A woman with long locs wearing a purple patterned sundress sits and smiles next to a lush floral archway at the BLOOM festival in Bonnet Springs Park. The arch is densely packed with pink, red, and orange roses and green foliage. — Bloom Flower Festival Credit: Bonnet Springs Park

Spring has officially arrived in Lakeland.

Bonnet Springs Park will be covered in flowers—more than just the peas and amaranths that naturally decorate its foliage—during this month’s two-day “Bloom” flower festival.

The free and family-friendly event includes an outdoor market in the park from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on April 11-12, with local businesses like Apothic Fox Herbal, Mamacita Lifestyle Co. and Wild Within Flowers in the lineup, according to a press release.

Bloom flower festival

Time Thu., March 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sat., April 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 2026

Location Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Spgs Blvd., Lakeland

But even with its locally crafted floral installations and spring bouquets, Bonnet Springs doesn’t just have roses to smell.

In fact, centuries-old grandfather oaks have watched green thumbs and vacationing families enjoy the city park—which is the largest in Polk County—since it opened in October 2022. Last year, it was named Best City Park by USA Today.

The industrial railyard-turned-park is loved for its climbable trees and winding trails, and it is also home to the Florida Children’s Museum, which includes an immersive wildlife exhibit.

Bonnet Springs’ staff and volunteers want to show all of what the space has to offer. So, they’ll offer free guided tours, as well as interactive and educational workshops on horticulture, pollinators and native plants, during the festival.

After some exploring, guests can buy from local food and beverage vendors, including Fiza’s Secret Kitchen, Flour Power Bakehouse, Son Pastelitos and The Tea Lizard.

Jazz performers will also grace the main stage, and a DJ will spin at the lounge.

On April 12, the market’s main stage area will feature performances from The Circus Arts Place aerialists, the Shay Butter Band and the Tom Sounds jazz trio.

There’s no cover for the Bloom flower festival happening Saturday-Sunday, April 11-12 at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland.

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This article appears in Mar. 26 – Apr. 1.