2026 Dahlia Show & Competition
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Reno Public Market
12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
View hundreds of the “best of the best” blooms as Dahlia Society members compete for ribbons in several categories!
FREE & Open To The Public
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Ample Free Parking
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Local dahlia bouquets for sale!
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Many Food & Drink options available for purchase at the venue
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Free to attend and exhibit
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Ribbon awards
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Raffle prizes from local businesses
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Dahlia education
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Family friendly
How to Enter:
Exhibitors are encouraged to be current members of the Sierra Nevada Dahlia Society or a current member of a dahlia society recognized by the American Dahlia Society, but do not have to be to register for the show. Join SNDS for only $15 for the remainder of the year!
Exhibitors do not need to register, but do need an exhibitor number. Fill out this form and you will be emailed an exhibitor number. Exhibitors are encouraged to get their exhibitor number ahead of time, but may also receive their number on September 19th during exhibitor set up.
Please see detailed exhibitor information below.
Questions? Contact: shows@sierranevadadahliasociety.org
For Exhibitors & Members:
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Exhibits must be in place by Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 10:45 AM
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All blooms shall be shown as classified by the ADS
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All competition blooms must be grown by the exhibitor
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STAGING AIDS: No other flower, vegetation, or artificial or mechanical support shall be used in any entry except in arrangement classes. No material used as props in staging an exhibit is to show above the edge of the container.
Please download the Show Packet for full details, competition categories, and instructions.
Please download Entry Cards and print them for the show.
Show Packing List
- Flower Buckets Labelled with Your Name - Scissors Or Snips - Watering Can Labelled - Towels To Clean Up Any Spills - Vessel With Attached Frog - ADS Classification Book - Pen/Pencil
Optional Items
Optional Items: - A list of your cultivar names and ADS #s (for easy reference) - Pre-printed entry cards - Stylet Oil or other option to clean leaves - Cart for transporting exhibits - Floral Hydration or Conditioner additive for vases
Load and Logistics
Saturday: Your staged blooms must be on the table along with your Entry Card by 10:45AM on Saturday. We will open to the public at 12pm Saturday. Load-In/Out Area: Exhibitors may load blooms via the front door from the parking lot at Reno Public Market. If possible, please load in and re-park your car to allow others access to the lot. Facilities: Bathrooms are available on-site. Large industrial sinks are on the mezzaine. Please feel free to bring your own food, and the venue has many restaurants. Keep it clean: Please corral your trash, cut flower stems, etc, and clean up water spills (bring towels).
Each exhibit needs an entry card placed with it on the display. Entry cards are folded at the top to hide the exhibitor’s name to keep the blooms anonymous during judging. How to fill out the Entry Card: Above the Fold Exhibitor: Your name Home Club: "SNDS" Sierra Nevada Dahlia Society or whichever club you’re a member of Below the Fold Exhibitor #: Your exhibitor number Level: Everyone who’s new is a Novice, unless you’re a pro or have won a bunch of awards. Check “Novice.” Circles and Judge box: IGNORE THESE (those are for the judges) Section: Write the corresponding section for your entry. Each “section” has a location in the show. Example: There' will be a table marked “Novice: Section A”. We will help you find the right spot, so don’t worry! See the Show Schedule for complete descriptions of each Section. Class #: 4-digit code (classification number) listed in the ADS Classification and Handbook of Dahlias – free online tool, or booklet available for purchase from ADS. We can help you look these up, but it’s better if you do this before you come to the show. Example: The dahlia named “Bridezilla” is listed as Class #7301 Bloom name: Write the name of the flower (ex: “Bridezilla”)
Volunteer Information
Members are encouraged to volunteer—not only do we need hands-on assistance setting up the event, it’s also a great learning opportunity for those not ready to enter as an exhibitor, and we always have a great time with our community. SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER AT BELOW LINK:
Dahlia Show Basics
If you want to show your blooms at the Dahlia Show, you do not need to register, but you do need an exhibitor number and some basic supplies. The full details are listed in our Show Packet. *If you are unsure or nervous about showing your dahlia blooms, remember this: The Dahlia Show is a SHOW more than a competition. The more the merrier! Just do it!