Bloom Into the Weekend: Your Guide to Garden Jubilee

Bloom Into the Weekend: Your Guide to Garden Jubilee

Bloom Into the Weekend: Your Guide to Garden Jubilee

Garden Jubilee is a beloved Memorial Day weekend tradition in Hendersonville, drawing plant lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from across the Southeast. Downtown transforms into a vibrant marketplace filled with blooms, garden goods, expert advice, and festive energy. Whether it’s your first time or a returning favorite, this quick guide offers tips, highlights, and nearby places to stay so you can make the most of the weekend.

Arrive Early & Stay the Weekend

Garden Jubilee stretches along Main Street in historic Downtown Hendersonville, featuring nearly 200 vendors offering everything from vegetable starts and flowering perennials to unique outdoor art, tools, and yard décor.

To beat the crowds and scoop up the best finds, plan to arrive early—vendors are typically ready to go by 9:00 AM each day. Better yet, make a weekend of it. With live music, local food, and downtown shops and restaurants in full swing, Garden Jubilee offers more than just plants—it’s a celebration of the season and the region.

Make the most of your visit by staying close to the action. These charming and convenient accommodations are all just minutes from Main Street, letting you stroll to and from the festival with ease.

The Charleston Inn
A historic inn just a few blocks off Main Street offering classic Southern charm, complimentary breakfast, and a relaxing front porch to unwind after a day of shopping.

The Henderson
Boutique elegance meets small-town hospitality. Enjoy comfortable rooms, a seasonal on-site restaurant, and walkable access to all the downtown fun.

1898 Waverly Inn
This beautifully restored bed & breakfast provides a peaceful retreat right at the edge of downtown. Wake up to a gourmet breakfast before heading out to explore Garden Jubilee.

Downtown Vacation Rentals
Prefer your own space? Several short-term rentals and apartments are available downtown—ideal for groups or those looking to cook their own meals and relax between festival strolls.

 

Plan Your Weekend: What to Expect

Expert Garden Talks: Learn from local and regional horticulture experts. The Lowe’s-sponsored stage often features DIY demos, soil tips, and plant care advice throughout the day.

Shop ‘Til You Sprout: This isn’t your average farmers market—expect an array of high-quality plants (many grown locally), heirloom varieties, rare shrubs, and the tools to help them thrive.

Festival Atmosphere: Enjoy the sights and sounds of spring with live entertainment, local food trucks, and Main Street restaurants offering grab-and-go options or shaded patio seating.

Kid-Friendly Fun: While the main event is geared toward gardeners, there’s plenty to keep the whole family engaged—including nearby parks, treats, and sidewalk surprises along the route.

 

Tips for a Blooming Good Time

Bring a Wagon or Cart: With so many tempting plants and goods, a rolling cart can save your back—and your arms.

Dress for the Weather: The event goes on rain or shine, so wear breathable layers, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.

Park Smart: Downtown public lots tend to fill up fast during Garden Jubilee, but there are other great options. The Dogwood Parking Deck, located at 123 5th Avenue W, offers convenient access just steps from Main Street. To make parking even easier, consider carpooling with friends or family and arriving early to snag a spot.

Heads Up for Pet Parents: Downtown Hendersonville is pet-friendly, with many shops and restaurants welcoming four-legged visitors. However, due to hot pavement and large crowds, it is not recommended to bring pets to Garden Jubilee. For their safety and comfort, it’s best to leave furry friends at home during the festival hours.

Make It a Spring to Remember

Garden Jubilee is more than just a plant sale—it’s a full weekend experience that captures the best of Hendersonville in bloom. Come early, stay nearby, and soak in the beauty, charm, and vibrant community that makes this event a must-attend for green thumbs and flower fans alike.

Get ready to dig in—your Garden Jubilee adventure awaits!

Garden Jubliee

Garden Jubliee

Garden Jubilee, Western North Carolina’s premier gardening festival, returns to historic downtown Hendersonville on May 24–25, 2025. With over 150 plant and craft vendors, this two-day celebration features vibrant annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, and unique flora. Artisans offer handcrafted garden décor, furniture, and much more. Don’t miss the 2025 Garden Jubilee Speaker Showcase, sponsored by Oceola Lake Inn featuring expert tips and live demos, including keynote speaker Brie Arthur. Presented by Stuller Power Solutions and hosted by Friends of Downtown Hendersonville, this event transforms Main Street into a seven-block garden paradise.

