PepperHarrow Farm's Second Annual Lavender Festival Was a Smashing Success!
The lavender fields were bursting with vibrant electric violet, the weather was beautiful, and visitors traveled from across Iowa, around the midwest and beyond to celebrate the Second Annual Lavender Festival at PepperHarrow Farm in Winterset, Iowa.
One of the largest lavender farms in the Midwest, PepperHarrow Farm welcomed guests for two unforgettable days filled with blooming lavender, artisan shopping, educational demonstrations, family activities, farm tours, and the opportunity to cut their own fresh lavender bouquets. The event brought together flower and nature lovers, families, artists, and local businesses for a celebration of lavender in the Iowa countryside.
Lavender Fields in Peak Bloom
The highlight of the festival was undoubtedly the lavender itself. Guests wandered through 12 acres of fragrant lavender fields, taking in the sights, scents, and beauty of one of the most unique agricultural destinations in Iowa.
Many visitors enjoyed cutting their own bouquet of fresh lavender to take home, creating a memorable hands-on experience while learning more about how lavender is grown right here in the Midwest.
For many attendees, it was their first visit to a working lavender farm, and the fields provided countless opportunities for photographs, relaxation, and connection with nature.
Lavender Shopping in the Farm Shop
The PepperHarrow Farm Shop was a favorite stop for many festival guests, offering a curated selection of our most-loved lavender products and seasonal merchandise. Visitors enjoyed browsing shelves filled with handcrafted lavender beauty products, soothing apothecary items, and other farm-made favorites that capture the essence of the lavender harvest.
The shop also featured exclusive Lavender Festival t-shirts and specialty items that allowed guests to take a piece of the celebration home with them. Whether they were searching for a thoughtful gift, stocking up on their favorite lavender essentials, or discovering PepperHarrow products for the first time, the Farm Shop provided something special for everyone.
Festival guests shopping for handcrafted lavender products, gifts, skincare, and festival t-shirts at the PepperHarrow Lavender Festival farm shop.
Artisan Vendor Village Showcased Local Talent
Artisan Vendors
The Artisan Vendor Village featured an incredible collection of local makers, artists, growers, and small businesses. Guests spent the day browsing handmade goods, specialty foods, artwork, home décor, jewelry, and unique gifts while supporting fellow Iowa small business owners.
The artisan vendor village added energy and excitement to the festival and offered visitors a chance to discover products crafted by talented artisans from across the region. An unexpected gift was that these local makers also have the opportunity to network together, which is even more wonderful!
Lavender Demonstrations Educated and Inspired
Lavender Demos
Throughout the festival, guests gathered for lavender demonstrations where they learned about growing, harvesting, and utilizing lavender in everyday life.
From lavender growing techniques, harvesting practices, to sourdough and pasty baking with lavender, attendees gained valuable insight into the work that goes into producing high-quality lavender. These educational sessions were especially popular among gardeners and aspiring lavender growers looking to learn more about growing lavender successfully in Iowa.
Plein Air Painters Captured the Beauty of the Farm
Adding to the charm of the weekend were several talented plein air painters who set up throughout the property to capture the beauty of the lavender fields and surrounding countryside.
Painting by local artist Leslie Leavenworth
Guests enjoyed watching works of art come to life in real time as artists painted the rolling landscape, blooming flowers, farm buildings, and vibrant festival scenes. It was fun to see guests purchase them straight from the artist, or in the event barn, after the works were brought into the farm shop after they were completed.
This was easily one of my personal favorite parts of the entire festival. It was absolutely incredible watching these beautiful creations being made. Of course, I had to buy two of them for myself, because they were so good. I didn’t even have to ask my CF(N)O for permission. Lol! He was 100% on board with me buying two of them to hang in our own home. What a way to commemorate this wonderful festival!
Plein Air Painting at Lavender Festival
Family Fun for All Ages
The Children's Activity Area quickly became a favorite destination for young festival-goers. Families enjoyed story time, farm animals, coloring activities, bubbles, and hands-on play opportunities designed to help children connect with the outdoors.
Seeing families explore the farm together and create lasting memories was one of the most rewarding parts of the weekend.
Guests Explored PepperHarrow Through Farm Tours
Guided farm tours gave visitors a behind-the-scenes look at PepperHarrow Farm and its evolution from a small flower farm into one of Iowa's premier agritourism destinations.
Guests learned about the farm's history, its growing lavender production, flower fields, educational programs, and the resilience required to rebuild following the devastating tornado that impacted the property in 2022.
The tours provided a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into maintaining a thriving flower and lavender farm in Iowa and also PepperHarrow’s 15 + year history of how we got to the farm and of growing flowers,
Adam from PepperHarrow During the Farm Tour
Delicious Eats and Refreshing Treats
Our lavender festival experience wouldn’t be complete without delicious food and refreshing drinks, and this year’s festival offered plenty of both. Guests enjoyed a variety of local favorites throughout the weekend, including savory lunches from Tangerine Food Company and Chick-Fil-A, handcrafted coffee and beverages from Savor the Rise, and sweet frozen treats from Snow Nouveau. Festival-goers also had the opportunity to enjoy a special offering from PepperHarrow itself, our house-made Lavender Lemonade, created especially for this year’s event. Whether visitors were looking for a full meal, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a cool refreshment while exploring the farm, our food and beverage vendors helped make the festival an even more memorable experience.
Lavender Cookies from Prairie Rose Desserts
Why PepperHarrow Continues to Be One of the Best Flower Farms in Iowa
Visitors frequently tell us that PepperHarrow Farm offers more than just beautiful flowers. The combination of stunning lavender fields, educational experiences, family-friendly activities, local artisans, and authentic farm experiences creates something truly special.
Whether guests visited for the lavender, the shopping, the photography opportunities, or simply a peaceful day in the countryside, the festival showcased why PepperHarrow has become a favorite destination for flower lovers throughout Iowa and the Midwest.
12-Acre Lavender Field in Full Bloom at PepperHarrow
Thank You for Making Lavender Festival 2026 Unforgettable
We are incredibly grateful to every guest, vendor, artist, volunteer, and supporter who helped make our Second Annual Lavender Festival such a success.
From the smiling faces in the lavender fields to the excitement throughout the Vendor Village, the weekend exceeded our expectations in every way. Watching visitors experience the beauty of lavender in full bloom reminded us why we love sharing this farm with others.
As the lavender season continues, we look forward to welcoming guests back to PepperHarrow Farm for workshops, special events, and future flower-filled experiences.
Thank you for helping make Lavender Festival 2026 one of the most memorable weekends in PepperHarrow Farm's history. We can't wait to see you again next year.
Lavender in Bloom at PepperHarrow Flower and Lavender Farm
About PepperHarrow Farm
Located in Winterset, Iowa, PepperHarrow Farm is a destination flower and lavender farm known for its seasonal events, educational workshops, fresh flowers, lavender products, and immersive farm experiences. With expansive lavender fields, beautiful flower gardens, and family-friendly events, PepperHarrow continues to attract visitors seeking one of the best flower farm experiences in Iowa.
