Spring in Utah means one thing: Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival at Ashton Gardens. Known as one of the largest and most beloved spring festivals in the United States, the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival in Lehi, Utah transforms 50 acres of gardens into a breathtaking landscape filled with vibrant blooms, immersive experiences, and unforgettable spring traditions.
Every year, visitors from across Utah County, Salt Lake County, and beyond come to experience this award-winning celebration of spring. With over one million flowers, new floral displays, family-friendly activities, and unique garden experiences, there’s no shortage of things to explore.
If you’re planning your visit, here is your ultimate Tulip Festival bucket list — five experiences you absolutely can’t miss at the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival.
1. See Over 1 Million Flowers in Bloom
The highlight of Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival in Ashton Gardens is the incredible display of more than one million blooming flowers spread throughout the 50-acre garden landscape.
During the six-week festival, the gardens burst into color with:
- Over 300,000 tulips in dozens of varieties
- Thousands of daffodils and hyacinths
- Bright seasonal blooms like poppies and spring perennials
In total, the festival features over 900,000 spring plants, creating one of the most impressive floral displays in the region. Carefully designed garden beds and artistic layouts transform Ashton Gardens into a living canvas of color.
Walking the garden pathways during the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival feels like stepping into a storybook spring landscape filled with fragrance, texture, and vibrant design. Whether you’re visiting for photography, a family outing, or simply to celebrate the season, the flowers are the heart of the experience.
Tip: Early mornings and golden hour evenings are perfect times for photography among the tulips.
2. Experience More Than Just a Flower Festival
While the flowers are spectacular, Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival offers far more than beautiful blooms. It’s an immersive spring event filled with experiences throughout the gardens.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Live entertainment throughout the festival
- Interactive classes and workshops focused on gardening and creativity
- VIP garden tours that explore the beauty of Ashton Gardens
- Festival Market vendors featuring local crafts and artisan goods
Every Friday evening from 3–7 PM, guests can enjoy live music from local performers, creating the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing evening stroll through the gardens.
On Saturdays from Noon–4 PM, the Festival Market at the Waterfall Amphitheatre comes alive with local vendors offering handcrafted items, treats, and unique spring finds.
3. Discover Brand-New Flower Displays Every Year
One of the most exciting parts of the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival is that no two festivals are ever the same.
Every fall, the horticulture team at Ashton Gardens redesigns the floral displays and plants new bulbs. This means that when spring arrives, guests experience entirely new color palettes, patterns, and flower varieties.
This year’s festival features 100,000 brand-new flowers, including beautiful varieties like:
- Apricot Beauty Tulip
- Ballerina Tulip
- Sorbet Tulip
These fresh additions create vibrant new displays and artistic garden layouts throughout the grounds.
As you explore the winding paths of the 50-acre Ashton Gardens, you’ll notice new garden scenes, unexpected color combinations, and creative planting designs around every corner. It’s part of what makes the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival in Lehi such a beloved annual tradition.
4. Explore the Brand-New Whimsical Topiaries
A new highlight this year is the introduction of brand-new floral topiaries, adding an extra layer of creativity and charm to the gardens.
Created in partnership with Modern Display, these sculptural plant displays bring a playful and whimsical atmosphere to the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival.
Topiaries combine horticulture and art, transforming plants into imaginative shapes and decorative elements that enhance the beauty of the gardens. As you explore Ashton Gardens, these new installations create fun photo opportunities and memorable moments for visitors of all ages.
Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or on a date, these new garden installations add an exciting visual element that makes the festival feel fresh and magical.
5. Enjoy a Tulip Festival Buffet Brunch
Looking for a unique way to experience the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival? Add a little indulgence to your visit with the Tulip Festival Buffet Brunch.
Located in the Garden Room on the second floor of the Ashton Gardens Visitor Center, this spring brunch offers stunning panoramic views of the gardens in bloom.
Guests can enjoy:
- A buffet-style brunch with sweet and savory dishes
- Fresh, seasonal flavors prepared by Thanksgiving Point’s award-winning culinary team
- Sweeping views of the tulips and gardens below
After brunch, guests receive admission to the Tulip Festival, allowing plenty of time to wander the gardens, take photos, and soak in the beauty of spring.
It’s the perfect way to gather with friends or family and make your Tulip Festival experience even more memorable.
Plan Your Visit to the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival
The Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival at Ashton Gardens in Lehi, Utah has become one of the most celebrated spring festivals in the United States, drawing visitors from across the region to experience the beauty of spring in full bloom.
With over one million flowers, exciting garden experiences, new floral displays, live entertainment, and unique dining opportunities, it’s easy to see why this event has been named Best of State for ten consecutive years.
Whether you’re creating your spring bucket list, planning a family outing in Utah County, or searching for the best spring events in Utah, the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival offers something unforgettable for everyone.
