Lilyfest 5.0: A Bloom-Filled Day at Hillsdale Lily Garden
There’s something magical about watching hundreds of lilies bloom across a quiet patch of Iowa farmland in the middle of July. The colors. The fragrance. The peaceful rustle of the breeze through petals and trees. And once a year, this magical scene becomes the heart of a celebration: Lilyfest.
This year, we're proud to invite you to Lilyfest 5.0—our fifth annual celebration of everything that makes Hillsdale Lily Garden so special. Taking place on Saturday, July 12 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., this year’s event is more than just a flower festival. It’s a story of generations, a tribute to community roots, a gathering of artists, and a chance to support young dreamers through the Tanner Foss Project.
Whether you're a long-time guest or first-time visitor, here’s everything you need to know about the biggest bloom of the summer—and why this year’s Lilyfest is extra meaningful.
What is Lilyfest—and Why Is This Year “5.0”?
Lilyfest was born out of a dream and a declaration. Five years ago, Lu Peverill, owner of Hillsdale Lily Garden, welcomed a group of her high school classmates to visit the farm. One of them happened to be Kelli Whitehill James, a Broadway-caliber performer and creative force. After taking in the beauty of the garden, she looked around and said something that would plant the seed for everything that came next:
"We should make this garden world famous. Let’s have a festival."
And just like that, Lilyfest began.
That summer in 2021, we hosted our first event. It was simple, sincere, and filled with joy. Each year since, Lilyfest has grown in attendance, vendors, and offerings—but it’s never lost its heart. Now in our fifth year, we’re calling it Lilyfest 5.0 to mark the milestone and celebrate the growth, the community, and the legacy we’re building together.
Meet the Garden Behind the Festival
Hillsdale Lily Garden isn’t just a backdrop for this event—it’s the soul of it. Nestled in the scenic Loess Hills of Southwest Iowa, the garden spans 1¼ acres and features 266 distinct varieties of daylilies. Each summer, the garden bursts into bloom, painting the land with vibrant shades of gold, crimson, lavender, pink, orange, and more.
The garden sits on an 80-acre farm that’s been in the same family for over 80 years. Lu Peverill is the third generation to work this land, and in 2015, she began planting daylilies—just 12 varieties at first. She opened the garden to the public in 2017 with the hope of sharing its beauty (and a few potted plants!) with fellow flower lovers. Since then, the garden has become a summer staple for locals and visitors from all over.
While the blooms are stunning, what makes the garden truly special is Lu herself. Her love for the land, her care for the lilies, and her deep community spirit are woven into every path and petal.
What to Expect at Lilyfest 5.0
Lilyfest is more than a flower show—it’s a full-day celebration of summer in the Midwest. Whether you’re coming for the blooms, the shopping, the food, or the music, we’ve got something for everyone.
Here’s what you can look forward to this year:
🌸 A Garden in Full Bloom
There’s no better time to see daylilies than mid-July, and we’ve timed the festival to coincide with their peak. Wander through beds filled with over 260 unique varieties, each labeled so you can find your favorites to take home. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned pro, you’ll be inspired by the variety and color.
Plus, Lu and her team are always happy to offer tips, planting advice, and help you find the perfect additions for your garden.
🎨 Art & Craft Fair (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Support local artisans and small businesses while browsing a variety of handmade goods, art, crafts, and gifts. Whether you're looking for home décor, unique jewelry, kids’ items, or a special keepsake, you’ll find something you love from our lineup of talented vendors.
This is also a great time to meet the makers and hear the stories behind their work—another way Lilyfest connects people with passion.
🥩 Delicious Food & Drink
Good food is a must at any festival, and Lilyfest 5.0 won’t disappoint:
Steak sandwiches grilled fresh by the Fremont County Cattlemen Association (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Drinks from Midwest Mobile Mixers—a perfect refresher on a warm July day
Homemade baked goods from the Hillsdale Community Church (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Plus, snacks, treats, and more scattered throughout the vendor area
Grab a plate, find a shady spot, and enjoy your meal with a view of the blooms.
🎶 Live Music by JD Acoustic (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
What’s a summer day without live music? This year, we’re thrilled to welcome back JD Acoustic, who will provide a laid-back, feel-good soundtrack to the afternoon. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, sip a cold drink, and soak it all in.
👕 Commemorative Lilyfest T-Shirts
You asked, we answered! Our official Lilyfest t-shirts will be available for purchase, featuring a fresh design for 2024. Grab one as a keepsake—or get a few for the whole crew. These make great gifts and help you remember the magic long after the lilies have faded.
Special Events and Experiences
🌼 The Nebraska Daylily Society Show (9 – 11 a.m.)
Calling all garden lovers! The Nebraska Daylily Society will be holding their annual meeting and judged show at the festival. This is your chance to see some of the best daylily specimens in the region up close, learn more about judging criteria, and chat with other enthusiasts who are just as obsessed as you are.
It’s a beautiful way to learn more about the craft and community of daylily cultivation.
🐔 Farm Fun for Kids (and Grown-Ups Too!)
Lilyfest is a family-friendly event with plenty of simple joys for kids of all ages:
Feed the chickens
Watch the waddling ducks
Listen to the talkative African geese
Visit with a mini Highland cow from Catalpa Creek Cattle Company
These sweet animal interactions are a perfect way for kids to connect with nature—and for grown-ups to enjoy a little nostalgia.
Giving Back: Supporting the Tanner Foss Project
While Lilyfest is a celebration of beauty and joy, it’s also rooted in purpose. A portion of proceeds from this event—including $5 parking per car and 10% of all vendor sales—will be donated to the Tanner Foss Project, a local nonprofit with a powerful mission.
The Tanner Foss Project gives kids in Southwest Iowa opportunities to pursue the arts. Each summer, the organization helps send students to Broadway Advantage Camp in Nebraska City—at no cost to families. These kids get the chance to train with real Broadway and national stage professionals, building confidence, creativity, and community.
When you attend Lilyfest, you’re not just enjoying the day—you’re helping shape bright futures for the next generation of artists and dreamers. And we think that’s something worth celebrating.
A Few Things to Know Before You Go
Location:
📍 Hillsdale Lily Garden
61258 US Highway 275, Glenwood, IA 51534
(Just 7 miles north of Tabor on Hwy 275)
Event Date & Time:
🗓️ Saturday, July 12
🕘 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Art/craft vendors and food: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Parking:
$5 per vehicle (Proceeds go to the Tanner Foss Project)
Admission:
Free to attend, with optional purchases from vendors, food, flowers, and merch.
Pro Tips:
Bring a lawn chair or blanket for music time
Come early for the best flower selection
Bring sunscreen, hats, and water—Iowa in July is no joke!
Cash is great for small vendors, though many also accept cards