Gilliam is a tiny town about 20 miles north of Shreveport that you may have never heard of, but that’s about to change. Home to less than 1,000 people, the town is mostly farmland and rolling hills, including some of the most incredible sunflowers in Louisiana. Every year, Gilliam hosts the annual Sunflower Festival to celebrate this cheerful flower and you’re not going to want to miss it.

The Sunflower Trail is one of the most cheerful road trips you can take - just look at that endless view of sunflowers!
SunflowerTrail & Festival/Facebook
The trail is about 20 miles long and leads you through some truly stunning scenery.
SunflowerTrail & Festival/Facebook
There's nothing like a countryside drive!
Here's a map to guide your way:
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook
Careful, now. Take your time... there's no rush. You don't WANT to rush this.
Sunflowers can grow anywhere from six to 14 feet tall, and when they're in full bloom, it's mesmerizing.
AC/Google
Some can even top 20 feet in height (though this is rare).
The sunflowers bloom from mid-June to early July.
SunflowerTrail & Festival/Facebook
The trail is free and open to the public as long as the flowers are in bloom.
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook
You'll see bright yellow "sunflower trail" signs along your drive, so just follow the signs.

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Give the Sunflower Trail a follow on Facebook so you can stay up to date on the blooms.
AC/Google
That way, you can time your drive perfectly!
All of the fields are planted by local farmers.
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook
Feel free to stop off and get a closer look, just remember that these fields are maintained by local farmers, so be respectful of their property.
It's the perfect opportunity for a photoshoot.
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook
Strike a pose!
The Festival takes place on the third Saturday in June each and every year, including this one.
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook
You can drive along the trail whenever you'd like, but the festival is a one-day event, so mark your calendars!
This year, the festival will take place on June 17th.
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook
Drive along the trail and then stop off at the festival to celebrate this special flower!
Local artists will be displaying their arts and crafts, featuring everything from handmade jewelry to jams and jellies.
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook
Don't forget to check out the farmers' market to stock up on local produce. There will also be several local restaurants set up to fill your belly with their delicious creations, local bands, and activities for kids, too, so bring the whole family out for a day of fun!

Want to know what to expect? Check out this delightful video of a past festival:

For more information, visit the Sunflower Trail website, and don’t forget to give them a follow on Facebook so you can stay up to date on the sunflower field’s bloom status and upcoming events. Are you planning on attending the festival this year? Or maybe just the drive? Let us know in the comments!

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Sunflower Festival

Tori Jane | March 27, 2023
  1. When and where is the Sunflower Festival in Louisiana? 

The Sunflower Trail and Festival is an annual, much-beloved event that folks come from all over to experience. Typically, it’s held in Gilliam and along Highway 3049 north of Shreveport. You’ll find it occurring in late spring/early summer when the sunflowers in Louisiana are at their most breathtaking. Learn more about the lesser-known sunflower trail in Louisiana!  

  1. What other Louisiana festivals should I attend? 

Of course, the Sunflower Festival is far from LA’s only amazing must-do festival – there are so many more that we can’t name them all, but some of the most notable include:  

  • The Louisiana Pirate Festival – We're not sure that it gets a whole lot more fun-filled than this.  
  • The Cochon De Lait Festival – Held in the Cochon de Lait capital of the world, this one is 100% Louisiana goodness.  
  • The Jambalaya Festival – We're pretty sure it doesn’t get much more Louisiana than this.  

Learn more about all the amazing events in Louisiana you can attend.   

  1. What other fun things to do in Louisiana are there? 

Well, goodness, too many to list here! Of course, there are some things you absolutely must do when visiting Louisiana, like:  

  • Mardi Gras – Come on, like we could leave one of the most famous parties in the world, held right here in Louisiana, out of this shortlist.  
  • The Old State Capital – Interestingly, this is the #1 attraction in Louisiana. It’s much more interesting than you might think.  
  • The French Quarter – Not to be lumped in with Mardi Gras, which is held here; this amazing little historic part of New Orleans is something of a legend.  
  • Visit numerous historic sites – Don't stop at just NOLA. Visit some of the most breathtaking plantations, museums, nature preserves, and more to really get a feel for the beauty of Louisiana.  

Learn more about some of the best things to do in Louisiana. 

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Gilliam, LA, USA