The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden will host its 16th Annual Dazzling Daylilies Festival on Saturday, offering an evening of live music, family activities, food, and thousands of blooming daylilies.
The festival runs from 4-7 p.m. and serves as one of the garden’s largest annual fundraisers. Admission is free for garden members and children under 18, while non-member adults pay $5. Members are asked to bring proof of membership.
Executive Director Laurna Strehl said the festival showcases more than 800 varieties of daylilies, creating a display unique to the botanical garden.
“Our thousands of daylily blooms set this event apart from any other,” Strehl said. “The backdrop of daylilies is the star of the show.”
Strehl said the event also gives visitors a chance to experience the garden during evening hours, which is only available on a limited number of occasions throughout the year.
“There is a shift in how the garden feels as evening sets in, and opportunities to be in the garden after hours are limited,” she said. “It’s a relaxing evening that encourages quality time with friends and family.”
Activities will include live bluegrass music by Frogtown Stringband beginning around 5 p.m., Hole in Fun mini golf, a petting zoo, Bubble Wonderland, and children’s crafts.
Food vendors include Top Dog Concessions, Mr. G’s Kettle Corn, and Go Go Goodiez. Leonard Libations will offer beverages alongside a cash bar and mocktail options.
The event is sponsored by Drew Watson of Align Wealth Management.
In addition to the festival, the garden’s annual daylily sales are underway. Because the flowers bloomed earlier than usual this year, the garden’s dig beds are already open. Visitors can purchase a shovelful of daylilies for $15.
Strehl said proceeds from both the festival and daylily sales help support the nonprofit botanical garden’s operations.
“As a nonprofit, our annual budget is supported by these events,” she said. “We are also supported by admission fees, memberships, private event rentals, private donations, and grants from the city and county.”
The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except Sundays, when hours are noon to 4 p.m.
