File Photo A large display of flowers designed to look like popcorn and butter inside of a popcorn box was one of the main attractions during the Flower Festival in Alpena.

ALPENA – Downtown Alpena is preparing to bloom once again as the Alpena Flower Festival returns for its fourth year, transforming the city center into a vibrant celebration of flowers, community, and summer this weekend.

Inspired by the one-day “Flower Day” floral festival in Adelaide, South Australia, where Executive Director Anne Gentry once lived, the event launched in 2023 as the Alpena Downtown Development Authority’s (DDA) signature summer celebration. What began as a vision of downtown storefronts and parks adorned with stunning fresh floral displays has quickly become one of the region’s most distinctive events.

“The idea was inspired by the floral festival that is hosted in Adelaide, as the DDA was looking at different ideas for a signature summer event, I could see the vision of our downtown filled with fresh floral displays and other floral-related activities,” Gentry said.

The biggest addition this year is the full closure of Second Avenue from Chisholm Street to River Street, creating a pedestrian-friendly festival hub. Organizers will centralize activities along the street, featuring floral displays, more than 20 vendors (a new addition), and extended live music.

“We are always listening to what the community wants with this event, and that was one of the most recurring pieces of feedback we heard from last year – close the street and build the festival vibe,” Gentry noted.

Also new this year, the festival has partnered with the Thunder Bay Folk Society to bring live music to the street from 12pm to 10pm as part of their spring fling fundraiser.

This year’s festival will feature 34 floral displays and photo-op installations – roughly the same number as in 2025. Major installations are planned for Culligan Plaza, sponsored by the Alpena Convention and Visitors Bureau, several spots on 2nd Avenue, sponsored by Alpena Agency and Auto Owners Insurance, in front of Bannan Funeral Home, the Center Building, and the Water Street Commons.

Four local florists and floral teams are bringing the displays to life: Classic Designs by Doreen Thomas CF, Falls Creek Produce & Flowers, Lasting Expressions, and Flower Designs. Smaller photo opportunities will be scattered throughout downtown, with a map available on the festival website.

The festival kicks off early with the returning Petal Pub Crawl on Thursday evening, encouraging participants to dress in floral outfits, hop between downtown bars, and compete for Downtown Dollars prizes.

On Saturday, the Flower Fest 5K Run/Walk, organized by Highpointe Rehab, returns at 9:30am routing runners and walkers directly through the heart of the floral installations. The event has already reached 100 registrants.

Gentry emphasizes what sets Alpena’s festival apart: “There truly is no other festival like this throughout the state of Michigan, possibly even the Midwest. This is truly the only festival that has this level and quality of floral displays made with fresh, cut flowers.”

As someone who grew up in Alpena and now leads downtown revitalization efforts, the festival holds deep personal meaning for Gentry.

Seeing the downtown filled with people dressed in florals who are smiling, running into neighbors and friends, it always reminds me what our work here at the DDA is all about,” Gentry said. “It’s renewing community pride and viewing our downtown as the heartbeat of our community.”

The Alpena Flower Festival has become a beloved tradition that highlights the creativity of local florists and positions Alpena as a unique summer destination. With the new street closure and expanded programming, 2026 promises to deliver an even stronger sense of community and beauty.