The Harrison Sunflower Festival is back! Now in its second year, the festival is running from August 1st to September 15th, 2019. Last year’s inaugural festival was a tremendous success, with several thousand people attending. Social media lit up with countless sunflower photos, showcasing the sunflowers in all their ravishing glory. So, what can you expect for Vancouver’s favourite sunflower festival’s second year?
Sunflowers
A single sunflower itself is a delight to see, but thousands of sunflowers— stretching for acres— is truly a sight to behold (and photograph)! There will be nearly 17 acres of gorgeous blooming sunflowers, in 35 different varieties: from 2-foot-tall Dwarf Sunspots to the classic 12-foot-tall Mammoth Grey Stripes, in shades of yellow, orange and red. Not only are the Mammoths sky-high, their heads average a foot across! Walking along a pathway of towering sunflowers is an experience like no other!
Don’t miss the nearly two-acre display garden, filled with several different varieties of sunflowers, like Little Beckas, Ruby Eclipses, Baby Bears, and Double Lemon Éclairs! There is nothing quite as striking as a vibrant yellow sunflower set against a brilliant blue sky.
Dahlias
New to the festival this year is the addition of a magnificent three-acre field of dahlias! Fifty-four gorgeous dahlia varieties will add diverse splashes of color to the festival. Like the sunflower, Dahlias are also very showy flowers; and some varieties have flowers as big as a dinner plate!
U-Pick
There’s nothing like finding that picture-perfect flower to pick and take home! Our Sunrich sunflower field was grown for this very purpose. Wander the area with a set of clippers until you find the perfect Sunrich. And new this year, U-pick sweet Harrison corn! Be sure to eat or freeze within 24 hours for optimal flavor. (Both while quantities last).
Hops
Hops are a very lush, fast-growing vine: did you know they can grow up to a foot a day? They make a beautiful decorative backdrop. Walk along a narrow passage with tall spires of lush hops beside you: they are an eye-catching canopy for photo opportunities.
Festival Store
Want to take a memory of the festival home with you? Visit our on-site festival store, featuring items like cut sunflowers and field flowers, and spring bulbs of tulips and daffodils grown right here in our own fields. You’ll also find unique items, including sun-flower inspired gifts, great for gifting a friend or treating yourself to a souvenir of our festival!
Games & Family Fun
We have something for the whole family, including outdoor lawn games! Guests of every age will love the “giant” Jenga, Connect 4, Corn Hole, Bolaball, Tic-Tac-Toe, Checkers, Dominos, and more!
Another fun activity is posing with the many fun props we have scattered throughout the grounds. Look for our swing sets, windmill, portrait frames, and two new features: a massive Dutch wooden shoe, or “Klompen,” to climb and sit on, as well as a smaller pair of Dutch shoes, which were handmade and painted in Holland just for our festival.
Beginning August 16th, the Rotary Club of Harrison Fraser train will be giving free rides through the fields (weekends only).
Food Trucks
After all that sunflower gazing and game-playing, refreshments are in order! Where to go? Don’t worry, we’ve got food trucks right on site! Quench your thirst and fill your belly right here. On a hot day, ice cold drinks, ice cream and snacks really hit the spot. If you prefer, you are welcome to bring your own picnic. We have a special covered area that you can retire to if you wish to get out of the elements, as well as plenty of picnic table with umbrellas!
Open Daily Until September 15th
The Harrison Sunflower Festival is BC’s original and largest Sunflower Festival, and is sure to become an enduring and beloved annual tradition. Come for a visit and see what all the excitement is about. Don’t forget your camera!
Where: 41310 Yale Road, Harrison
Time: Hours vary; check website for full details
When: Thursday, August 1st to Sunday, September 15th, 2019
Admission: Ticket and season-pass prices vary for individuals, families and bus groups; children five and under are admitted free
Get tickets: harrisonsunflowerfest.com/tickets
