Stop and smell the roses — err, peonies — because the Indiana Peony Festival kicks off tomorrow in Noblesville with more flower fun on Sat., May 21.
🌸 Why the peony?
Peonies became the state flower in 1957, when Gov. Harold Handley signed a bill in honor of Rep. Laurence D. Baker and his wife, who started their peony business in 1925. While Laurence served in the Indiana General Assembly, he and his wife planted peonies on the Statehouse lawn.
Fast forward — Festival CEO + Noblesville resident Kelly McVey discovered her love for the peony more than a decade ago and the idea to host the festival at Seminary Park, where she also had the opportunity to plant peonies, bloomed from there. Last year’s inaugural festival drew more than 10,000 visitors.
The Indiana Peony Festival is a nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire Hoosiers to celebrate the state flower, enhance Noblesville through peony beautification projects + promote Hamilton County as a destination during the month of May.
Map of the festival setup. | Photo via @indianapeonyfestival
🌸 Schedule of events
Peonies in the Park | Fri., May 20 from 7-9 p.m. | $100
Get first pick from this year’s variety of peony plants + stems, shop featured vendors, sample peony-inspired dishes and drinks from 10+ Noblesville dining spots, and toast to the sounds of live music — dress is semi-formal and peony-inspired.
Brunch and Blooms | Sat., May 21 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | $6
Visit several participating restaurants for a brunch crawl. Crawlers will receive a Brunch + Blooms button, crawl map, discounted brunch items, and special peony promotions at participating retailers.
Indiana Peony Festival | Sat., May 21 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Free
Meet in Seminary Park for the second annual festival with a bouquet-off, peony plants, peony growers sharing their expertise, artisans, kids’ activities, a blooming photo spot, and food trucks.
Think you have a green thumb? Enter the peony contest on Saturday by bringing your home grown peonies to the gazebo between 10 a.m. and noon to enter for the People’s Choice + Judge’s Choice awards. It’s free to participate and winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m.
