Courtesy photo A flower display is set up in downtown Alpena during last year's Flower Festival.

ALPENA — The Alpena Flower Festival returns Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 7, 2026. Presented by Alpena Agency and Auto-Owners Insurance, the beloved event has become a signature kick-off to summer, filling downtown with beautiful floral displays, interactive photo-ops, live music, and activities for all ages.

Festivalgoers can look forward to the return of popular festival activities, including the Petal Pub Crawl on Thursday evening, the Flower Fest 5K held on Saturday morning, and build-your-own bouquet bars throughout the festival. The Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is also introducing new activities and partnerships to the event this year, continuing to grow the festival experience.

“Each year, the festival gets bigger and more exciting,” said DDA Executive Director Anne Gentry. “This year, we will be requesting to close a portion of Second Ave on both Friday evening and Saturday to concentrate activities and create a more festive environment. We are also inviting vendors to be part of the action in the heart of the festival.”

The festival officially kicks off Friday evening with live music from the Alpena Street Performers from 5-7 pm throughout downtown at the Water Street Commons, Culligan Plaza, and the park next to Red Brick. Second Ave will come alive during the evening hours, with floral installations, vendors, and music from Steve Rea and his band from 7-10 pm.

On Saturday, High Pointe Rehab will be hosting the popular Flower Fest 5K, which kicks off at 9:30 am and follows with an afterparty downtown. Kids activities will be concentrated in the Center Alley following the 5K. New this year, the Alpena DDA is partnering with the Thunder Bay Folk Society to provide live music from 12-10 pm as part of their Spring Fling Fundraiser. Admission will be free, with raffle tickets and donations supporting the Folk Society’s mission.

Sunday offers a relaxed close to the weekend, inviting visitors to explore downtown’s shops, restaurants, and bars, while offering brunch specials and mimosa bars.

The DDA is currently seeking sponsors who want to purchase a floral installation that go in front of their business or in a prominent downtown location in the heart of the activities. Sponsorships range from $100-$1,000, with sponsors collaborating with local florists Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas CF, Wilson’s Lasting Expressions, Flowerland Designs, or Falls Creek Produce & Flowers to bring their installation to life.

“We are grateful for the variety of sponsors, businesses, florists, and organizations who help us make this festival possible,” said Gentry. “It truly is a one-of-a-kind festival in the state of Michigan, and the energy downtown during that weekend is unparalleled.”

Those interested in being a sponsor or a vendor should reach out to the DDA Office at downtownalpenami@gmail.com or 989-356-6422. An official schedule and map will be released in early May. More information can also be found at https://www.downtownalpenami.com/flowerfest.html