🌸 Experience New England’s Largest Lilac Collection at the 2025 McLaughlin Garden Lilac Festival

Writer: Gerry Caron | May 2, 2025 | 6 min read

🌿 A Scent-sational Spring Awakening in South Paris, Maine

Are you ready to lose yourself in the intoxicating fragrance of over 200 blooming lilac trees? Welcome to the 2025 McLaughlin Garden Lilac Festival—a high-energy celebration of spring nestled in the heart of South Paris, Maine. This historic 1840s farmstead is more than just a garden; it is a cultural anchor listed on the National Register of Historic Places, meticulously nurtured since 1936.

In 2025, the McLaughlin Foundation continues its mission of stewarding Bernard McLaughlin’s legendary landscape. As the crown jewel of Maine’s spring season, the Lilac Festival transforms these two acres into a multi-sensory paradise where heirloom beauty meets modern community spirit.

📅 2025 Lilac Festival Event Details

• Dates: May 23 – May 26, 2025 (Memorial Day Weekend)

• Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Daily

• Admission: $5 per person

• Location: 97 Main Street, South Paris, ME 04281

🌸 2025 Festival Highlights: What’s New & Updated

This year’s festival is packed with interactive experiences designed for garden enthusiasts and families alike:

• Elite Horticulture Tours: Join the Garden’s expert horticulturist daily at 12:00 noon for an in-depth Lilac Care and Garden Tour.

• Gourmet Lilac Experiences: Savor the season with a Lilac-tea tasting (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM daily) and a fascinating Lilac Syrup Demonstration (Sunday at 2:00 PM).

• Live Acoustic Rhythms: Enjoy the melodic sounds of Ahmad Kafari, performing daily from 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM among the blooms.

• Artistic Vision: New for 2025! Participate in Botanical Photography workshops with Mike Leonard (Saturday at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM).

• The Morning Moose: Start your morning right with coffee and donuts from the Morning Moose food truck, available starting at 10:00 AM on festival Saturday.

• Handmade Bag Raffle: Enter our signature ticket auction featuring exclusive items created by local artisans—winners to be drawn on Monday, May 26th at 4:00 PM.

✨ Why Attend the Lilac Festival?

The McLaughlin Garden isn’t just a horticultural showcase; it’s a dynamic sanctuary:

• The Collection: Marvel at 125 distinct varieties of lilacs on more than 200 trees—one of New England’s largest and most diverse displays.

• Curated Plant Sale: Take a piece of the magic home with our selection of native and unique perennial plants.

• Historic Charm: Wander through a landscape that blends shady woodlands, wildflower meadows, and historic architecture into a single, cohesive oasis.

🏨 The Ultimate Maine Getaway: Moose River Lookout

While you’re visiting the scenic byways of South Paris and the Oxford Hills, find your permanent sanctuary at Moose River Lookout in Rockwood. Nestled along the serene Moose River at the base of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, our cabin is the premier retreat for exploring the Maine Highlands.

• Elite Trail Access: Step out your back door onto ITS66 for year-round exploration.

• Riverside Luxury: Enjoy a private dock on the Moose River—perfect for watching the sun set over Mt. Kineo after a day in the gardens.

• Adventure HQ: From moose safaris to world-class fishing, your Maine story starts here.

Book Your Stay Today:

• Phone: 800-544-0300

• Email: [email protected]

• Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd, Rockwood, ME 04478

• Website: Moose River Lookout

🧭 Plan Your Visit

• Website: www.mclaughlingarden.org

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: (207) 743-8820

• Address: 97 Main Street, South Paris, ME 04281