The 2026 Lavender Festival in Beaumont is here

22^ND ANNUAL Lavender Festival June 5-July 19, 2026, 5 to 10 pm* *Extended hours on Saturdays and Sundays 12-10 pm

by Craige Campbell / CoachellaValley.com

Every summer, the rolling countryside near Beaumont, California transforms into one of Southern California’s most photogenic and aromatic destinations. Purple fields sway beneath the San Bernardino Mountains, live music drifts through warm evening air, and the scent of lavender mingles with fresh bread, grilled food, and artisan desserts.

The annual Lavender Festival at 123 Farm has become far more than a seasonal attraction—it is now one of the Inland Empire’s signature summer events.

Held at the historic Highland Springs Ranch in nearby Cherry Valley, just outside Beaumont, the 2026 festival marks the event’s 22nd year.

What began as a regional celebration of organic lavender farming has evolved into a multi-week cultural experience drawing visitors from across Southern California.

This year’s festival runs from June 5 through July 19, 2026, with weekday evening hours and expanded weekend programming.

The setting itself is part of the appeal. The ranch is home to Southern California’s largest certified organic lavender farm, featuring approximately 20 acres of blooming lavender fields.

The historic property dates back to the 19th century and has retained much of its rustic charm, combining old ranch architecture with organic agriculture and modern festival experiences.

For many visitors, the first impression is unforgettable. Long rows of lavender stretch across the property in shades ranging from pale violet to deep purple, creating a scene that feels more Provence than Riverside County. During sunset, the fields glow beneath golden light, making the festival especially popular among photographers, influencers, and families searching for memorable summer outings.

But the Lavender Festival is about much more than flowers.
One of the biggest attractions in 2026 is the festival’s expanded culinary experience. Lavender appears in surprising ways throughout the property’s menus. Guests can sample lavender lemonade, lavender ice cream, lavender pastries, herbal teas, cocktails, and even savory dishes infused with the herb’s floral flavor.

The event’s unusual menu offerings, including lavender burgers and other farm-inspired dishes that blend rustic comfort food with culinary creativity.
Food stations and outdoor dining areas are spread across the grounds, encouraging visitors to wander and explore. Fresh sourdough bread, grilled meats, artisan pizza, and farm-grown ingredients reinforce the festival’s emphasis on local agriculture and handmade food.

Many attendees describe the event as part farmers market, part food festival, and part evening garden party.
The entertainment lineup also contributes to the festival’s popularity. Live musical performances take place nightly, typically during the cooler evening hours. According to festival organizers, performances generally run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., creating a relaxed atmosphere as visitors stroll through illuminated pathways and open-air gathering spaces. Acoustic sets, folk-inspired music, jazz ensembles, and local performers help shape the festival’s laid-back summer mood.

As darkness falls, another signature feature emerges: the lights.
More than 100,000 lights illuminate the farm at night, transforming the lavender fields into a glowing landscape of purple blooms and warm string lights. The nighttime atmosphere has become one of the festival’s defining experiences, especially for couples and photographers seeking dramatic evening scenery.

The lighting creates a dreamlike contrast against the dark mountain backdrop, and many guests intentionally arrive in the late afternoon to experience both sunset and nighttime views.

The festival’s appeal spans generations. Families with children often enjoy wagon rides, open walking areas, farm animals, and interactive experiences throughout the property. Couples gravitate toward the romantic evening ambiance, while food enthusiasts and gardeners appreciate the agricultural focus and artisan products. The festival also attracts wellness-minded visitors interested in lavender’s traditional uses in aromatherapy, skincare, and herbal remedies.

Workshops and demonstrations occasionally add educational value to the event. Visitors may learn how lavender oil is distilled, how herbs are harvested, or how organic farming practices are maintained on the ranch. These agricultural elements distinguish the festival from many purely entertainment-focused events in Southern California.

Shopping is another major part of the experience. Vendor marketplaces throughout the property feature handmade soaps, essential oils, candles, dried bouquets, skincare products, artisan foods, and seasonal gifts. Lavender-themed merchandise dominates many booths, though local craftspeople and specialty food vendors also contribute to the festival atmosphere.

