (Center Alley between 2nd & 3rd Ave)
Meet local artists who will be painting plein-air during the festival and selling their artwork, Flower Fest merch, and more.
9:30 am- 5 pm: Flower trucks from Lasting Expressions
Make your own bouquet of fresh flowers at one of Lasting Expressions' flower trucks that will be set up on and around 2nd Ave.
10 am- 2 pm: Natural Plant Dying Workshop: Silk Scarves at Art in the Loft
Unleash your creativity in this hands-on Natural Dye Workshop, where art, nature, and self-expression come together. You'll explore the magic of bundle dyeing using vibrant flowers and plant materials to naturally dye a luxurious, 100% silk scarf. $45 includes all materials and scarf. Register here.
10 am- 2 pm: Let's Get Growing! Activity for kids with the Alpena Garden Club (Center Alley between 2nd & 3rd Ave)
Bring the kids for a free seed-planting activity with the Alpena Garden Club! Kids will learn how to plant seeds and leave with a planted up biodegradable pot that can be planted at home.
11 am- 8 pm: Uncle Mike's food truck at Water Street Commons (123 Water St)
Grab lunch at Uncle Mike's and check out the new tiny shops at the Water Street Commons.
11 am- 12 pm: Flower-themed story time and craft at Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library (211 N 1st Ave)
Bring the kids for a free flower fest themed story time and craft at the library.
11 am- 2 pm: Flower bar at Glik’s (111 N 1st Ave) with Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas CF
Build your own bouquet with a flower bar with Doreen outside of Glik's.
11 am- 2 pm: Chalk art for kids along the river by Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center (500 W Fletcher St)
Help decorate the pathway along the riverfront for the Flower Fest! Bring the kids and leave your chalk art; then grab a snack from the two new riverfront businesses, Sanctuary Dogs & Riverside Ice Cream.
11 am- 3 pm: Flower craft for kids with Thunder Bay Arts (127 W Chisholm St)
Stop by the gallery near the alleyway entrance for a free kids' craft with artists from Thunder Bay Arts. Stop in their gallery to peruse local art from a variety of regional artists on display.
12- 10 pm: Spring Fling Fundraiser by Thunder Bay Folk Society (alleyway next to Black Sheep Pub)
Live music all day, plus food and drinks. $5 cover charge.
1- 2:30 pm: Festive Flower Pots with Art in the Loft (Pocket Park next to Mango's)
Join Art in the Loft for a fun afternoon of festive acrylic florals and the art of brush lettering as you create fun and funky flower pots with Mariah Brancheau of Lovely Little Lettering Co! $40 includes all supplies and a terracotta planter to take home. Open to all ages. Register here.
2- 4 pm: Flower Pounding Workshop: Naturally Printed Tote Bags at Art in the Loft
Get inspired by nature and make your mark—literally! In this fun and vibrant Flower Pounding Workshop, you’ll use fresh flowers and leaves to naturally print colorful designs onto a 100% cotton tote bag. $45 includes supplies and a tote to take home. Register here.
2- 5 pm: Live music from Patrick E (Pocket Park next to Mango's)
Enjoy live, acoustic music from Patrick E in the beautiful Pocket Park downtown.
2- 6 pm: Blossom and Bloom at Bella Rose Wellness (104 N 2nd Ave)
All-day specials at Bella Rose, including a mini Diamond Glow with a Floral Jelly mask, Vitamin infusions, botox injections and much more!
3- 5 pm: Alpena Street Performers in downtown businesses, including:
- Dolf Cwik at Old Polish Corner (626 N Second Ave)
- The Brandon's at HopSide Brewery (129 W Chisholm St)
5- 7 pm: Live music from the Chris Crown & the Get Down Band (Pocket Park next to Mango's)
Enjoy blues from Alpena's favorite musical duo in the Pocket Park.
7- 9 pm: Birch Road Band in Center Alley (between 2nd & 3rd Ave)
Grab dinner and a Social District drink and enjoy live music from Northeast Michigan's premiere bluegrass band!
Sunday, June 8th | 12- 4 pm
11 am- 5 pm: Uncle Mike's food truck at Water Street Commons (123 Water St)
Grab lunch at Uncle Mike's and check out the new tiny shops at the Water Street Commons.
12- 2 pm: Live music from Strawberry Jam (Center Alley)
Grab lunch or a Social District mimosa and enjoy a special jazz session from Strawberry Jam in the alley!
12- 4 pm: Sunday Funday at City Hall Lawn (208 N 1st Ave)
- Grab-and-go bouquets with Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas CF
- Bike decoration stations (12-1 pm); pedestrian parade leaves at 1 pm
- Live music from Doug Haines (12-2 pm) and Steve Rea & Steve Tezak (2-4 pm)
1-2:30 pm: Flower Fest Bike & Pedestrian Parade
Our new event this year! Decorate your bikes, wagons, and strollers OR walk the parade in your best floral garb for our pedestrian parade that goes around the Thunder Bay River. The parade will leave from City Hall Lawn, go up 2nd Ave, around the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Trail around the river, cross the Pedestrian Bridge, then loop back to where we started. Route is1.5 miles. Meet at City Hall Lawn (208 N 1st Ave).
1- 5 pm: Porch Pot Party with Finally, Flowers at PIF Cider (205 W Chisholm St)
Let’s celebrate Downtown Alpena’s Flower Festival getting our hands dirty! Grab a flower friend or two and come to the taproom anytime between 1-5 pm on Sunday to build a porch pot! Soil, pots & flowers provided for $22 each. Message Finally, Flowers to reserve your spot.
2- 3:30 pm: Guasch Garden Markers with Art in the Loft (Pocket Park next to Mango's)
Join artist Mariah Brancheau of Lovely Little Lettering Co. and spark your creativity as you "grow" your artistic style! Learn about gouache paint, florals, and hand lettering techniques to create 3-5 custom plant markers. $40 includes all supplies. Open to all ages and skill levels. Register here.
12- 4 pm: Flower trucks from Lasting Expressions
Make your own bouquet of fresh flowers at one of Lasting Expressions' flower trucks that will be set up on and around 2nd Ave.
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!
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!
Is the festival family friendly?
Absolutely! We welcome people of all ages to enjoy the festival. We will be sharing a full schedule of activities soon.
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 and VRBO'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!
Is the festival family friendly?
Absolutely! We welcome people of all ages to enjoy the festival. We will be sharing a full schedule of activities soon.
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 and VRBO's that are within the downtown district and make a fabulous landing pad for your trip to downtown.
Partner Florists
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