Your Ultimate Guide to the Burnside Farms Sunflower Festival 2025

Discover everything you need to know about Nokesville's most iconic summer event.

Location: Burnside Farms – 11008 Kettle Run Rd, Nokesville, VA 20181
Dates: July 11 – Mid-August, 2025
Contact: (703) 930-3052 | ticketing@burnsidefarms.com
Tickets: Advance purchase required – Join the ticket alert list
Follow: @chriscolganteam on Instagram for updates

Why It Matters

Burnside Farms isn’t just a sunflower field — it’s one of the most beloved and visually stunning summer attractions in all of Northern Virginia. From early morning golden light to evening concerts and foamy Friday dance parties, this 70-acre working farm turns Nokesville into a seasonal destination.

And this year, it’s even better. With an expanded lineup of events, a brand-new themed playground, and improvements to their visitor experience, the 2025 Sunflower Festival is shaping up to be their most dynamic season yet.

Even better? It perfectly aligns with another major summer highlight: the Prince William County Fair, just 25 minutes away in Manassas.

What's New This Year

The new sunflower-themed playground at Burnside Farms, with yellow shade canopies and the white barn in the background.

A 4,400-square-foot sunflower & tulip-themed playground built for creative play
A shaded picnic courtyard next to Burnside’s 100-year-old dairy barn
Enhanced roaming performances on Friday and Saturday nights
Streamlined parking and early ticket access for high-demand events
Greater emphasis on golden-hour photo sessions and professional photography setups

By the Numbers

70 acres of sunflowers
30 cutting varieties in bloom succession
3 sunflower mazes rotating weekly
4 Saturday concerts with open field access
6 roaming performers during peak evenings
1 of Virginia’s most photographed summer locations

What to Expect at Burnside Farms

Sunflower Sunsets®

Burnside’s signature experience happens every evening from 4 p.m. until dusk. With perfect lighting and cooler temps, these golden-hour time slots are ideal for photographers, families, and anyone looking to avoid midday heat.

Saturday Concert Series

Live music returns to the flower fields on Saturday nights with full access to all attractions starting at 4 p.m. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. Concert tickets frequently sell out—book early.

July 12: Swift Nation — a high-energy Taylor Swift tribute band
July 19: Shades of Grey — ‘80s rock, synth-pop, and dance classics
July 26: Chris Sacks Band — Jimmy Buffett, Tom Petty, Eagles, and classic coastal rock

Foamy Fridays

Each Friday evening between 6:00–7:00 p.m., the main festival zone transforms into a bubble-filled wonderland complete with a DJ, foam machines, and plenty of open space to dance. Fun for both kids and adults.

Tractor Rides & Roaming Performers

A scenic favorite: take a breezy ride through the back fields and catch panoramic views of sunflower waves. On Friday and Saturday nights (5:00-7:30 p.m.), expect added magic with jugglers, stilt walkers, and circus-style performers roaming the property.

Sunflower Mazes

A vast field of bright yellow sunflowers under a pinkish sunset sky at Burnside Farms in Nokesville, Virginia.

Each summer, Burnside plants three massive sunflower mazes, each designed to bloom for approximately 8–10 days. This rotating system ensures there’s always a maze in peak bloom. Due to spring rains in 2025, the first maze is expected to open in mid-July. Stay updated on bloom status via Burnside Farms' Instagram.

Local Insight from Chris

"I always recommend this event to families, but here’s the real tip: bring a photographer. I brought my wife and daughter to Burnside and we booked a local pro to capture the evening. The golden light, the backdrop of 7-foot sunflowers, the vintage barn in the background — it made for some of the best photos we’ve ever taken."

"Also, plan your visit around peak bloom. Burnside will post bloom status on social, and it’s worth aligning your visit to that timing. You’ll have access to the playground, tractor rides, mazes, concerts, and the best photo conditions all in one day."

Make It a Weekend with the Prince William County Fair

Just 25 minutes up the road in Manassas, the Prince William County Fair returns from August 8–16, 2025. It’s the largest county fair in Virginia and features demolition derbies, carnival rides, livestock exhibits, live music, and nightly fireworks.

Pairing a day at Burnside with an evening at the fair is one of the best ways to experience the full spectrum of Northern Virginia summer.

Visitor Tips

Bring water and stay hydrated.
Wear light-colored, breathable clothing.
Use sunscreen and bring bug spray.
Closed-toe, farm-friendly shoes are highly recommended.
Bring a hat or borrow a complimentary “Sunbrella”.
Pack a picnic for the shaded courtyard.
Arrive early for events; traffic can back up.

Dates & Ticket Info

Opening Day: Friday, July 11, 2025
Morning Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (daily)
Early Bird: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. (weekends)
Midday Closure: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Evening Access: 4:00 p.m. – Dusk (Sunsets®)
Tickets: Timed-entry only – Get alerts here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When does Burnside Farms open?

The 2025 sunflower season begins on July 11 and runs through mid-August.

2. Where is it located?

11008 Kettle Run Rd, Nokesville, VA — roughly 40 miles west of D.C.

3. Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Yes, all visits require timed-entry tickets. Concert and foam party nights often sell out.

4. Can I bring a photographer?

Yes. Personal and professional photography are encouraged during Sunflower Sunsets®.

5. What’s the best time for photos?

Between 6:30–7:45 p.m. offers the best golden light and thinner crowds.

6. Are pets allowed?

No pets are permitted on the farm.

7. Are food and drinks available?

Food trucks are usually on site during concerts. Otherwise, pack a picnic and enjoy the courtyard.

8. Are there bathrooms on site?

Yes, there are portable restrooms and wash stations throughout the property.

9. What happens if it rains?

Rain may delay or cancel events. Always check Burnside’s social media before heading out.

10. What other events are nearby?

Check out the Prince William County Fair, Virginia’s largest, running August 8–16 in Manassas.

Bottom Line

Burnside Farms Sunflower Festival is more than a photo op — it’s one of the most immersive, interactive outdoor events in Northern Virginia. From golden-hour concerts to tractor rides and rotating mazes, every detail is curated to create unforgettable summer memories. Pair it with the Prince William County Fair, and you’ve got the ultimate summer weekend.

Burnside Farms Sunflower Festival 2025: A Must-See Summer Tradition in Northern Virginia