Must-Dos in Hendersonville for Spring: Hikes, Events, U-Picks, and More

Must-Dos in Hendersonville for Spring: Hikes, Events, U-Picks, and More

Must-Dos in Hendersonville for Spring: Hikes, Events, U-Picks, and More

As spring awakens in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Hendersonville transforms into a vibrant haven of natural beauty and exciting events. Here are the top experiences you can’t miss this season.

Visit Local Orchards and Farms

U-Pick Tulips at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard:
Experience the joy of picking your own tulips at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard. This family-friendly activity allows you to wander through fields of colorful tulips, creating a memorable spring experience.

Flowers, Strawberries and More at Nix Pumpkin Patch:
While Nix Pumpkin Patch is famous for its pumpkins, it also offers a variety of u-pick flowers and delicious local produce. Get ready for U-pick flowers mid-spring and an exciting Strawberry event.

U-Pick Lavender at Grandad’s Apples:
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Grandad’s Apples during lavender season. Enjoy the unique experience of picking your own lavender in their picturesque fields. Explore their charming marketplace, where you’ll find a variety of products made exclusively from their own lavender. Treat your taste buds to lavender-infused baked goods like donuts and cookies, and refresh with lavender lemonade slushees.

Start of the Farmers Markets:
As May arrives, Hendersonville offers a diverse array of farmers’ markets, each with its unique charm. Choose from the Hendersonville Farmers Market, Etowah Lions Farmers Market, Henderson County Tailgate Market, and Mills River Farmers Market. Enjoy fresh produce, meats, baked goods, crafts, and more at these vibrant community gatherings.

Enjoy Local Events

Cats: April 25-May 17
Catch the iconic musical Cats at the Flat Rock Playhouse. This beloved show promises to captivate audiences with its enchanting music and mesmerizing performances.

Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend: May 2-4
Indulge in the flavors of Hendersonville’s wine and cider scene during the Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend. Savor artisan hard ciders and award-winning wines amidst the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy a variety of events, including tastings, tours, new releases, picnics, pairing dinners, live music, orchard hikes, and vineyard yoga. This celebration coincides with apple blossom season, highlighting the region’s thriving agricultural heritage and emerging wine country.

Bearfootin’ Art Walk Unveiling: May 7
Celebrate the arrival of spring with the annual Bearfootin’ Art Walk in downtown Hendersonville. At this highly anticipated event, a new collection of artistically decorated bear statues is unveiled, each painted in a unique and vibrant design. Stroll through Main Street, admire the creative artwork, and learn about the local nonprofits each bear represents before they are auctioned off in the fall.

Garden Jubilee: May 24-25
Dive into the ultimate gardening experience at the Garden Jubilee! This two-day extravaganza transforms downtown Hendersonville into a lush wonderland, featuring local and regional nurseries bursting with thousands of plants, from vibrant annuals to rare perennials. Discover unique garden art, browse handmade treasures like lawn furniture, jewelry, and pottery, and uncover the secrets of gardening from expert speakers.

bear statue in Hendersonville nc
North Carolina apple festival stand

Take in the Natural Beauty

Discover Tulips in Bloom
Stroll through downtown Hendersonville and marvel at the vibrant tulips that paint the streets with color. This is a perfect opportunity to capture stunning photos and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Apple Tree Blooms
Witness the breathtaking beauty of Hendersonville’s apple orchards as they burst into bloom. From late March to mid-April, embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque countryside, where vibrant hues of pink and white paint the landscape. Capture stunning photos, breathe in the fragrant air, and enjoy the serene beauty of nature awakening in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Wildflower Hikes in DuPont State Recreational Forest
Spring is the perfect time to explore DuPont’s lush trails as wildflowers bloom across the forest floor. Hike to Hooker Falls or Triple Falls, where you’ll spot trillium, mountain laurel, and rhododendron adding bursts of color to the landscape. The mix of waterfalls and wildflowers makes for a scenic and refreshing spring adventure.

Experience Biltmore Blooms
Head to the Biltmore Estate, where over 100,000 flowers bloom across the meticulously designed gardens. Explore the grounds, visit the historic Biltmore House, and enjoy one of the best times to experience this iconic estate. The spring season is particularly special, with tulips, daffodils, and roses creating a breathtaking display.

This spring, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of Hendersonville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you’re exploring downtown, enjoying the outdoors, or enjoying local events, every moment is filled with beauty and excitement.

 

art-in-bloom

Ready to plan your getaway?

Whether you’re dreaming of cozy cabins, charming inns, or modern hotels, we’ve got you covered!

Head to our Lodging Page to explore all your options. Need a little inspiration? Check out our curated list of unique stays: Stay Your Way.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Hendersonville! 

elizabeth-leigh-inn-room

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