Georgetown, Texas, the “Red Poppy Capital Of Texas,” comes to bloom with its 17th Annual Red Poppy Festival April 22-24, 2016. Known for its signature red poppies, Georgetown is one of the few places in the United States where red poppies grow naturally every spring. To celebrate, the town embraces their vivid blooming with a weekend of concerts, parades, contests, art, food and family fun. All festival events are free and open to the public.

The red poppies are a classic in Georgetown but not an original. Right after WWI, Henry Purl Compton (known as “Okra”), a service member, sent poppy seeds to his mother in Georgetown from Europe, where she planted them at her home. Seventy years later, they are still blooming. With this being the 17th year celebrating these beautiful flowers in the United States, the festival continues to grow every year.

“As one of the most popular festivals in Georgetown, we welcome thousands of people every year to celebrate the rare red poppy flowers and a full weekend of fun,” said Dale Ross, the mayor of Georgetown. “Folks from all around look forward to this annual event, not only for its natural beauty, but great food, music, shopping and more.”

The festival spans April 22- 24. Friday night, Dysfunction Junction will kick off the festival at 7 p.m. The festival will also include the “Paint Georgetown Red” parade, arts and crafts, a car show and much more for a three-day all age-inclusive weekend of Red Poppy celebrations.

On April 23, at 10 a.m. visitors are encouraged to wear red for the “Paint Georgetown Red” Parade. From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., car lovers can enjoy the Classic Car Show with an awards presentation at 3 p.m. To continue the festivities, concerts continue all evening, along with a street dance. Saturday evening’s headline recording artist TBD.

Throughout the festival, there will be live music, arts and crafts booths, a food court and a kid’s fun zone. Live music on all three stages will continue on Sunday, April 24th wrapping up the weekend’s celebration.