89th Annual Southtown Dahlia Show Sat 9/5/2026 - Sun 9/6/2026
Crestwood Civic Center
13820 S. Cicero, Crestwood, IL 60418
Open to the Public Sat 12:30 - 4 pm, Sun 10 am - 4 pm
Exhibitor Set-up Fri 9/4/2026 6 -10 pm, Sat 5 am - 10am
A Truly Enjoyable Experience!
We encourage all to participate as competitors, view with friends and family, and to photogragh and share the beauty of our incredible Dahlia.Displays! Growers from all over the Midwest will drive their dahlia blooms to Crestwood to compete for prizes and pleasure. Over 600 blooms will be on display with Awards for Largest Dahlia in Show, Most Perfect Dahlia in Show and People's Choice Winner!
The Crestwood Civic Center is a perfect venue for this Dahlia Flower Show! Free admission, free and abundant parking, accessible for all visitors. SDC thanks the Village of Crestwood for continuing their support of this wonderful community event. The Crestwood Civic Center is just a few miles from the I-294 127th / Cicero Street Exit. A good selection of safe, reasonably priced overnight accommodations and restaurants are close-by.
Competitor Information
Bloom "staging" will be Friday 9/4/2026 from 6-10pm, and Saturday 9/5/2026 from 5 am to 10am. Blooms must be "On the Table" by 10am Saturday 9/5/2026. All blooms except vase arrangements must be "disbudded" and presented with at least one set of "true leaves." SDC provides standard ADS vases and Show Tags, pegs, and oasis. Competitors in Basket categories must provide their own basket which requires a handle, and will be arranged front facing. The show booklet, downloadable on our website. 2026 booklet available in August 2026.
Judging begins at 10 am Saturday 9/5/2026
Please report to Show Co-Chairs Keith Hill or Sue Fitzgerald to confirm your entry section based on categories as listed in the Show Booklet. Teams of Judges and Clerks are needed to determine winners and to compile results. Clerks do not need any experience. Please jump in!
2026 Southtown Show Timetable
9/4/2026 Friday 3-6pm - members set up for Show - all hands requested
9/4/2026 Friday 6-10pm Exhibitor Bloom staging - let us know if you need help
9/5/2026 Saturday 10am till completed - Judging - Recording
9/5/2026 Saturday 12:30pm - Exhibitor and Volunteer Lunch provided by SDC
9/5/2026 Saturday 12:30pm- 4:30pm - Open to the Public
9/6/2026 Sunday 10am to 4pm - Open to the Public, Members will host visitors as they arrive
9/6/2026 Sunday 4-6pm - Members disassemble Show - blooms available for helpers
If you have a Dahlia in bloom by Saturday 9/5/2026 you can enter!
Show sections are constructed to "level the playing field." Those who have exhibited for three years or less compete in the "Novice" category with others of similar experience. SDC members will show you how! Contact us at SouthtownDahliaClub1@gmail.com to get more information.
