I was once a lilac ninja. Before I had a flowering light-purple plant of my own, I’d encourage the donning of all black attire (including knit cap), grab my youngest son, and together we would head to a vacant yard under the cloak of dusk to snip a branch or three. My husband and older son thought this was an awful practice, but my retort was that we were doing the neglected plant a favor – we were pruning! Many years since, I still anticipate the first sight of plum-colored buds, first spotted in late-April and in full bloom before long, and now by mid-May beginning to fade in color. During these fleeting weeks, open windows draw in their sweet – sometimes overpowering – scent, and I fill vases with clippings and small jars with sprigs. While the lilacs may be fading in Rhode Island, they’re about to peak in Maine, and McLaughlin Garden and Homestead is celebrating with four days of garden tours, tea tastings, entertainment, and food.
Last summer I visited McLaughlin Garden and Homestead for a classical music concert inside the rustic barn before wandering the tranquil two-acre garden. Using the Rhode Island State House as your starting point, it’s about a three-and-a-half hour drive. Located in South Paris, the property is home to one of the largest collections of lilacs in New England, with 125 varieties and more than 200 lilacs. The garden collection also includes hostas, daylilies, astilbes, iris, phlox, wildflowers and ferns. Each year, the McLaughlin Garden welcomes nearly 10,000 visitors who come to enjoy the garden as well as special programs and events.
The Lilac Festival is one of the Garden’s most beloved traditions and promises four days filled with flowers, educational programs, food, and family-friendly activities. Guests are invited to stroll the winding garden paths at peak bloom and experience the peaceful beauty of the pastoral homestead and gardens during one of the most spectacular times of the year. In addition, the festival will feature a special raffle showcasing handmade items created specifically for the Lilac Festival by talented volunteers and supporters of the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead.
Whether guests are longtime supporters or first-time visitors, the Lilac Festival offers a unique opportunity to celebrate spring, nature, and community in one of Maine’s most beautiful garden settings. The Lilac Festival is open to the public. Admission is $5 per person and may be paid at the door.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Lilac Tea Tastings | Daily | 10am to 2pm
Visitors are invited to enjoy complimentary lilac tea tastings each day of the festival offering a unique way to experience the fragrance and flavor of the Garden’s signature flower.
Lilac Care and Garden Tours | Daily | 12pm
Each day at noon, guests may participate in a Lilac Care and Garden Tour to learn more about lilac cultivation, care, pruning, and the history of the McLaughlin Garden’s nationally recognized lilac collection.
Food Trucks Throughout the Weekend
Festival guests will also enjoy a variety of food offerings during the weekend festivities from local vendors Buffalo Hill (Friday and Saturday), and Eighty 8 Donuts (Sunday).
Live Music In The Garden
Lilac Festival guests will also enjoy live ambient piano music by Kafari at varying times throughout the weekend in the Garden, adding to the relaxed and welcoming festival atmosphere.
Festival hours are 10am to 4pm daily from May 22 through May 25, 2026. Additional event details and updates may be found at McLaughlinGarden.org or call 207-743-8820. Find information about accommodations at PolandSpringResort.com/lodging.
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