Experience the Albany Tulip Festival 2026
Tulip Festival Weekend: Saturday, May 9 - Sunday, May 10
Albany Tulip Festival is one of the most popular annual events in Albany, NY that typically draws tens of thousands of people to Washington Park each year. The Albany Tulip Festival 2026 will take place over Mother's Day weekend on May 9-10 and feature all your favorite traditions, events, and activities.
What to Expect at Albany Tulip Festival
This signature spring event is free to attend and a wonderful way to celebrate the City's rich Dutch heritage and the vibrant colors of the season.
Here are some of the highlights of Albany Tulip Festival:
- Over 140,000 Tulips in Bloom
- Musical Performances
- Street Scrubbing on State Street
- Tulip Queen Coronation
- Vendors
- Children's Activities
- (After the Festival) Tulip Bulb & Dig Sale
- ...and more!
2026 Albany Tulip Festival Schedule of Events
Tuesday, May 5 - Thursday, May 7, 2026: Tulip Week Events
Tulip Tours at the Washington Park Tulip Beds
Join City Gardener Jena DiTonno for a guided tour of the stunning tulip beds in Washington Park. During these free tours, you’ll learn about the vast variety of flowers planted for the 78th annual festival and get an insider’s look at Albany’s blooming "crown jewel."
- Tuesday, May 5: 11 a.m. & 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 6: 11 a.m. & 5 p.m.
- Thursday, May 7: 11 a.m. & 5 p.m.
Tours are weather-dependent and spaces are limited. Reservations are required; please call 518.434.2032 to reserve your place.
Friday, May 8, 2026
Street Scrubbing
- When: 12:00 p.m.
- Where: State & Lodge Streets, Albany, NY
Kick off the 78th annual festivities with a unique Albany tradition that dates back nearly 70 years. Witness the Dutch custom of cleaning the streets in preparation for the weekend's celebration.
The event features a formal opening proclamation from Mayor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs and a colorful procession from City Hall, including the 2026 Tulip Queen finalists, the Dutch Settlers Society, and local students dressed in authentic Dutch attire.
Tulip Festival Luncheon
- When: 1:00 p.m.
- Where: Hattie's Culinary Lab, 121 Madison Ave, Albany, NY
Held right after the street scrubbing, this luncheon serves as a special tribute to the outgoing 2025 Tulip Queen Abigail Williams and her Court. It’s a chance for the community to thank them for their year of service before the new queen is crowned. All proceeds from the event support the Capital City Fund, helping to power the Tulip Court’s various educational and community programs.
Tickets are required; please email tulipball@albanyny.gov to purchase.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Artisans, Food, and Shopping
- When: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Where: Throughout Washington Park
Spend the day exploring the "crown jewel" of Albany while browsing handmade goods from over 100 local artisans and crafters. A diverse array of food vendors will be stationed throughout the park, offering everything from festival classics to unique local eats.
Plus live music and entertainment »
Tulip Queen Coronation Ceremony
- When: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Where: Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
Witness one of the festival's most prestigious traditions as Albany crowns its 78th Tulip Queen. The ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m. with a performance by the Mendelssohn Club, followed by a formal procession at 11:45 a.m. from the Moses Statue tulip beds. Mayor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs and local media personalities will preside over the coronation of the new Queen and her Court, who will spend the coming year serving as ambassadors for the city and local literacy initiatives.
Royal Tulip Ball
- When: 6:00 p.m.
- Where: New York State Museum, 222 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY
The celebration continues into the evening with this elegant annual gala. The ball serves as a formal introduction to the newly crowned Tulip Queen and her Court, featuring a night of dining and dancing at the New York State Museum. Proceeds from this event benefit the Capital City Fund.
Tickets are required for the ball; for inquiries and purchases, please email tulipball@albanyny.gov.
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Yogafest
- When: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Where: Main Parade Grounds, Washington Park
Start your Mother’s Day with a refreshing outdoor yoga session hosted by The Hot Yoga Spot. This community-wide "Yogafest" is open to all skill levels and offers a peaceful way to enjoy the park's scenery before the main festival gates open. While the event is free, participants are encouraged to reserve their spot in advance.
