Tulip Time Guide:2024

Spring into another place and time…

Holland continues to enchant visitors with its rich history and diverse array of festivals and events throughout the year. Offering a taste of Europe without the need for air travel, Holland, Michigan remains a destination of choice. While Holland’s charms are accessible year-round, it’s during the vibrant season of Spring that the city truly shines, playing host to the renowned Tulip Time Festival. This annual celebration draws visitors from far and wide, offering a feast for the senses with colorful tulip displays, live music and dance performances, culinary delights, and immersive historical experiences. 

Whether you choose to explore independently or opt for a guided tour led by costumed experts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Join us as we embark on a journey through the captivating Michigan tulip fields, discovering pre-festival events, exploring the festival schedule, and uncovering the best dining spots to savor during your stay. Welcome to Holland, where every step is a step into enchantment. Grab your friends and let’s go an adventure!

Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used which means if you purchase via my link I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you! I only recommend products I use and love!

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Event Details:

Dates: May 4-12, 2024

Location: Holland, Michigan

Events

Carnival Midway

Dates: May 3th – 12th, 5PM-11PM (times vary certain days)

*Attention all guests! Please note that this event requires minors under the age of 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Drop-offs are not permitted.

LOCATION: CIVIC CENTER LOT

Get ready for the return of Carnival Midway at Tulip Time, promising fun, joy, and thrills for the entire family! Packed with exciting rides and games, this annual favorite guarantees endless entertainment for both kids and adults alike, so come out to have the time of your life! The carnival will have rides, food, entertainment and much more for hours of family and friendly fun. Ride on a ferris wheel, try to win a prize, or simply walk around with some yummy food and drinks as you witness all the sights around you. Wristbands are $30 and you can get more information about tickets here.

*Please be aware that the carnival operates during light rain, but will close in the event of high winds or lightning. Operating hours and closures are subject to the discretion of Skerbeck Entertainment. Any changes to scheduled hours or closures will be promptly announced on the Tulip Time website, social media channels, and posted at the Civic Center location. 

Pickleball Tournament

Dates: May 3th – 5th, 12:30PM-5:30PM (times vary some days)

LOCATION: MVP SPORTS

Join us for an exhilarating collaboration between Gateway Mission and Tulip Time as we bring you a one-of-a-kind Pickleball tournament experience! Get ready to showcase your skills on the court and engage in friendly competition, all while supporting a meaningful cause. This dynamic tournament promises not only intense matches but also a chance to champion a noteworthy cause. By participating, you’ll not only have the opportunity to showcase your pickleball prowess but also contribute to the vital work of Gateway Mission and Tulip Time in our community. Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball player or new to the game, this tournament welcomes players of all skill levels. Grab your paddle and join us for a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and philanthropy.

Registration is open now, with a cost of $50 per participant. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of something special. Click this link for more information and to secure your spot in the tournament. 

Tulip Immersion Garden

Dates: May 4th – 12th, 8AM-4PM (Sundays: 12PM-4PM)

LOCATION: BEECHWOOD CHURCH

Tickets: $15 per person ($5 for children 3-12 yrs, children 2 and under are FREE)

World renowned Dutch horticulturist, Ibo Gülsen, will display over 65,000 tulips in three stunning, lifted displayed structures to immerse guests to the eye-level in all the Tulips’ glory. The displays tell the story of how the Dutch found the tulip being cultivated in Turkey, brought them home to the Netherlands where they blossomed into a cultural craze, and, finally, came to be celebrated as part of Holland, Michigan’s heritage in the Tulip Time Festival. Another part to the display is the incorporation of history and living beauty sharing the story of the delft artwork the Dutch are famous for. This is a must see exhibit at this renown annual spring festival.

Embark on a captivating journey through the history of the tulip with world-renowned Dutch horticulturist, Ibo Gülsen. This week-long immersion experience takes travelers on a fascinating exploration, tracing the tulip’s origins from Turkey to the Netherlands, and finally to the charming community of Holland, Michigan. Gülsen’s masterful touch brings the story to life using a stunning array of 65,000 tulips in every imaginable variety and hue, creating a visually stunning experience filled with Instagram-worthy photo opportunities for friends and family alike.

