Spring is bursting into color with the return of the Lilac Festival at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, located just a short drive from downtown San Diego in the historic community of Julian. Known for its famous apple pies, Julian will once again serve as the backdrop for a one-of-a-kind celebration of the season.
The festival, which takes place on select dates in April 2026, invites visitors to explore more than five acres of lilac fields featuring around 10 different varieties. Guests can wander through landscapes awash in shades ranging from pure white to deep, rich purple, creating an ideal setting for spring outings and photography.
Related: 2026 Spring and Easter Events in San Diego
The festival also offers a full day of activities for all ages. Attendees can enjoy wagon rides, hands-on crafts, animal encounters with goats, and lively hoedown-style musical performances. Adventure-seekers can try treasure hunts, archery, axe throwing, a slingshot zone, and a lilac maze.
Educational experiences, including reptile encounters and interactive children’s activities, are also part of the lineup.
SCHEDULE & DATES
Special events will kick off the festival on April 4 and 5 with the “Easter Skunk Egg Hunts,” a playful twist on a classic spring tradition. Festival hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on select dates: April 4, 5, 11, and 12. On Easter Sunday, hours will be shortened to 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Keep reading: Celebrate Your Birthday at this California Amusement Park with Free, Unlimited Pass
Tickets are available for purchase online, and visitors can save 15% by using the code VISITSANDIEGO15. Fresh lilac bouquets will also be available for purchase starting in late March while supplies last.
With its blend of natural beauty, hands-on activities, and small-town charm, the Lilac Festival offers a perfect opportunity for families and nature lovers alike to enjoy the outdoors and make the most of the spring season, perhaps with a stop for apple pie in Julian along the way.
