Sat, Aug 15
|78 Richmond Townhouse Rd, Richmond, RI 02812, USA
Rhode Island Dahlia Society Dahlia Show — Washington County Fair
Come see a stunning display of competition dahlias — or bring your own blooms and show them off!
Time & Location
Aug 15, 2026, 7:00 AM – Aug 16, 2026, 8:00 PM
78 Richmond Townhouse Rd, Richmond, RI 02812, USA
About the event
About This Event
📄 Full show rules, classes, and arrangement categories are available in the official show schedule below:
The Rhode Island Dahlia Society is proud to present its annual dahlia show at the Washington County Fair in Richmond, RI. Whether you're a grower looking to compete or simply want to see an incredible display of dahlias up close, this is an event you won't want to miss.
Exhibitors & Competitors
The show is open to everyone, and participation is free. Bring your best blooms and stage them for judging. It's a great way to learn the art of showing dahlias alongside fellow enthusiasts. Exhibitors register on-site in the book provided. Staging opens Saturday, August 15 at 7:00 AM and all entries must be in place by 11:00 AM, when judging begins. A few things to know before you enter:
Use only Rhode Island Dahlia Society entry cards and tags (provided at the show). Entries must be classified per the American Dahlia Society 2026 Classification and Handbook of Dahlias.
Vehicles must be off the Fairgrounds by 10:00 AM on Saturday.
Cash prizes and ribbons are awarded in each class, plus Court of Honor and Tricolor awards for standout blooms.
All exhibits must be removed Sunday after 8:00 PM.
What You'll See
This is a full American Dahlia Society-style show featuring dahlias in every size and form, from giant AA blooms over 10 inches across down to pompons under 2 inches. Alongside the competition benches, don't miss the Floral Arts arrangement section, themed this year around "Rhode Island's Revolutionary Spirit," plus special classes like Largest Bloom, Golden Oldie (best bloom introduced 50+ years ago), and the ADS Seedling Bench Evaluation.
Public Viewing
The display opens to the public on Saturday approximately at 12:30 PM (following judging) and continues through Sunday, August 16 until 8:00 PM.
Schedule at a Glance
Saturday, Aug 15 | 7:00–11:00 AM — Exhibitor staging
Saturday, Aug 15 | ~12:30 PM — Public viewing opens
Sunday, Aug 16 | Until 8:00 PM — Public viewing continues
Questions?
Show Chairman Barton Buffington: (401) 390-9244, abarton195@aol.com
RIDS Show Chairman George Brayton: (401) 651-2747, grbj95@verizon.net
Admission: Free
Location: Washington County Fairgrounds, Richmond, RI