The 20th Annual Hibiscus Festival – Punta Gorda, FL
Brought to You By the Charlotte County Historical Society
The 20th Annual Hibiscus Festival – May 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2024
Located in Gilchrist Park,
400 W. Retta Esplanade,
Punta Gorda, FL
Brought To You By: The Hibiscus Committee for the benefit of The Charlotte County Historical Society
We are so excited to bring the 20th Annual Hibiscus Festival back to beautiful Gilchrist Park!
This one-of-a-kind celebration was the vision of local resident Dawn MacGibbon. She and a small group of colorful, fun-loving locals held the first Hibiscus Festival in 2004. They wanted to celebrate and share the unique history and character of their town and its connection to the hibiscus and one of the world’s most renowned hybridizers, Harry R. Goulding.
A character of sorts, Goulding was known to some as an accountant, to some as a rum-runner, and to others as a fisherman, but by far he was known by all for his world class, award-winning hybrid hibiscus plants. Harry would start with 2,000 seedlings a year growing some 60,000 varieties of hibiscus over 60 years. He won many accolades and awards, including the prestigious American Hibiscus Society show’s “Best in the World” category five times.
So, it is with great privilege, love, and honor, every year in the month of May, that a small group carry on this vision by putting on a festival for all to celebrate the history of lifelong resident, Harry R. Goulding, aka King Harry, the hibiscus flower, and the Beloved Spirit of Punta Gorda, historically known as the City of Hibiscus.
Plant Vendors
Beautiful Hibiscus, Fauna and Foliage
Crafts Vendors
Crafts and Art items from local artisans
Food Vendors
A great variety of eats. Come just for the food!
Lots of Music
Entertainment by local and SW Florida musicians.
20th Annual Hibiscus Festival Events May 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2024
Brought To You By: The Hibiscus Committee for the benefit of The Charlotte County Historical Society
- Kick-off in the Park
- Lil' Miss Hibiscus
- Music Line-up
- Plants, Plants, & More...
- What's Happening...
Kickoff in The Park
This years festival will begin with our traditional kick off on Friday evening. Our Friday evening concert runs from 6-10 pm, so come join us for music under the stars. We will have flowers, bands, food and fun. Friday evening is time to share a bite to eat, shake our hips and to celebrate our beloved festival with our family, friends and community. We welcome one and all to enjoy the park after our winter visitors have left and before our warm winds settle in for the summer.
Please feel free to bring a chair or blanket.
- Live Music, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- King Harry’s Pub
- Sweet and savory tasty treats
- Vendors and more…
The Lil’ Miss Hibiscus Pageant
Come Join us on Saturday at Gilchrist Park. The festivities kick off at 9 am.
No need for heavy make-up, high-heels or pageant moms… This is a time for little girls and young ladies to come dressed in their favorite tropical attire and be a Lil’ Hibiscus Princess for the day! Everyone leaves with a little something and a big smile! Brought to you by the 19th Annual Hibiscus Festival.
Music Line-up
If Punta Gorda wasn’t the City of Hibiscus, it most definitely would be the City of Song. We love our local musicians and all they have to offer! TWO GREAT STAGES featuring 21 different performers throughout the weekend! Starting Friday at 6 PM and running through Sunday, 3 PM. TAP HERE to open the exciting schedule.
Plants, Plants, Plants
One huge plant Sale Saturday 9-4 and Sunday 10 until 3. Many of our vendors do stay open for business during the evening entertainment.
We love our vendors, the Hibiscus Festival was created to bring beautiful plants (please note: this is a plant festival named the Hibiscus Festival, that by no means indicates it is solely hibiscus) for you to take home . We have been lucky enough to introduce you to some of the finest independent growers in the state. Come & meet our growers!
What's happening...
We invite you to one huge plant sale from some of the areas top nurseries. Come try some local great eats, stroll over to King Harry’s Pub for a beer and enjoy the music.
- Plant Sale Saturday 9am – 4pm and Sunday 10 am -3 pm
- Friday evening concert and dinner under the stars with our headliners from 6pm – 10pm then Saturday and Sunday music throughout the day.
- Sweet and Savory food vendors
- Crowning of the King and Queen
- King Harry’s Pub open all festival hours
We Thank Our Hibiscus Festival Sponsors!
Brought To You By: The Hibiscus Committee for the benefit of The Charlotte County Historical Society
The Hibiscus Festival May 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2024 – Punta Gorda, FL
If you would like more information, would like to become a sponsor or volunteer contact us!
Hibiscus Festival Events May 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2024
Brought To You By: The Hibiscus Committee for the benefit of The Charlotte County Historical Society
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers, musicians, guests, sponsors and community for letting us bring The Hibiscus Festival to you. We couldn’t do it without each and every person that walks through the those gates!
We play a lot of festivals around the state … this is our favorite for low-key, hometown feel, and we love the setting, food and vendors too!
The BEST festival in Punta Gorda all year! We go every year!!!
Beautiful festival and great entertainment for young and old!!!
Food Vendors
Plant Vendors
