Experience the Beauty of the Sunflower Festival in North Louisiana
Every June, the Sunflower Festival in Gilliam, Louisiana, bursts into bloom, offering a stunning display of golden fields along the scenic Boom or Bust Byway. On June 14, 2025, visitors can enjoy a day filled with natural beauty, local artistry, and small-town charm. Drive past miles of bright sunflowers, stop for photos, and even pick a few to take home!
Festival Fun in Gilliam
Once you arrive in Gilliam, near Main Street Café (12807 Main Street), the festival comes alive with a vibrant mix of many local vendors, showcasing handmade crafts, artwork, and specialty foods like jams and drinks. Children can enjoy hands-on arts and crafts, while live music fills the air, creating a festive atmosphere.
Explore Beyond the Festival
The fun doesn’t stop at the festival grounds; explore nearby towns for more local treasures:
- Dixie, LA: Dixiemaze Farms and Ryan's Farms
- Belcher, LA: The Veterans Memorial
- Lynn Plantation Commissary - 11580 Hwy 3049
Where to Eat
While in Gilliam, take time to visit the historic Crossroads Museum inside the Gilliam Library and grab a bite at these local spots:
- Main Street Restaurant: 12807 Main Street, Gilliam. Enjoy delicious food in one of the old brick store buildings.
- James Country Store Restaurant: 12781 Main St., Gilliam. Sandwiches, cold drinks and snack items.
- D&I Café and Deli: 312 Caddo Street, Belcher, LA 71004. Come sample our local cuisine!
Enjoy the Sunflower Trail
For those who want to extend their scenic adventure, the Sunflower Trail along LA Hwy 3049 offers a breathtaking drive past wildflowers and sunflower fields in full bloom. Let yourself be immersed in the beauty and small-town charm of Northwest Louisiana!
Below is more information on the trail route:
To find LA Hwy 3049 from downtown Shreveport, head north on Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway. As you continue, Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway turns into Grimmett Drive. Once you're on Grimmett Drive, take a right onto LA Hwy 3049 (also known as Dixie Shreveport Road).
Once you're on LA Hwy 3049, look for Old Dixie Gin and Sentell Road. Turn right at this intersection to start your drive along the Sunflower Trail. Follow Sentell Road as it loops around the levee. Eventually, Sentell Road will lead you back to Hwy 3049 near Cornerstone Baptist Church, just north of Dixie.
During your drive, you'll see different types of sunflowers and wildflowers along the trail, especially around the expected full bloom time. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and let yourself be immersed in the small town charm that is Northwest Louisiana!
