Everything’s Coming Up Daffodils – The 2024 Festival Is Almost Here!

In the heart of Gloucester, Virginia, a celebration of spring has flourished for decades, filling the air with the sweet scent of daffodils and the joyous laughter of a community coming together. The Daffodil Festival, an annual extravaganza, stands as a testament to the town's vibrant spirit and deep-rooted connection to nature. The festival is nestled along the historic court circle located along Gloucester Main Street.  This location provides space for festival goers to stroll through the many vendors, grab a bite to eat, continue down Main Street where unique shopping options are waiting or take a seat on the second level deck and enjoy a cold brew.

The Roots of Blooms

The story of the Daffodil Festival begins with the county's affinity for daffodils, those golden trumpets of spring that herald the end of winter. “When Gloucester County was formed in 1651, the early settlers had brought with them daffodils—their “soft reminders of English springs”—and the spreading commenced. The bulbs were strewn through the fields of Gloucester, being passed along from neighbor to neighbor. By the 20th century, daffodils were growing wild, even in the unattended fields. Some even thrived on neglect.” – WarnerHall.com

Because of the abundance of daffodils throughout the county visitors would head to Gloucester & Mathews to witness the sea of yellows along the countryside. This led to Gloucester being coined as the “Daffodil Capital of America.”

Inspired by the burst of color that blankets Gloucester each Spring, local enthusiasts envisioned a festival that would not only showcase the beauty of daffodils but also bring the community together in a celebration of the season's renewal. April 6th, 1926, marks the very first Daffodil Festival. It all began as a garden party thrown by Mr. & Mrs. Charles W. Orton. The party then sparked the idea to celebrate the natural blooms every year.

Evolution of Celebration

Beyond its visual splendor, the Daffodil Festival serves as a catalyst for community bonding. Families gather for a day of laughter, friends explore the marketplace together, and neighbors share stories amid the blooming daffodils. It has become an annual reunion, a time for old friends to reconnect and new friendships to blossom along Main Street. On Saturday, the Daffodil Festival parade heads down Main Street and is filled with daffodil themed floats, businesses & community organizations, bands, and more! It’s the perfect time to see the community spirit bloom! Enjoy live music by two awesome bands on Saturday & Sunday while indulging in delicious culinary dishes by local favorites. We couldn’t forget our four-legged friends! The Amazing Mutt Show kicks off on Saturday on the Village Stage. K9 owners register to show off their pups tricks, costumes, and canine personalities!

Crowning of the Daffodil Festival Queen & Little Miss – Scholarship Opportunities

On Saturday you can witness the crowning of the 2024 Daffodil Festival Queen and Little Miss. Becoming the Queen & Little Miss entails completing duties throughout the year that involve community outreach, parades, special events, and representing Gloucester County when events arise outside the area.

When the Queen fulfills all her responsibilities for the year, she may be eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship to the education institution of her choice. The Daffodil Festival also offers one 4-year renewable $1,000 Scholarship each year. The scholarship is designed to assist Gloucester County graduating seniors who are planning to attend college, community college or trade school.

The Daffodil Show

Each year, the festival also includes the Annual Daffodil Show presented by the Gloucester Daffodil Show, and showcases not only the classic yellow daffodils but also a spectrum of hues and varieties. From the elegant white petals of Ice Follies to the playful orange tones of Jetfire, the Daffodil Show is a canvas of floral diversity, mirroring the community it represents. The show consists of individual blooms of all types, arrangements that have been designed to showcase a specific theme, and a photography section that captures all the beautiful ways daffodils are enjoyed.

“Last year I had the honor to attend the Daffodil Show and capture photographs of the judging ceremony. I never knew there were so many varieties of daffodils! Each stem was beautiful and the creativity that went into the artist displays was simply breathtaking.” - Susan Ammons, Tourism Coordinator- Gloucester County

A Tapestry of Memories

As the Daffodil Festival weaves through the years, it leaves behind a tapestry of memories. Couples have strolled hand in hand among the blooms, children have reveled in the excitement of the festivities, and artists have found inspiration in the vibrant colors that paint the town.

The Daffodil Festival in Gloucester, VA, continues to be a beacon of springtime joy, symbolizing the resilience and beauty that can emerge from even the coldest winters. As the festival blossoms each year, it reaffirms Gloucester's commitment to nurturing nature, fostering community bonds, and celebrating the simple yet profound beauty of daffodils.

New This Year!

We are so excited to announce an addition to this year’s celebration. The Gloucester Museum of History - Spring Living History Weekend will be held during the festival right on the museum’s lawn. Meet members of the 7th Virginia Regiment and learn about Gloucester’s role during the American Revolution. Feel the ground shake during cannon and musket firing demonstrations. Observe campfire cooking, play colonial-era games, partake in a family-friendly scavenger hunt, and engage with dozens of reenactors while visiting an original 1770 tavern that is now home to the Gloucester Museum of History.

Join Us for The Celebration

Join us this April 6th and 7th on Main Street as we write another chapter in the history of Gloucester's Daffodil Festival. If you have never attended the Daffodil Festival, now is your chance to see what it is all about! Local accommodations are available and for more information on the festival and what else there is to explore while you are here, please visit daffodilfestivalva.org website.

Don’t want to miss our on what’s happening here in Gloucester?

Fill out the form below to receive our newsletter and event updates.