By Age Group
15th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival
Itinerary of Events
What Makes a Blue Ribbon Bloom | August 30 | 11 am
In celebration of the 15th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival, The Bascom is proud to host an educational talk led by longtime grower Peggy Boruchow Arnette. Tailored for both novice and experienced growers, this engaging session will demystify what makes a bloom competition-ready and help participants feel more confident in presenting their dahlias for judging in the Single Bloom Competition.
Fall Reception
September 4th | 5 pm
Kick off the festival weekend at The Bascom’s Fall Reception! This special evening will celebrate our fall exhibitions, the Dazzling Dahlia Festival, and the winner of the 2025 Dahlia Poster Contest.
The Single Bloom Competition (public viewing)
September 5th & 6th
Join us at The Bascom for the public viewing of the 15th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival’s Single Bloom Competition. Viewings take place Friday, September 5, from 3:30–5 pm, and Saturday, September 6, from 10 am–4 pm. This cherished tradition invites dahlia enthusiasts to present their most exquisite blooms for all to enjoy. All levels of growers are welcome to enter the Single Bloom Competition.
Petals and Perspectives
September 4 - 6
Experience an inspired dialogue between art and nature at this year’s Dahlia Festival with Petals and Perspectives, a distinctive floral design showcase. This special event invites selected area non-profit organizations to create floral arrangements in direct response to works of art on view in The Bascom’s galleries, offering a compelling exploration of the connections between the visual and floral arts.
The Dahlia Dialogue
September 6 | 11 am
Learn about dahlias and the art of growing from expert guest speaker, Drew English. Social Reception | 11 am followed by an educational talk at 11:30 am.
Studio Member Pottery Show
September 5th & 6th
Bascom Studio Members will present a curated collection of handcrafted wall pockets and vases, each adorned with fresh dahlias and available for purchase during the Dahlia Festival. Be sure to visit the Studio Barn for a chance to take home a unique, functional piece of art!
Event Information
| Event Date | September 4, 2025 5:00 pm |
| Event End Date | September 6, 2025 3:00 pm |
| Individual Price | Free |
| Location | Bascom Campus |
| Categories | Special Events |
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Visit: 323 Franklin Road
Highlands, NC 28741 (Map It)
Call: 828-526-4949 (Main)
828-787-2892 (Ceramics Studio)

This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Learn more at NCArts.org

Funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Learn more at SouthArts.org.

Funding is due in part to a Tourism Grant with Visit Highlands, NC. Learn more HighlandsChamber.org