Lilyfest 2026
At Landsford Canal State Park
Lilyfest is back to celebrate the peak bloom of the rare rocky shoals spider lilies! Landsford Canal State Park and the Katawba Valley Land Trust invite you to experience these breathtakingly beautiful flowers that only bloom for a very short, but predictable, window of time. Take a short walk (3/4 mile one way) down our historic Canal Trail or Nature Trail to the lily viewing platform where you will behold a true wonder of nature. Growing between the rocks of the riverbed in front of you is the largest population of spider lilies in the world, so dense that they cover the Catawba River in a blanket of white flowers!
Saturday, May 16
- Guided history hike led by the Katawba Valley Land Trust at 11 am
- Presentations, songs, and dance performances by the Catawba Cultural Center at 12 pm
- Guided nature hike led by the Cultural Division of the Catawba Nation at 1 pm
- Live music on the front porch of the historic log house: Dave Tursi & Josh at 10 am, Wendy and Barry W at 11 am, Kennon Knight at 1 pm, Ken Dukes & Lynn Mooney at 2 pm
- Paddling tours by Aquatic Adventures, Carolina Safari Co., Catawba Riverkeepers, and North Carolina Outdoor Adventures. Reservations required.
- Crafts, artwork, and souvenirs from 30+ local and regional vendors, 10 am to 3 pm
- Food trucks: Rock Hill Coffee, Royal Eats, Cob Abby Fish Camp, Whit's Custard
Sunday, May 17
- Hikes guided by park rangers every hour from 10 am to 2 pm
- Live music on the front porch of the historic log house: Gideon Besson at 10 am, Paul & Ruth Maxwell at 11 am, Stacey Bassinger at 12 pm, Tracy Simpson & Mike at 1 pm, Rick Spreitzer & Kevin at 2 pm
- Paddling tours by Aquatic Adventures, Carolina Safari Co., Catawba Riverkeepers, and North Carolina Outdoor Adventures. Reservations required.
- Crafts, artwork, and souvenirs from 30+ local and regional vendors, 10 am to 3 pm
- Food trucks: Coast 11 Coffee, King of Fire Pizza
DETAILS
Event Hours
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Meeting Place
Park Office
What to Bring
Lawn chair or blanket for entertainment area. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots to walk 3/4 mile to the spider lily viewing area. If you are an experienced paddler, bring your own kayak or canoe to paddle through the lilies!
Free Admission With Park Passport Plus
Yes
Price
$10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children.