Tickets are available for 1-hour, on-the-hour time slots, with guests selecting their day-specific time slot during checkout. Admission is $15 per person ($5 for children aged 3-12, and children 2 and under enjoy complimentary entry). Enjoy the convenience of free parking during your visit.

*Please note that pets are not permitted within the Immersion Garden exhibit at Beechwood Church. Join us for an unforgettable immersion into the world of tulips, where history and beauty converge to create a truly magical experience!

Tulip Time Photo Walk

Dates: May 6-9th, 7PM-9PM
Price: $40 Each

Calling all photography enthusiasts! Tulip Time invites you to embark on a unique journey through one of Holland’s most iconic attractions, guided by professional photographers, away from the hustle and bustle of crowds. Join local photographers for a captivating photo walk on Windmill Island, home to the renowned DeZwaan Windmill, picturesque Dutch scenes, and 40 stunning beds of tulips. Gain valuable insights and techniques from our expert guides as they share their expertise on capturing the beauty of Windmill Island Gardens.

Participants of the Tulip Time Photo Walk will have the opportunity to submit one (1) photo taken during the class for consideration as the Best Picture. Each class will feature one winner, whose work will be showcased in Tulip Time’s social media posts. Further details on photo submission and winner announcements will be provided at the conclusion of each class.

Meet your fellow participants at least 5 minutes prior to the class start time at the entrance booth in the parking lot of Windmill Island Gardens. Come rain or shine, please dress accordingly, and don’t forget to bring your own photography equipment for this memorable experience. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned photographer, come capture the beauty of Tulip Time in a whole new light!

Beneath the Maple

LOCATION: TULIP CITY BREWSTILLERY

Tickets: $35 per person, must be 21+ (Purchase Here)

During the 2024 Tulip Time Festival (May 4 – 12),guests are invited to visit the beautiful Van Raalte Farm at 1076 East 16th Street in Holland and to view the tulips beneath “The Maples” for the first time ever! The outdoor property is open daily from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm for visitors to walk the trails.

The Holland Parks and Recreation Commission is also offering guided tours of the historic Van Raalte farmhouse and barns during the 2024 Tulip Time Festival. Tour the home, appointed in period furnishings, while learning all about the Van Raaltes, Holland’s founding family, from a guide. Tours of the farmhouse and barns are free, but tickets are required and space is limited.

Visitors should park in the designated Van Raalte Farm parking lot on 16th Street to tour the property and the farmhouse. Please contact the City Parks Department at 616-928-2450 with questions. (Office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.) Please note that this tour is not handicap accessible due to the historic nature of the farmhouse and barn and that uphill walking is required.

Walking Tours, Tulips, and Brew Tastings

Historical & VIP Walking Tours

LOCATION: CIVIC CENTER LOT

Tickets: $35 per person (1.15 Hour Tour)

Each person gets a pair of headphones as they go through a guided tour by your historically costumed tour professional. There will be lots of opportunities for photos and close encounters with exhibits you wouldn’t otherwise have access to! Click this link for the historical walking tours and this link here for the VIP walking tours.

Tours are available daily Saturday, May 4 through Sunday, May 12, starting every 20 – 30 minutes. When purchasing tickets you will select your time slot. 

Tulip Time Run

Dates: EXCLUSIVELY MAY 4TH, 8AM-12PM

LOCATION: KOLLEN PARK

Experience the beauty of Holland as you run through the tulip-lined streets! The Tulip Time Run offers an event for everyone — a 5K, 10K and Kids’ Fun Run. And, back again, is the Tulip Time Virtual Run. If you cannot make it to Holland, Michigan for the Tulip Time Festival, run a 5K or 10K as your schedule permits, on any course of your choosing. It’s a great way to get the whole family involved! The 5K and 10K Run/Walk begin at 8am and participants can run or walk both the 5K and 10K. Get complete details and register at the link HERE.