Artisans, Food, and Shopping
- When: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Where: Throughout Washington Park
Spend the day exploring the "crown jewel" of Albany while browsing handmade goods from over 100 local artisans and crafters. A diverse array of food vendors will be stationed throughout the park, offering everything from festival classics to unique local eats.
Plus live music and entertainment »
27th Annual Capital Region’s Best Mom Ceremony
- When: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Where: Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
A beloved Mother’s Day tradition, this ceremony recognizes the most outstanding moms in the Capital Region. Join local officials and media personalities as they share heartwarming stories and present awards to this year's finalists. It’s a perfect centerpiece for a family day at the festival.
KidZone Presented by Price Chopper / Market 32
Saturday, May 9 & Sunday, May 10, 2026
- When: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Where: Washington Park (Parade Grounds and Lakehouse area)
The 2026 festival features two dedicated destinations for families and health enthusiasts alike.
For the Kids: Presented by Price Chopper/Market 32, the KidZone is the ultimate family destination. Children can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the weekend, including:
- Pony rides and a rock-climbing wall.
- Interactive games and free live entertainment on the Market 32 Cares Stage.
- Performances featuring magic, music, and theater favorites from local groups like the Playhouse Stage Company.
For Your Well-being: New for 2026, the festival has debuted a significantly expanded Wellness Area sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This space includes:
- Over 20 local vendors and organizations focused on health and mindfulness.
- A full schedule of free workshops and classes on the Wellness Stage, featuring everything from Zumba and AfroBeats to yoga and bellydancing.
- Yogafest: Early risers can head to the Main Parade Grounds on Sunday, May 10 at 9:00 a.m. for a massive community yoga session hosted by The Hot Yoga Spot (reservations recommended).
See the Tulip Festival website for more info >>
Post-Tulip Festival Events
Tulip Bulb & Dig Sale
After the festival concludes, you have the chance to bring a piece of Washington Park's world-famous garden home with you! The annual dig and sale is the perfect opportunity for local gardeners to snag high-quality bulbs at a great price while helping the city prepare the beds for the next season.
The Tulip Dig
- When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 | Begins at 9:00 a.m.
- Where: Moses Fountain, Washington Park
- Details: This is a hands-on event! While the City provides some tools, you are encouraged to bring your own garden fork (please note: shovels are not allowed to protect the bulbs). Staff and volunteers will guide you to designated beds. Bulbs are sold for $10 for a bag of 30 while supplies last, and the dig concludes promptly at 12:00 p.m.
The Tulip Sale
- When: Sunday, May 17, 2026 | Begins at 9:00 a.m.
- Where: Washington Park Lakehouse
- Details: If you'd rather skip the digging, any remaining bulbs will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. Bags of 30 bulbs are $10 and the sale continues only as long as supplies last.
Pro-Tip: These sales are incredibly popular and usually sell out quickly, so it’s best to arrive early to ensure you get your favorite varieties!
Albany Tulip Festival Parking & Shuttle Info
A free CDTA shuttle runs continuously throughout the festival, providing easy transportation to and from Washington Park.
Pick-up locations include:
- Eagle Street Garage (Eagle Street & Madison Avenue)
- Elk Street Parking Lot (Elk Street & Hawk Street)
Designated handicap parking is available at the Albany Medical Center lot (Robin Street & Morris Street). A free, accessible CDTA shuttle will run between this lot and the Madison Avenue & New Scotland Avenue entrance to Washington Park.
For more parking options, visit ParkAlbany. For additional bus routes and schedules, check CDTA's website.
Ground Rules Are in Effect at the Park
- No alcohol outside of designated beer garden area
- No glass containers
- No animals or pets (excluding ADA-defined service animals)
- No recording of performances
- All City of Albany parks are now tobacco-free
Albany Tulip Festival is conveniently scheduled on Mother's Day weekend, so take Mom out to Washington Park in Albany for great music, vendors, tulips, and fun! The festival will run from 11am-6pm on both Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10.
See the Albany Mother's Day Guide for inspiration >>
