Friday, May 6 - Sunday May 8 :: The 63rd Annual Tulip Festival
ALBANY NY — This year’s Albany Tulip Festival runs Mother's Day weekend from Friday, May 6 - Sunday, May 8, 2011 and boasts over 140 different kinds of tulips, fine arts exhibits, live music & entertainment and much more celebrating Albany's Dutch heritage! Admission to the Albany Tulip Festival is FREE.*
2011 Tulip Fest Highlights:
- Over 200,000 tulips in bloom
- Musical performances by nationally acclaimed artists -
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- Street scrubbing on State Street
- Tulip Tours
- Tulip Queen Coronation
- Tulip Queen and Court Luncheon
- Royal Tulip Ball
- Children’s activities in "The KIDZONE"
- ..and More!
Friday, May 6
Carillon Concert - City Hall- 11:30 am - 12:00 noon
Enjoy the majestic sound of the bells, played by professional carilloneur Dr. Charles Semowich, as the Tulip Festival kicks off in Academy Park on Friday.
Traditional Street Scrubbing - State and Lodge Streets - 12:00 noon
The Tulip Festival is a time for the City of Albany to celebrate its Dutch heritage as the oldest Dutch settlement in America. Girls in authentic Dutch costumes kick off the festival each year with the traditional scrubbing of State Street. Hosted by Joe Condon of B95.5 FM, this year's Street Scrubbing will feature a Mayoral Proclamation, the Albany Police Pipes & Drums, the Dutch Settlers Society, the 2011 Tulip Queen Finalists and a performance of the National Anthem by 11-year-old singing sensation Anthony Gargiula.
Tulip Festival Luncheon - 11 North Pearl Street, Albany - 12:30 pm
Join the City of Albany in saying farewell to the 2010 Tulip Queen, Mishka Gilkes and her Court. The Tulip Festival Luncheon is a benefit for The Food Pantries. Reservations required. Contact the Food Pantries at (518) 458-1167.
Cost: $35-$60
PLEASE NOTE: New Alcohol Policy! Coolers will be allowed for non-alcoholic beverages and food at the Albany Tulip Festival. They may be inspected throughout the event. There will be a beer garden area on site for those who wish to responsibly consume beer or wine. Beverages will be for sale for $4 each. These beverages must be consumed in the beer garden. LEARN MORE
 Saturday, May 7
Saturday kicks off with a Fine Art show, artisans selling their home-made crafts, food vendors, live music, and of course tulips!
Throughout the weekend visitors can also enjoy tulip tours, trolley trips, pony rides and more fun. Children will love The KIDZONE which will feature magicians, live music, a rock climbing wall, and a chess tent.
Other annual events for Saturday include:
Pre-Coronation - Amphitheatre Stage, Washington Park
-10:45 am
Performances from: 11:00 – 11:30am: The Mendelssohn Club The Mendelssohn Club performs a full, international range of male chorus literature. 11:30am-12:00pm: Sweet Adelines A diverse, award-winning female chorale ensemble based in the Capital Region.
Tulip Queen Procession - Formal tulip beds in Washington Park near Moses Statue - 11:45 am
The 2010 Tulip Queen Mishka Gilkes, Mayor Jerry Jennings, and the Albany Police Pipes and Drums will lead the five Tulip Queen finalists to the Amphitheatre stage.
Tulip Queen Coronation - Amphitheatre Stage, Washington Park - 12:00 noon
Mayor Jennings crowns the 63rd Albany Tulip Queen. Special Guest MCs Mark Baker from the FOX 23 news. For more information on the 2011 Albany Tulip Queens visit www.albanytulipqueen.com
The Royal Tulip Ball - Wolferts Roost Country Club - 6:30 pm
Sponsored by: Key Bank
An elegant evening of dining and dancing to honor the new Tulip Queen and Court. Proceeds benefit the Albany Police and Fire Foundation. Tickets are required; contact Capital Affairs at (518) 388-9240 to purchase.
LIVE Music At Washington Park Parade Grounds:
1:00pm – Dan Mangan
A talented, hard-working and unpretentious musician with a poet’s gift for seeing through absurdity, Vancouver’s Dan Mangan is heralded as a favorite among North America’s new breed of independent artists.
2:30pm – Sam Roberts Band
Racking up platinum records, #1 chart rankings and multiple awards in their native Canada, the Sam Roberts Band occupies the space where classic pop songcraft and disorienting sonic experimentation collide.
4:00pm – Cold War Kids
Since forming in 2004, Cold War Kids have stirred up plenty of buzz with their infectious, soulful tunes, non-stop touring and impassioned live show. The band’s new album, "Mine is Yours", broke the Billboard Top 40 and launched the hit single “Louder Than Ever".
See Full Entertainment Schedule >>
Saturday & Sunday vendors, food, music and more from 11am - 6pm
in Washington Park.
Ground Rules In Effect: No alcoholic beverages, glass containers of any kind, animals or pets (excluding ADA-defined service animals). Any type of recording of the performance or presentation is prohibited without prior written consent. All attendees should be prepared to present age identification at any time if they intend to consume alcohol. Security personnel reserve the right to inspect any bag, container or package and confiscate any prohibited or illegal items.
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Annual Mother of the Year Award - Amp stage - May 8th at 12 pm
The Capital Region’s most outstanding moms are recognized as Mayor Jennings and Joe Condon of B95.5 crown the 13th Annual Mother of the Year.
Bike Racks - Go green to the festival & ride your bike. Park it conveniently at the Wellness Garden entrance to the festival, near Willett & Madison streets.
Information Booth – Located next to the Washington Park Lakehouse
Public Information Vendors – You’ll find many local non-profits with club information near the playground in Washington Park
Volunteer at Tulip Fest! – Be close to all the action and enjoy great perks as a Tulip Fest volunteer! Volunteers are needed to make the Tulip Festival the great success that it is each year, and TIPS certified volunteers are especially in high demand. If you are interested in volunteering (TIPS certified or not) get more details on Volunteering at Tulip Fest>
The 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!
* Fees apply for some events.
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