Massachusetts Lilac Sunday Bloom Event Returns

Did you know that one of the continent's hidden gems is located right in our own backyard?

Yes, I said continent. One of the premier collections of lilacs in all of North America is located right in Massachusetts.

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is home to a world-renowned collection of lilac trees that the public is welcome to visit this spring.

What Is Lilac Sunday at Arnold Arboretum?

On Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Arboretum will host its annual Lilac Sunday, an event that's been celebrated since 1908. The trees themselves date back even further to the early 1800s when the land was acquired.

Over 400 lilac trees can currently be found on the property, representing 172 of the over 2,000 species of lilacs. "Together, they provide a season of color and scent that extends over five weeks each spring," according to the Arboretum..

What Visitors Can Expect in 2026

"The Arboretum’s trees tell stories – of migration, memory, and mutual stewardship – reminding us that plants, like people, thrive through connection," the Arboretum said.

Guests attending this free event can enjoy tours with Arboretum experts, hands-on children’s programming, chalk art, and more.

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See what flowers thrive in New England weather: Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Gallery Credit: Logan

500,000 Will Attend the Rochester Lilac Festival This Year!!

The Rochester Lilac Festival is one of the largest flower festivals in North America. A half-million people are estimated to come this year to the fun flower event in the city of Rochester's historic Highland Park. The park itself is celebrating its 127th year in 2025. An uncountable number of lush lilac bushes and trees will be full dramatic lavender burst for the event. (Take a whiff....the air is sweet here!). Bring the family, too! There is live music (including national acts), vendors, small businesses, lots of food, a large kids activity area, and plenty of fun for the length of the festival. This is a MAJOR Upstate New York festival, and USA Today, just recently (2025) has named Rochester's Lilac Festival as the 4th best flower festival in the entire United States!

The festival runs a full 10 days (beginning on May 9, 2025) so there are plenty of opportunities for you to find a date, make your plans, and head to the great city of Rochester for this stunning event!

Explore Land and Sea at Bristol's Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium

Need a day of hiking, biking and seeing a 33-foot North Atlantic Right Whale replica? Then you need to head to the Rhode Island Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol.

You can hike through various habitats, enjoy a peaceful pondside picnic and even enjoy an interactive aquarium full of native fish and sea creatures.

Fun for the whole family can be found at this hidden gem of Rhode Island.

Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall