You Need to Experience the Homer Peony Festival
Alaska is full of natural beauty. Visitors are often mesmerized at the stunning flora and fauna at every turn! Homer is no exception. Our small town is known to some as the “City of Peonies.” Peonies are typically difficult to grow because they need exceptionally cool and dry soil, so it’s impressive that Homer has 25 peony farms across town. Enjoy these beautiful blooms at the Homer Peony Celebration. This annual event is set to take place from July 10, 2020, through July 25, 2020. Explore peony farms, attend art gallery events, and even design some artwork of your own. We’re so excited for the first installment of this event and hope you are, too!
When you’re ready to start planning your trip, access our Homer Vacation Guide. This free resource is filled with local insight on what to do during your trip to our area.
What to Expect at the Homer Peonies Celebration
Natural beauty is everywhere in Homer. You can view peonies all growing season planted along Pioneer Avenue in Old Town Homer. However, you can make the most of these beautiful blooms at the following events! Be sure to check out the event flyer for a full list of events.
Peony Farm Tours
Enjoy one of two Peony Farm Tours or Double Down and Book them both! You won’t regret it at only $75 per person these tours will leave you with lasting memories!
The Alaska Perfect Peonies Guided Farm Tour will take place every Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. from July 10-25. The tour takes guests through the Shoultz Family Farm that has been operating out of the Alaska Wilderness for 50 years! Rita Jo Shoultz who helped pioneer peony farming in the area is the main gardener on the farm and is eager to share her knowledge with guests. As part of the tour you will making and taking home a bouquet to enjoy.
See our front desk for assistance in making a reservation or Call (907) 235-8116 to make your reservation for the Alaska Perfect Peonies Guided Farm Tour!
The Joslyn Peony Guided Farm Tours will take place every Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. from July 10-25. You will enjoy the Joslyn Family Farm located 1200 feet above sea level with beautiful views of Kachemak Bay. This is your chance to meet flower farmer Betty Joslyn, learn about growing peonies in this unique climate and enjoy a personalized tour complete with a modest beer and wine reception before returning to stay with us in the heart of Homer.
Don’t miss out; See our front desk for assistance in making a reservation or Call (907) 299-9090 to make your reservation for the Joslyn Peonies Guided Farm Tour!
Art Activities & Art Gallery Events
There are several art events that highlight peonies’ beauty through a variety of mediums! From paper peonies oil paintings, there are many ways to represent these blooms in art. One of the most unique art events is the Peony Dyes with Elissa Pettibone. This event uses natural dye from the peony plant to dye a silk scarf. This workshop on July 11th from 1-4pm will teach you techniques on how to dye, achieve unique patterns, and more!
July 17th from 5:30-8:30: Chinese Painting with local artist Sharlene Cline
July 18th from 1-5pm: Plein Air Oil Painting at the Joslyn Peony Farm with Andy Sonneborn
July 21st from 1-3pm Paper Peonies with Sharlene Cline
Make a reservation for one or all of these amazing classes through http://www.homerart.org/. The cost of the workshop includes all materials and a finished product for you to take home!
Or appreciate local artists’ work at the Art Shop Gallery Events! Enjoy different interpretations of Homer’s natural beauty with these unique pieces. Saturday, July 11th between 12-4pm enjoy one of my favorite artists, Dan Coe at this outdoor tent show featuring his new Peony Original! Barbara Lavalee, another celebrated Alaskan artist will be showcasing her original peony-themed paintings and prints, July 18th between 12-5pm. She is also well-known for illustrating several children’s books, including the popular bestseller, “Mamma Do you Love Me?”. Don’t miss these amazing local artists during these special events!
Stay at the Driftwood Inn
Stay a short distance away from all the exciting activities going on for the Homer Peony Celebration. Many of our accommodations are within walking distance of Old Town Homer, so you can easily go to and from events. If you can’t make it to this celebration, consider attending another one of our favorite annual events in Homer.
Choose from Modern Lodges, Old Town Cottages, Woodside Lodge Suites, Historic Inn Rooms, Tiny Houses, and an RV Park.
Check our availability to start planning your trip to Homer, Alaska!