Dock & Ship Tours

Dates:May 4th-11TH, 8AM-4PM

LOCATION: BOATWERKS EAST DOCK

Tickets: $8

Go aboard the tall ship Friends Good Will, a replica Great Lakes sloop from 1810 owned and operated by the Michigan Maritime Museum. Dutch heritage is deeply intertwined with water, trade and the art of sailing, so step aboard history and explore. The Museum strives to interpret, preserve and teach maritime heritage here in the Great Lakes region by offering daily dockside tours of this remarkable and historic ship.

Parades

Quality Car Wash Volksparade

Dates: Saturday & Sunday May 11th, 12-4PM

PARADE ROUTE — 8TH FROM COLUMBIA TO VAN RAALTE AND 24TH

Dutch Dance Performances: 12:00pm – Several performances along 8th Street
Parade Starts: 2:00pm – Several performances along 8th Street

Dozens of bands from West Michigan middle and high schools showcase their talents amid the community floats through downtown Holland.

Parades go on rain or shine! (In the case of lightning or severe weather, we will cancel for the safety of all spectators and participants. Cancellation will be announced through our website, social media and local media outlets.)

KINDERPARADE

DATES: May 9th, 2PM-4PM

LOCATION: 8th St. from Columbia Ave. to Kollen Park

The Gentex Kinderparade (children’s parade) is a time-honored favorite. Elementary school children will line up with their teachers and school administrators in full costume and smiling faces as they march together through downtown Holland. Each school and grade will have their own theme that nods to the towns’ Dutch heritage, from Dutch agriculture to the Dutch Master’s painters. Dozens of bands from West Michigan middle and high schools showcase their talents amid the community floats through downtown Holland. The adorable Dutch Dogs join in the fun too! (Click here for more info about Dutch Dogs on Parade.)

In the event of rain, the parade will be cancelled.

Dutch Dogs on Parade

Dates: May 11th, 2-3PM

LOCATION: PARADE ROUTE — 8TH BETWEEN COLUMBIA & KOLLEN PARK

As part of the Kinderparade on Thursday, May 11, 2024 we’re inviting all our hometown dogs to dress in their Dutch costumes (no inspection needed!) and strut their stuff! Holland loves their pups and our pups love a parade. To our canine klompers – it’s OK to skip the wooden shoes! All well-behaved dogs (and owners) are encouraged to participate!

GUIDELINES

• All dogs must be registered online by April 24, no day-of registration.
• Have one adult (18 and over) per dog, one guest allowed per adult.
• Leash your dog the entire parade (flex leads and shock collars are not permitted). Dog must be able to walk entire length of parade (1.5 miles) or be carried.
• Have rabies certificate or proof of vaccine for your dog.
• Have your dog in Dutch duds. Dutch costume optional for owners.
• Be prepared to pick up after your dog before and during the parade.
• Be fine with many people taking pictures of you and your pooch!
• Dogs must be well-behaved and able to be around large crowds, children and other dogs.

Performances

FIDDLEFIRE

Dates: May 7th, 7-8:30PM
LOCATION: CENTRAL WESLEYAN CHURCH

Tickets: $32 per person

FiddleFire is performing for their 10th year at Tulip Time. Built from members and friends of the musical Panning Family, they return to share their exceptional talent, humor, and charm with sold-out crowds. This band performs a virtuosic variety of genres with its own folksy twist; bringing diverse instrumentation with fiddles, guitar, bass, mandolin, percussion and percussive clogging! You’ll feel like a part of the family during this entertaining evening full of foot stomping and light-hearted storytelling.

Buy tickets here. 

Photos provided by Farmers Fotos

AMERICAN LEGION BAND CONCERT

DATES: MAY 10TH, 7PM-8:30PM

LOCATION: JACK H. MILLER CENTER FOR MUSICAL ARTS

Tickets: $20 per person

Founded by the Willard G. Leenhouts American Legion Post 6 in Holland, Michigan in 1920, the American Legion Band is filled with prolific musicians who have performed in the Holland community, across the state, country, and the world.

