Every September, a small family-owned farm in Botetourt County transforms into a sea of brilliant gold as approximately 700,000 sunflowers reach full bloom. 

The Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival returns September 11–20, 2026, bringing thousands of visitors to the countryside just outside Buchanan in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Now recognized as the largest sunflower festival and vendor fair on the East Coast, the event features sunflower fields, hayrides, photo opportunities, special activities, local food, and more than 100 arts and crafts vendors. 

Whether you are planning a family outing, a photography session, a weekday visit, or a weekend getaway, use this guide to prepare for the 2026 Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival.

2026 Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival Details

Dates: September 11–20, 2026 
Festival weekends: September 12–13 and September 19–20 
Location: Beaver Dam Farm - 13561 Lee Highway, Buchanan, VA 24066 
Admission: Ticket prices vary by date and activity. General festival tickets are available at the gate with cash or credit card. Advance reservations are required for select special events. 
Parking: Free 

Visit the Beaver Dam Farm website for tickets, event updates, frequently asked questions, and weather-related announcements. 

Follow Beaver Dam Farm on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok.  

From a Family Farm to a Signature Sunflower Festival

The history of Beaver Dam Farm stretches back more than a century. The property was purchased in 1900 and became a tomato cannery in 1916, then a dairy farm in 1927. Still owned and operated by the same family, the working farm now focuses primarily on beef cattle and hay and straw sales. 

The sunflowers began almost by accident. 

“Back in 2015, we had an open field, and my father said out of the blue, ‘We need to plant sunflowers,’” recalled festival founder Candace Monaghan. “There was no other reason than he thought they were pretty.” 

The following year, Monaghan suggested opening the field to visitors and hoped approximately 300 people would attend. Instead, 1,600 visitors arrived in a single day. 

The festival has continued to grow and now welcomes more than 20,000 visitors annually. In 2023, the family also opened Gracely Hill, a wedding and special-event venue overlooking the farm and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

What to Expect at the Sunflower Festival

The traditional festival experience takes place during the two weekends of September 12–13 and September 19–20. Weekend visitors can explore the sunflower fields, take a hayride, shop from more than 100 vendors, enjoy festival food, and capture plenty of photos. 

Special events are also offered throughout the week, providing additional opportunities for families, seniors, homeschool groups, visitors with special abilities, and anyone seeking a quieter experience in the sunflower fields.

2026 Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival Schedule

Friday, September 11 

Sneak Peek Opening Night 
4:00–7:00 p.m. 
Admission: $15 cash or $16 credit card 
Visitors can be among the first to see the 2026 sunflower fields during this special opening-night experience. The farm’s Field of Heroes, honoring those affected by the September 11 attacks, will also be on display. 

Sunset Yoga 
6:00–7:00 p.m. 
Admission: $28 
Advance reservations are required. Get tickets > 

Saturday, September 12 

Sunflower Festival 
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 
Admission: $10 cash or $11 credit card 

Sunday, September 13 

Sunflower Festival 
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 
Admission: $10 cash or $11 credit card 

Tuesday, September 15 

Preschool Day 
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. 
Admission: $5 
Preschool Day is available for organized groups and individual families with preschool-age children. 

Tuesday Sunset Dinner 
5:30–8:00 p.m. 
Admission: $40 per person 
Advance reservations are required. Get tickets >

Wednesday, September 16 

Senior Citizen Day 
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. 
Admission: $5 
Senior Citizen Day is available for organized groups and individual families visiting with seniors. 

Sunflower Festival Evening Hours 
5:30–7:30 p.m. 
Admission: $7 cash or $8 credit card 

Goat Yoga 
6:00 p.m. 
Admission: $41.32 
Advance reservations are required. Get tickets > 

Thursday, September 17 

Special Abilities Day 
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. 
Admission: $5 
This event is designed for organized groups and families visiting with individuals who have special abilities. 

Tuesday–Thursday, September 15–17 

Homeschool Days 
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. 
Admission: $5 

Friday, September 18 

Friday Sunset Dinner (SOLD OUT)
5:30–8:00 p.m. 
Admission: $40 per person 

Saturday, September 19 

Sunflower Festival 
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 
Admission: $10 cash or $11 credit card 

Sunday, September 20 

Sunflower Festival 
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 
Admission: $10 cash or $11 credit card 

Festival tickets are nonrefundable. Only leashed service dogs with a distinguished vest or card may enter. Please confirm all dates, prices, ticket requirements, and weather policies on the Beaver Dam Farm website before traveling.

Please be respectful of the property owners and only visit the farm during designated festival hours. If you go past the gates during non-festival hours, you are trespassing. 

