May 1 – 10, 2026
The Tulip Time Festival is an annual spring festival held in Holland, Michigan, featuring many events and activities to enjoy over the course of 10 days, from the first Saturday in May to the second Sunday.
Since 1929, Holland has celebrated its Dutch heritage with countless acres of tulips in springtime bloom. The tulip count has increased from 100,000 that first year to more than six million today, bursting forth with amazing color in public parks, local attractions and streetside plantings.
Over the years, the Tulip Time Festival has expanded to include a wide variety of events, entertainment and attractions in addition to the spectacle of flowers. In the process, it has garnered international recognition – named one of the top 20 events in the world by the International Festival and Events Association, America’s Best Small Town Festival by Reader’s Digest and America’s Best Flower Festival by USA Today.
Where is the Tulip Time Festival?
Tulip Time activities and events take place in different locations around Holland, most within a 4-mile radius of the city’s picturesque downtown. Tulips can be seen for no charge in public parks and along downtown streets.
Holland is just a 30-minute drive from the first-class hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions of Grand Rapids, one of CNN’s 10 Best Towns to Visit.
Colorful Tulips at Tulip Time in Holland, Michigan
Top Events & Attractions at the Tulip Time Festival
In addition to millions of tulips in bloom, the Holland Tulip Time Festival also includes Dutch heritage shows – dances, a quilt show, traditional clothing exhibits and more – plus parades, concerts, fireworks, art exhibits, an artisan market, carnival and more.Tulip Time walking tours explore Holland’s history and one-of-a-kind charm. Don’t miss the Tulip Time Immersion Garden, one of several ticketed events.
Must-see tulip-related attractions include:
• Windmill Island Gardens, featuring vibrant gardens, an authentic windmill and enchanting Dutch traditions.
• Nelis’ Dutch Village, a family fun park and shopping experience with a wooden shoe factory.
• Veldheer Tulip Gardens, a tulip farm and perennial garden with North America’s only Delftware (Dutch pottery) production facility.
• Centennial Park, a Victorian-era park with flowerbeds, brick pathways and a Dutch fountain.
• Window on the Waterfront, where you can wander paths through 100,000 beautiful tulips.
Where to Get Tickets
Visit the Tulip Time Events Calendar for a full list of shows and events along with pricing and tickets.
Where to Stay
With 100 hotels offering a wide range of rates and amenities, 1,000 restaurants featuring every kind of cuisine, and an endless array of shopping, nightlife and outdoor recreation options, Grand Rapids is the perfect home base for a visit to the Holland Tulip Time Festival. Spend your days in the small town of Holland and your nights in the big city of Grand Rapids! Plan your trip today.
FAQ
How to Experience the Tulip Time Festival:
When is Tulip Time?
The 2026 Tulip Time Festival runs from May 1-10, 2026.
Where are the best locations to see tulips?
Prime viewing spots include Centennial Park, downtown Holland and Windmill Island Gardens.
When are tulips in peak bloom?
Tulips typically bloom from late April to mid-May. This year, peak blooms are expected the first half of Tulip Time. Check the Tulip Tracker to follow their progress.
Is there an admission price?
There is no general festival ticket but individual events may be ticketed. Visit the Tulip Time Events Calendar for tickets and pricing.
Which events are free?
Free Tulip Time 2026 events include the Art in Bloem Fine Art Exhibit (May 1-8), Dutch Dance Performances (May 1-9), Dutch Dance Lessons (May 1-8), Makers Market (May 2-3), Tulip Tales for Tots (May 2-4), Gentex Kinderparade (May 7), Volksparade (May 9), Drone Show Spectacular (May 9) and Fireworks in Kollen Park (May 9).
Where do I park for Tulip Time?
Free parking is available downtown but spaces can fill up quickly during Tulip Time. Weekdays are less busy than weekends. Consult this map of public parking spots.
How do I get from Grand Rapids to Holland?
The most direct route is via I-196 W, which is easily accessible from downtown Grand Rapids. Follow I-196 W to I-196BL W in Zeeland Township. Take exit 55 toward Zeeland/Holland and follow I-196BL W to 9th Street in Holland.
Can I bring my dog to Tulip Time?
Licenses and leashed dogs are generally welcome in Holland public parks and on the grounds of Windmill Island Gardens, but not at most ticketed events. Remember that tulips are toxic to dogs if ingested.