KINDER/MIDDEL DUTCH DANCE

LOCATION: CENTENNIAL PARK

One of Tulip Time’s most entertaining and colorful spectacles! Authentically costumed young dancers (in 3rd–8th grade) come together to klomp and whirl their way through traditional dances. Bring the family to see these talented kiddos dancing to traditional music!

DUTCH DANCE

DATES: May 3RD-11th, 7-8PM

LOCATION: CENTENNIAL PARK

Dances start May 2 – If you want to see some adult traditional Dutch dancing, make sure to check out one of the performances on this dance schedule! Authentically costumed dancers stomp and twirl their way through the traditional Dutch art of dance. Witness the beautiful colors as they compliment the tulips and magical surroundings of Holland. There will also be a kids section of dancing earlier in the evening starting at 6pm.

Dutch Dance Lessons

DATES: May 5th-10th, 4-4:30pm
LOCATION: Centennial Park

Learn the art of Dutch dance! Be guided by our dancing professionals and learn the steps that you get to enjoy everyone else performing! This event is completely FREE and so fun, so don’t miss out. Free for all to participate!

Live Entertainment

Dancing Queen: An Abba Salute

Dates: May 4th, 7PM-9PM

LOCATION: Civic Center

Tickets: $45 per person

Get ready to experience the ultimate tribute to the music of ABBA – a show that will undoubtedly steal the hearts of fans young and old alike! This live performance is a dazzling display of musical precision, fabulous flair, and iconic fashion, ensuring an enchanting ABBA experience for every Chiquitita, Super Trouper, Fernando, and Dancing Queen in the audience!

Led by a dynamic duo channeling the spirit of Agnetha and Frida, our show brings the timeless tunes of the greatest pop band in history to life in a joyous celebration. Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute proudly holds the title of the Midwest’s premier ABBA tribute, boasting a repertoire of over 40 all-time favorite hits. From the infectious beats of Waterloo to the irresistible charm of Mamma Mia, from the soulful melodies of S.O.S. to the unforgettable anthem Voulez-Vous, our high-energy homage guarantees an unforgettable journey through the magic of ABBA!

Join us for an evening filled with music, memories, and non-stop fun as we pay homage to the legends themselves. Get ready to sing, dance, and relive the magic of ABBA like never before! Buy your tickets here.

On Golden Pond

Dates: May 4th, 7PM-9PM

LOCATION: Civic Center

Tickets: $23 per person

Join The Holland Community Theatre for a heartwarming production of a beloved tale that explores themes of aging, family, and forgiveness.

Experience the touching love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer as they return to their summer home on Golden Pond for the forty-eighth year. Norman, a witty retired professor nearing eighty, faces health challenges with humor, while Ethel, ten years his junior, cherishes life’s simple joys. When their daughter and her fiancé depart for Europe, leaving the fiancé’s teenage son in their care, the couple discovers the joy of having the grandchild they’ve always longed for. Through the boy, they learn about modern teenage life, deepening their bond as summer unfolds. As the season wanes, a health scare brings Ethel and Norman closer, affirming the enduring strength of their love. Despite the passage of time, the possibility of another summer on Golden Pond beckons, promising continued warmth and connection.

Don’t miss this poignant tale of love, laughter, and the enduring power of family. Join for an unforgettable evening at The Holland Community Theatre.

Dutch Organ Concert – Rhonda Sider Edgington

Dates: May 5th, 7PM – 8PM

LOCATION: Pillar Church

Tickets: $16 per person

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Dutch organ music at the upcoming Dutch Organ Concert, featuring Rhonda Sider Edgington, a renowned traveling musician and the Organist and Music Director at Pillar Church

Rhonda Sider Edgington will guide audiences through six centuries of mesmerizing Dutch organ music, offering both fun and informative commentary along the way. With her expertise, she helps listeners delve deeper into the music, fostering a newfound appreciation and understanding of its beauty and significance.

Don’t miss this captivating evening of music and discovery!

