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 19th 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 icon

Plant Vendors

Beautiful Hibiscus, Fauna and Foliage

Plant icon

Crafts Vendors

Crafts and Art items from local artisans

Plant icon

Food Vendors

A great variety of eats. Come just for the food!

Plant icon

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

Hibiscus blossoms for the Punta Gorda FL Hibiscus Festival
Hibiscus blossoms for the Punta Gorda FL Hibiscus Festival
Girl holding potted plant & garden tools

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!

Debbie Jamieson

Musician

The BEST festival in Punta Gorda all year! We go every year!!!

Terry Smityh

Homeowner

Beautiful festival and great entertainment for young and old!!!

Lynn Atkin

Business Owner

Food Vendors

Sweet and Savory, delicious delights from some of our finest local food vendors. From the moment you walk into the Gilchrist Park, you can smell the aroma of tempting treats billowing above the floral undertones. So grab yourself a bite ...
Hibiscus Festival Musicians Mike & Chakkula

Musicians

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. We are always happy to pull some of their fine talents, as ...

Plant Vendors

This years event will be held in our favorite spot, Gilchrist Park. The Park will be filled with plants being sold from some of the finest nurseries around. There are rows and rows of plants to explore to find the ...

Craft Vendors

 Plants and more…  Come see the treasures you can find among the beautiful flora.  Jewelry, yard art, pottery, produce and much more. To become one of our valued vendors please see below. This is an OUTDOOR event located in Gilchrist ...

Years in Action

Plant & Craft Vendors

Food Vendors

Musicians