Niagara-on-the-Lake’s In Bloom Festival has unveiled its 2026 lineup of large-scale floral installations — along with the designers behind each display — as the event prepares for an expanded second year this spring.
Running May 8 to 11, the festival will transform the town’s heritage district into an open-air gallery of animal-inspired floral art under the theme “All Creatures BIG and Small.”
Organizers say this year’s lineup highlights both returning and new floral designers, with installations spread across prominent locations in town.
Among the featured works is “The Magnitude of Butterfly’s Beauty,” created by Niagara Parks at MacFarland House along the Niagara Parkway. The installation will feature a 12.5-by-12.5-foot butterfly mosaic built from flowers.
At the Prince of Wales Hotel, Clipping’s Floral Design will present “The Great Canadian Moose,” a large woodland-themed display positioned at the hotel entrance.
Clipping’s Floral Design is also behind “The Comedic Truck Crash” at the Gardens at Pillar and Post, a playful farmyard scene centred around a toppled truck.
Mint & Magnolia will create “Sophisticated Safari” at the Charles Hotel and Hob Nob Restaurant, featuring a lion in a bowtie accompanied by giraffes.
Meanwhile, BBBlooms Floral Studio will install “ZEEbras, Embrace Your Uniqueness” at the Shaw Club Hotel and Zee’s Grill, showcasing a pair of stylized zebras.
The festival, presented by Vintage Hotels, is expanding in both size and scope in 2026, with more installations than its inaugural year and an increased presence at the Gardens at Pillar and Post.
Event manager Cheri O’Reilly said the growing roster of designers is part of what is driving the festival’s evolution.
“NOTL in Bloom continues to grow in the most beautiful way,” she said. “This year’s installations showcase incredible creativity from striking large-scale works to thoughtful, intricate designs. With new floral talent and expanded displays across the gardens and town, we’re proud to present our most spectacular festival yet, one that celebrates community, creativity, and the simple magic of flowers.”
In addition to the floral displays, the festival will feature a series of related events, including a gardening speaker series, workshops, afternoon tea offerings and a gala dinner.
Organizers say the expanded lineup is designed to create a walkable, immersive experience throughout the town.