Art Showcases and Markets

Check out some of Hollands best hand made crafts, goods and artwork. You can walk around to see the beautiful pieces or you can even decide to buy and take unique items for yourself! Don’t miss out on any of these 2024 Tulip Time art markets and showcases. Details and datest below!

Art in Bloem Showcase

DATES: May 4th-9th, 10AM-5PM

LOCATION: CIVIC CENTER

Tickets: FREE

Experience the top 20 finalists in our 2024 First Bloem artwork competition! See the winner and the rest of the 19 finalists up close, all celebrating the joy of Tulip Time. You can participate in the Viewers’ Choice Awards by voting for your favorite image at the exhibit. Next to these 20 pieces of contemporary art, traditional Dutch costumes will be on display for visitors to study up close!

Come support your favorite artists!

Tulip Time Quilt Show

DATES: May 4th-12th

LOCATION: CIVIC CENTER LOT

TICKETS: $8 per person

Enjoy a unique display of over 100 exquisite quilts, wall hangings and art quilts. Local artists provide all of the creations that are beautifully displayed. Every cut, every stitch, every pattern will showcase the quilter’s skill and experience in this increasingly rare craft. Attendees will also be able to purchase raffle tickets on-site for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind quilt, made specifically to commemorate this year’s festival. More details and preview of the raffle quilt will be available in the spring.

Artisan Market

Dates: May 4th-5th, 10AM-5PM

TICKETS: FREE

LOCATION: OTTAWA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

The annual Artisan Market brings together over two hundred vendors to highlight their artisanship and sell unique, hard-to-find items. Vendors are carefully selected and screened by Tulip Time to ensure they are high-quality.

Food trucks will be on site and pop-up Dutch Dance performances will be happening throughout the market event times.

FREE to attend!

Floral Arranging

Dates: May 7th, (select your time at checkout)

LOCATION: HUISMAN FLOWERS

Tickets: $50 per person

Huisman Flowers’ award-winning floral designers will teach you the art of floral arranging as you create your own beautiful floral masterpiece to take home. This is a fun, hands-on experience at their beautiful Holland flower shop location, where you can browse through a vast assortment of occasion themed gifts. The class includes all supplies and lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 min

Select your class time at checkout.

Other must-visit attractions

Windmill Island Gardens

Make sure to enjoy the rich color palette and history that Windmill Island Gardens holds. Tour the only authentic Dutch windmill that is still operating in the United States and make sure to purchase some of the flour ground right in the windmill from locally grown wheat. Experience your tour with costumed guides and if you are lucky, meet the Dutch-certified miller. Take a moment on the fourth-floor deck to see the beautiful 36 acres of gardens, including over 100,000 tulip blooms, from above. Once you have seen this magnificent piece of history, take a walk through the gardens and listen to the wonderful sounds of the Amsterdam street organ. Your children can play in the children’s playground, enjoy a snack in the picnic areas, say hi to the horses in the pasture, and more.

Veldheer Tulip Farm

Visit Velheer Tulip Garden, Holland’s only tulip farm. At its origin in 1950, Vern Veldheer planted a couple of hundred tulip bulbs as a hobby. Now the farm is an amazing sight to see with the beautiful colors of the flowers. With a total of around 5 million bulbs planted each year, it will be flowers for as far as the eye can see at this magnificent farm. With the majority of the flowers blooming in late April to mid-May, there is no time to see the farm like Tulip Time. Want to enjoy more splendor? Several varieties of other imported flowers and perennials are planted for you to enjoy, blooming throughout the spring, summer, and some even through mid-October.

Nelis Dutch Village

Make sure to make Nelis Dutch Village a stop on your Tulip Time tour. The kids will have a blast taking part in all the activities and the parents will have a blast as well. Enjoy a day filled with rides, learning, history, and more, your whole family will want to come back again and again. Step back in time and ride the windmill ride, watch the Dutch Dancers show and join in to learn a few steps of your own, walk a goat and enjoy the petting farm and make sure to snap a photo of your family by the over 35,000 tulips planted throughout the park.

Click here to visit the Tulip Time website!

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Check out other fun things to do in Holland- here!