The Northwest has the ideal climate for growing lavender, a versatile, sweet smelling herb that can be used in cooking to make essential oils and teas, in flower arrangements and more. July is the time for lavender in the Northwest, with multiple lavender festivals being held across the region this month. If you like lavender, and fun, be sure to make time in your summer schedule to attend one of these spectacular events.
Sequim Lavender Festival, Sequim, Washington
Every year in July, Sequim hosts one of the most famous lavender festivals in the country, . It includes free self-guided tours of the area’s many lavender farms, live entertainment and street dancing, an extensive selection of Olympic Coast and international cuisine, over 150 arts and crafts booths, including many originated, handmade gifts and personal care items that are produced from the Sequim lavender harvest. You’ll discover everything from culinary ingredients, oils and lotions to pet apparel, eye pillows and lavender bouquet, along with some hard-to-find lavender plants.
The Street Fair is located in downtown Sequim, on Fir Street between Sequim Avenue and Third Avenue.
Festival details: The Sequim Lavender Festival
Lavender fields, Sequim
photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
San Juan Island Lavender Festival, Friday Harbor, Washington
The Pelindaba Lavender Farm opens its cutting field for visitors to harvest their own bouquets of certified organic lavender from the many varieties in bloom. There are live demonstrations hosted, including Cooking with Lavender, Cultivating Lavender, Essential Oil Distillation and The Many Uses of Lavender, as well as massages with lavender oil, and lots more. More than 30 local artists will have their work on display and for sale in the fields, while the Craft Tent in the fields offers the chance for both adults and children to create handcrafted wands, wreaths and other beautiful items. Visitors can sample lavender lemonade and iced tea and other lavender treats too.
Festival details: Pelindaba Lavender Festival
Hood River Lavender Daze, Hood River, Oregon
Hood River Lavender Daze takes place on a spectacular lavender farm in Hood River, Oregon. The annual festival features live music, local artisans and craft vendors, author visits, activities for the kids, wine tasting, a ladybug release party, u-pick lavender, and lots more.
While you’re here, you can also explore the multitude of wineries that have popped up in the region in recent years, and have breakfast at the Riverside, which overlooks Columbia River. Whether you dine in the dining room, the patio or deck, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the water and the gorge, along with delights like homemade cinnamon rolls, corned beef hash and omelets, blueberry-apple porridge and sinfully delicious stuffed French toast.
Festival details: Hood River Lavender Daze
Willamette Valley Lavender Festival and Plein Air Art Show, Newberg, Oregon
The Chehalem Cultural Center will host its own festival in Newberg. You’re invited to a place where all things lavender blend with the premier art show of original work painted in the lavender fields of Oregon. Browse or buy distinctive lavender products, dine on lavender-focused cuisine, and check out the plein air art show, and juried art and craft booths while listening to live music and even sipping a glass of local lavender beer or wine.
Festival details: Willamette Valley Lavender Festival
The Lavender Merchant Lavender Festival, Kuna, Idaho
During The Lavender Merchant‘s Lavender Festival, visitors can come and visit the lavender field in full bloom, pick a bouquet of lavender and enjoy the beauty and perfume and beauty of the captivating herb. The fields will be open for u-pick, and a variety of lavender products and plants will be featured. Find lavender treats such as lavender lemonade, lavender desserts and other lavender specialties.
Festival details: Lavender Merchant Festival
The McKenzie River Lavender Farm Festival in Springfield, Oregon
In conjunction with the Oregon Lavender Farm Tour , the McKenzie River Lavender Farm is hosting a festival in July to celebrate summer’s favorite fragrance. Highlights include a photo contest, fields of purple blooms, artisan made products, country bazaar, and relaxing music. Located along the beautiful McKenzie River highway east of Eugene at 40882 McKenzie Hwy, Springfield, OR 97478~ between milepost 15 and 16.
Festival details: McKenzie River Lavender
The Helvetia Lavender Farm in Hillsboro, Oregon
The Portland-area farm hosts an annual fundraising event which includes tea in the garden with live music. Advance purchase tickets are required for the memorable summer event. The festival is held at Helvetia Lavender Farm in picturesque Helvetia, a historic Swiss settlement located 30 minutes west of Portland. Come to have tea and scones on the pavilion, listen to live local musicians, have some lunch, and enjoy the many family friendly activities for children.
Located west of Portland at 12814 NW Bishop Rd., Hillsboro, OR 97124
Festival details: Helvetia Farms Lavender
Selah Ridge Lavender Farm near Yakima, WA
Selah Ridge hosts its free annual lavender festival in mid-July. Usually appointment only, they open their farm for this special event to celebrate the height of lavender season. There will be U-cut lavender, local artisans, vintage items, and quality products they make including handcrafted soaps, oils, face care, plants, as well as fresh and dried bouquets. There will also be a lavender oil distilling demonstration, live music, garden art, and activities for children. Breathe in lavender’s heavenly aroma, while listening to the sound of the humming bees busy at work in the fields. Walk through the many rows of lavender within 4 different fields. Take a peaceful stroll in a Lavender Labyrinth. Located at: 330 Rankin Road, Selah, WA 98942
Festival details: Selah Ridge Lavender Farm
Selah Ridge Lavender Farm