Social media has significantly boosted the event’s popularity in recent years. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have helped introduce the Lavender Festival to younger audiences drawn by its scenic visuals and “experience-driven” atmosphere.

Sunset photography in the lavender rows has become especially popular, and the festival now ranks among Southern California’s most recognizable seasonal photo destinations.

Still, the festival’s growth has created mixed reactions among some longtime attendees. Online discussions show that while many visitors praise the beauty of the grounds and the quality of the food and ambiance, others mention crowds, warm temperatures, and parking challenges during peak weekends. Several commenters on Reddit recommend attending in the evening for cooler weather and a more enjoyable atmosphere.

That advice appears especially relevant during Inland Empire summers. Daytime temperatures in the Beaumont and Cherry Valley area can climb well into the 90s, particularly in June and July. Evening visits often provide a more comfortable experience while allowing guests to enjoy the festival’s signature lighting displays.

Parking and ticket planning have also become important considerations.

Organizers encourage advance reservations, especially for weekends and holiday periods. Parking fees may apply depending on the day and event schedule. Like many popular seasonal festivals, attendance tends to spike around sunset hours and weekends, meaning early planning can make a significant difference.

The festival’s success reflects broader changes in Southern California tourism and entertainment trends. Increasingly, visitors are seeking immersive outdoor experiences that combine food, agriculture, scenery, and local culture. Events like the Lavender Festival provide an alternative to traditional theme parks and urban nightlife, offering a slower, more sensory-centered experience rooted in nature and regional identity.

That regional identity matters deeply in Beaumont and Cherry Valley. Historically viewed as pass-through communities between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley, the area has gradually developed a stronger tourism presence. The Lavender Festival has played a key role in that transformation, helping position the region as a destination rather than simply a stop along Interstate 10.

The surrounding landscape contributes greatly to the event’s charm. The nearby mountains, rural roads, and agricultural land create a distinctly different atmosphere from nearby urban centers. Visitors often comment on how quickly the environment changes once they leave the freeway and enter Cherry Valley’s quieter countryside.

The historic nature of Highland Springs Ranch also adds authenticity. Established in the late 1800s, the ranch has long served as a retreat destination and agricultural property. Today, the preservation of its historic buildings and farming traditions gives the festival a sense of continuity that newer commercial attractions often lack.

Another reason the festival resonates with visitors is its connection to seasonal rhythms. Lavender blooms for only a limited period each year, making the event feel fleeting and special. Unlike permanent attractions, the Lavender Festival exists within a narrow summer window, creating anticipation and urgency around the experience.

For first-time visitors, timing can shape the overall impression. Early-season visits often feature the freshest blooms and milder temperatures, while later weeks may offer fuller programming and more mature lavender fields. Evening attendance remains widely recommended for both comfort and atmosphere.

The 2026 festival also reflects the growing popularity of agricultural tourism across California. Similar to wine country experiences or apple harvest festivals, lavender tourism blends farming with entertainment and hospitality. Visitors are not simply observing agriculture—they are participating in a curated experience built around seasonal harvest culture.
Despite its popularity, the festival still retains moments of quiet beauty. Early evening walks through the fields, distant mountain views, and the soft scent of lavender in warm air can feel surprisingly peaceful, even amid larger crowds. Those quieter moments often become the most memorable parts of the visit.

As Southern California continues to expand and urbanize, events like the Lavender Festival offer something increasingly valuable: a temporary escape into open space, sensory experience, and slower-paced community gathering. The festival succeeds not because it is extravagant, but because it creates an atmosphere that feels personal, seasonal, and rooted in place.

For Beaumont and Cherry Valley, the event has become both a tourism engine and a point of regional pride. For visitors, it remains one of the most distinctive summer traditions in the Inland Empire—a place where agriculture, food, music, and natural beauty converge beneath fields of purple blooms.

Whether guests arrive for the photography, the food, the music, or simply the scent of lavender drifting through the evening air, the 2026 Lavender Festival continues to deliver a uniquely Southern California experience. In a region often associated with beaches, freeways, and urban sprawl, the festival offers something unexpectedly timeless: a chance to slow down and wander through a field in bloom.