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Tulip Time

Everything you need to know about Tulip Time 2024

What are the must-sees at the festival? What should you plan before you head to Holland? We've got everything you need to know here.

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HOLLAND, Michigan — Over the last 94 years, blossoms in reds, oranges and yellows have painted a lakeshore town in Michigan in technicolor. When more than six million bulbs begin to bloom the colors of spring, it can only mean one thing: Tulip Time is finally here. 

Millions of people have gathered for the nearly two-week Dutch festival over the years, putting the storybook-like city of Holland on full display. 

But what are the must-sees at the festival? What should you plan before you head to Holland? We've got everything you need to know here. 

Tulip Time Activities by Day

Tulip Time runs from Thursday, May 2 through Sunday, May 12. There are no tickets needed to visit Holland, but you may need tickets for certain activities. All of the listed activities take place over a four-mile radius near Downtown Holland.

Depending on which days you're planning to attend the festival, here's what to expect and where to buy tickets for activities:

Thursday, May 2

  • Kinder/Middel Dutch Dance
    • Centennial Park - 6:30 to 6:45 p.m.
    • No tickets needed
  • Dutch Dance
    • Centennial Park - 7 to 8 p.m.
    • No tickets needed

Friday, May 3

  • Tulip City Open Pickleball Tournament
  • Carnival 
  • Kinder/Middel Dutch Dance
    • Centennial Park - 6:30 to 6:45 p.m.
    • No tickets needed.
  • Dutch Dance
    • Centennial Park - 7 to 8 p.m.
    • No tickets needed.

Saturday, May 4

Sunday, May 5

  • Historic Walking Tours
  • Tall Ship Dockside Tours
  • Art in Bloem Fine Art Exhibit
    • Civic Center - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • No tickets needed.
  • Tulip Time Quilt Show
  • Artisan Market
    • Ottawa County Fairgrounds - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • No tickets needed.
  • Tulip City Open Pickleball Tournament
  • Carnival 
  • Tulip Immersion Garden
  • Pedals in the Park
  • Dutch Dance Lessons
    • Centennial Park - 4 to 5 p.m.
    • No tickets needed.
  • On Golden Pond
  • Kinder/Middel Dutch Dance
    • Centennial Park - 6:30 to 6:45 p.m.
    • No tickets needed.
  • Dutch Dance
    • Centennial Park - 7 to 8 p.m.
    • No tickets needed.
  • Dutch Organ Concert

Monday, May 6

Tuesday, May 7 

Wednesday, May 8

Thursday, May 9 

  • Tulip Immersion Garden
  • Historic Walking Tours
  • Tall Ship Dockside Tours
  • Art in Bloem Fine Art Exhibit
    • Civic Center - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • No tickets needed.
  • Tulip Time Quilt Show
  • Carnival 
  • Tulip Time Photo Walk
  • On Golden Pond
  • Kinder/Middel Dutch Dance
    • Centennial Park - 1 to 1:15 and 6:30 to 6:45 p.m.
    • No tickets needed.
  • Dutch Dance
    • Centennial Park - 1:20 to 1:35 and 7 to 8 p.m.
    • No tickets needed.
  • Kinderparade
    • 8th Street between between Columbia & Kollen Park - 2 to 4 p.m.
    • No tickets needed.
  • Dutch Dogs on Parade
    • 8th Street between between Columbia & Kollen Park - 2 to 3 p.m.
    • No tickets needed. Register your pet here. 
  • The Texas Tenors

Friday, May 10

Saturday, May 11 

Sunday, May 12

Food

Within walking distance of Tulip Time, there are many eateries to choose from.

Just some of the many local favorites include Boatwerks, with great views of the water, New Holland, for a delicious menu and unique brews, Poquito, with outstanding tapas perfect for a group to share and Crust 54 with a taste of Chicago-style deep dish. 

For a sweeter treat, Captain Sundae's is always a great idea. Cakabakery offers a variety of delectable baked goods and Le Bon Macaron has the most gorgeous, Spring-themed macarons you can imagine.

For coffee, Lemonjello's is right near downtown and is a perfect spot to sit and people watch, and Bowerman's on 8th has delicious coffee and irresistible blueberry donuts. 

That's not all. See a full list of Holland delicacies here. 

Parking

Many Holland businesses have parking open to the public during Tulip Time, including Boatwerks, Huisman Flowers, MVP Sports, Priscilla's Boutique and more. Area churches are also open to the public.

Free public parking is limited, but includes the 7th Street Parking Deck, 9th Street Parking Deck, the Ottawa County Fairgrounds and areas of Hope College. 

See a full map of parking spots here.

Shopping

Holland has many small business along their 8th Street open for the duration of Tulip Time. You can check out goods at the Apothecary Gift Shop, Dutch Downtown Village and Fris Supply Shop and more. 

For clothes, some options include Harbor Wear, Francesca's, Jean Marie's, Glik's, Frances Jaye and Laurel and Jack. 

For the bookworm, Reader's World is an independent book store with bestsellers, classics, games, gifts and more. You can get some free smells or even create your own candle at Garsnett Beacon Candle Co. on South River Avenue. 

See a full list of shops on Holland's website here. 

Area Attractions

If you're looking to expand your trip beyond the tulips, there are other activities going on near downtown during the festival. 

The Holland Area Arts Council on 8th Street is hosting an exhibit on The Art of Dr. Seuss throughout the month of May, highlighting works by the famous children's book author. 

Another option is the Holland Museum on 10th Street, which explains much of the origins of the Tulip Time festival in Michigan. The museum, open Monday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., explores the history of Dutch immigrants settling in the area. 

While at the museum, take a tour inside Pere Marquette A967 Caboose at Padnos Transportation Center. The car was designed to be conductor’s headquarters and hub for the crew. It's free and open to the public.

Also for the history buffs, the museum offers admission to both the Cappon House and Settlers House. The Cappon House, built in 1874, was the home of Holland's first mayor and local tannery proprietor, Isaac Cappon. The Settlers House, built in 1867, was a small family home that a series of working-class families lived in over the course of its long history. It survived the Great Holland Fire of 1871 and appears today exactly as it would have been. 

Tickets to the museum are $7 for adults, $4 for students and kids under 18, and free for those 5 and under. You can buy them here. 

To escape from the crowds, you can also visit the historic Van Raalte Farm, a spacious park with beautiful natural views. You can walk on a trail, see the old farmhouse and have a meal in one of their public picnic shelters.

    

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