A variety of peony blooms grow vibrantly on Pioneer Avenue on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

A variety of peony blooms grow vibrantly on Pioneer Avenue on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

6th annual Peony Celebration begins July 1

The festival will run in Homer through Aug. 17.

It’s that time of year again — no, not Christmas, not Easter, and not even the Fourth of July, though that is also coming up next week. This particular celebration is a little more local.

That’s right — the sixth annual Homer Peony Celebration kicks off next week, starting Tuesday, July 1.

Designated in 2017 as the City of Peonies with a thriving homegrown peony industry, Homer features 25 local peony farms and multiple other businesses and organizations taking part in the annual weekslong festival.

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Enjoy a self-guided tour through the 20 public peony gardens, marked by “Homer City of Peonies” and “Peonies on Pioneer” signs, in downtown and Old Town Homer, along Pioneer Avenue, Lake Street or the Sterling Highway. Locals and visitors alike may also explore local art shows, peony farm tours, pop-up events, lectures and workshops through Aug. 17.

Official Peony Celebration merchandise is available for sale at the Homer Chamber of Commerce, the Art Shop Gallery, Clayworks and Bunnell Street Arts Center. New this year, available at the chamber, are peony stickers and yard signs.

Also new this year, on July 1, kids are invited to join the chamber in making decorations for their Fourth of July float with a paper peony-crafting event at the Aspen Hotel.

Find the 2025 Peony Program, walking map, and details on weekly programs on the chamber events page or find @CityOfPeonies on Facebook and Instagram.

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