Everything you need to know about the Tulip Time Festival
The Tulip Time Festival is a yearly event which is held in Holland, Michigan. The festival has been held every year in mid-May since 1929 and is now the longest-running tulip festival in the United States. It began as a way to boost the tourism and economy of Holland. The Tulip Time Festival today honors Holland’s Dutch roots while at the same time also having new attractions and events. Tulips and Dutch culture have remained the backbone of this great festival. Let us delve deeper into what you need to know before visiting the Tulip Time Festival.
When to go
It occurs every year in early mid-May to concur with the peak tulip bloom season in Holland. The festival will take place whether it is raining, or it is shining. For the year 2024, the festival will run May 4-12 with events scheduled for all nine days. It is good to remember that peak tulip bloom takes place around the second week of the event. To see these tulips at the heights of their blooms, you should look to visit during the days of May 10-12. However, there will still be an abundance of blooming flowers all throughout the two weeks of the festival.
Getting there
- Car – Holland is right off the major highways such as I-196 and a short drive from I-94. If you have a car, it is the most convenient and efficient way to get there. This allows you to explore all the sites and side attractions.
- Bus – Buses by Greyhound and Megabus run every day as they come into Holland from nearby cities like Grand Rapids and Chicago.
- Air – Grand Rapid’s Gerald R. Ford International Airport is the closest commercial airport and is around 30 minutes from Holland. Flights will come from major hubs around the country.
Tickets for Tulip Time Festival
Most of the festival is free of cost, however you will require a ticket for certain areas and events. Photo and walking tours, art exhibits and theater performances, and carnival rides, are some of the events that require a ticket. All ticketing is done online so decide what you want to see beforehand and grab those tickets in advance.
What to see
- Downtown Holland – It is at the core of the festival and becomes a kaleidoscope of colors with tulips gracefully placed through intersections, parks window boxes, and in front of businesses across the streets.
- Veldheer Tulip Gardens – Spreading out over a large area across fields right in Holland, these private tulip gardens from Veldheer Tulip Gardens have over 5 million tulips. You can walk around and wander through the rows of blossoms by yourself or by taking a guided walking tour. This wonderland will let you immerse yourself in an endless escape of lively blooms.
- Windmill Island Gardens – There is a 250-year-old Dutch Windmill that is surrounded by 30 acres of land, Windmill Island Gardens have an eye-catching display of about 60,000 tulips plus daffodils and hyacinths. This place is worthy of taking a picture and taking a stroll by yourself.
- Holland Municipal Airport – You can see rows of runways lined with rows of beautiful tulips that make for an amazing sight. Stripes of flowering blues surround Holland’s small airport.
- Residential Streets – You should head to Holland’s historic district which is just south of downtown for the most stunning floral sights. Over here, you will be able to witness the front gardens of Victorian homes and businesses that are bursting with spirited tulips in all their colors and varieties.
- Tulip Lanes – All through downtown and Hollands’ neighborhoods, there are special “Tulip Lanes” that feature tulips planted in the middle which turns the roads into a variety of colors. You will be able to find picture-worthy lanes on Central Avenue, 8th Street, River Avenue, Ottawa Avenue, and more.
Things to do
- Popular Parades – There is a wide variety of parades to be seen during the Tulip Time Festival. Some of these are the Volksparade, Kids Parade, Muziekparade, Festival Finale and Grand Parade. All these parades feature dancers, bands, and galore of excitement.
- Tulip Time Carnival – It is located in the civic center parking lot and offers thrill rides, classic games, and amazing fair food. There are unlimited ride wristbands available as well.
- Firework Shows – On the evenings of Friday and Saturday, there are brilliant fireworks displays that light up the sky over Lake Macatawa and are synchronized in tune with music.
- Dutch Marktplaats – You shall be able to find some original Dutch treats, gifts, wooden shoes, and souvenirs at this outdoor market which is situated in Centennial Park.
- Nelis Dutch Village – This delightful theme park celebrates Dutch culture with its various rides, shows, mini golf, shops, restaurants, and many other attractions.
- Holland Museum – At the Holland Museum, you can learn about the Netherlands and Holland’s history as a Dutch settlement. It is located in downtown Holland.
Stay
Due to crowds flocking in numbers for the Tulip Time Festival, lodging in Holland can be booked up to months in advance. Here are some of the best options for you to stay during the festival.
- Downtown Holland – To have the utmost convenience, you should look to book a hotel or B&B just steps from the festival itself. However, keep in mind that downtown options fill up very quickly. Some good options include City Flats Hotel, Courtyard Holland, Best Western Plus, Commerce House B&B, and many other vacation rental homes.
- Hotels near Holland – Lodging options that are just 10 to 15 minutes away from downtown also provide a great option for staying during the Tulip Time Festival. Hotels located in Holland Township or Grand Haven are good choices. You can also try Holiday Inn Express Holland, Hampton Inn Holland, DoubleTree Grand Haven, and Fairfield Inn & Suites.
- Grand Rapids – Grand Rapids is just 30 minutes from Holland which makes it a viable option for a stay. Staying downtown Grand Rapids is the best option. Some recommended hotels are Amway Grand Plaza, JW Marriot, AC Hotel Grand Rapids Downtown, and Hyatt Place Grand Rapids.
- South Haven Lodging – The beach of South Haven is about a 40-minute drive southwest of Holland along the Lake Michigan shoreline. It serves as a peaceful home base when you are exploring the crowded tulip festivities. Some good options available to you are Eagle Inn Resort, Northshore Inn, Red Arrow Hideaway, Blue Star Inn, and various other waterfront vacation rentals.
Food
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a get-together with friends, or just a family feast, dining in Holland has everything for everyone to suit their needs. This charming city has a variety of dining options to offer which range from quaint cafes that serve freshly brewed coffee and pastries to high-end eateries that dish out locally sourced farm-to-table delights. Visitors to Holland can also savor the rich flavor of tapas or Bibimbap and enjoy their caught fish on a lakeside patio. If you enjoy authentic Hispanic cuisine, there are locations scattered throughout the city for you. Holland has a very inviting sort of atmosphere and a blend of international flavors. It promises to give you an unforgettable dining experience for tourists and locals alike.
Remember to mark your calendar for the 2024 Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan, and get ready to breathe in the fresh spring air and walk among blossoms as you get to enjoy Holland during its favorite time of the year.
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