Shop from More Than 100 Vendors

The vendor fair is one of the highlights of the Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival. More than 100 arts, crafts, and food vendors participate each year, including businesses from across Virginia and neighboring states such as West Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. 

Shoppers can browse an assortment of handmade and sunflower-themed merchandise, including: 

• Jewelry 
• Paintings and artwork 
• Home décor 
• Handmade wooden toys 
• Furniture 
• Clothing and accessories 
• Local gifts and artisan products 

Food vendors also serve a variety of festival favorites, including kettle corn, shaved ice, doughnuts, and other sweet and savory treats. 

Many vendors accept credit cards, but cellular service and payment technology can be unpredictable in a rural setting. Bringing cash is recommended. An ATM is also available on-site.

Sunflower Photography and Professional Photo Services

With acres of bright yellow blooms surrounded by mountain scenery, Beaver Dam Farm is one of the most popular places for sunflower photography in Virginia. 

Visitors are welcome to take casual photos while enjoying the festival. You can also stop for a picture with the farm’s LOVEwork and share your experience on social media. Tag @VisitVBR so we can see your photos from the festival. 

Professional photographers and visitors planning styled, extended, or commercial photo sessions must make arrangements in advance. Email Candace Monaghan at BeaverDamSunflowers@gmail.com for availability, policies, and reservation information. 

Advance scheduling helps prevent large photo sessions from interfering with the experience of other festival guests.

Can You Pick the Sunflowers?

Visitors should not pick sunflowers directly from the primary festival fields. 

A designated cutting area is available where sunflower stems may be purchased and cut before leaving the festival. Follow posted instructions and guidance from festival staff.

Grow Your Own Beaver Dam Farm Sunflowers

You can bring a little of the festival home by purchasing Beaver Dam Farm sunflower seeds. Seeds are available at select nearby businesses, including: 

• Northwest Hardware locations 
• Ikenberry Orchards & Country Store 
• The Best Place Antique Store  

Tips for Visiting Beaver Dam Farm

Keep these tips in mind as you prepare for your visit: 

• Tickets are required for visitors ages 3 and older. General festival tickets may be purchased at the gate with cash or credit card. Select activities require advance online reservations. 
• Check the weather before leaving. The farm may close during heavy rain but can remain open during light showers. Tickets are nonrefundable. 
• Wear appropriate footwear. This is a working farm with gravel, dirt, and grass pathways. Closed-toe shoes or comfortable walking shoes are recommended. 
• Prepare for the sun. There is little natural shade in the festival area. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. 
• Bring insect repellent. Bugs are common in the fields and around the farm. 
• Leave pets at home. Only trained service animals are permitted. 
• Bring some cash. Most vendors accept cards, but rural internet and cellular connections can be unreliable. 
• Accessible parking is limited. Let the parking attendant know when an accessible space is needed. 
• Portable restrooms are available throughout the festival and parking areas. 
• Do not pick flowers from the main fields. Sunflowers may be purchased from the designated cutting area. 
• Visit only during published hours. Beaver Dam Farm is private property and an active agricultural operation. Entering the farm outside designated festival hours is trespassing. 

Review the Beaver Dam Farm Frequently Asked Questions before your visit for additional information about accessibility, tickets, weather, food, photography, and festival policies.

Things to Do Near Beaver Dam Farm

Turn your festival visit into a full day or weekend in Botetourt County. 

The nearby Town of Buchanan features a charming and walkable Main Street, local shops, historic attractions, outdoor recreation, and dining. Popular stops include: 

Walk Across the Buchanan Swinging Bridge 
The historic Buchanan Swinging Bridge crosses the James River and offers a memorable view of the water and the surrounding mountain landscape.  

Paddle the Upper James River Water Trail 
Twin River Outfitters can help you plan a paddling or tubing trip on the Upper James River Water Trail, one of the region’s most scenic outdoor recreation experiences. 

Visit A Few Old Goats Brewing 
Stop by A Few Old Goats Brewing for locally crafted beer in a relaxed setting near downtown Buchanan. 

Shop and Dine in Buchanan 
Browse the locally owned shops along Main Street and enjoy a meal at Foot of the Mountain Café, located a short drive from Beaver Dam Farm.

Plan an Overnight Stay in Botetourt County

An overnight stay gives you more time to explore the small towns, mountain trails, scenic drives, waterways, restaurants, and outdoor adventures of Botetourt County.

Browse places to stay in Botetourt County, including hotels, cabins, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.

You can also explore the Botetourt County section of the Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge website for additional attractions, restaurants, events, and trip-planning ideas.

Start planning your visit and experience one of Virginia’s most colorful festivals at Beaver Dam Farm.