Experience the 2023 Albany Tulip Festival
Dates: Saturday, May 13 - Sunday, May 14
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 2023 Albany Tulip Festival will take place over Mother's Day weekend on May 13 - 14 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.
The 2023 Albany Tulip Festival will be held during the following dates and times:
- Saturday, May 13: 11am - 6pm
- Sunday, May 14: 11am - 6pm
In addition, here are some of the highlights of Tulip Festival:
- Over 100,000 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!
2023 Schedule of Events
Editor's Note (1/30/2023): The 2023 Albany Tulip Festival schedule has not been announced yet. In the meantime, you can still view last year's details below for an idea of what to expect at the weekend event. Check back for further updates!
Albany Tulip Festival will take place over Mother's Day weekend. Some special events will be held both before and after the fun-filled event. Get details about the schedule below and plan ahead!
Tulip Week Events
- Tulip Tours - Monday, May 2 - Wednesday, May 4: 2pm & 5pm; Thursday, May 5 at 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm; Friday, May 6 at 10am, 1pm, and 5:30pm
Washington Park, Albany, NY
Learn more about the vast variety of flowers planted for Tulip Fest with City Gardener Jena Commerford. Tours are free to attend. Spaces are limited and reservations are required; call 518-434-2032 to reserve your place (weather permitting).
Friday, May 6, 2022
- Carillon Concert - 11:30am - 12pm
Outside Albany City Hall, Albany, NY
Amy Heebner performs a special Tulip Festival musical program on Albany City Hall's historic 1927 carillon, a unique instrument consisting of 49 bells that range in size from 27 to 11,200 pounds. - Street Scrubbing - 12pm
State & Lodge Streets, Albany, NY
The traditional Dutch ceremony of scrubbing the streets clean before a big celebration has served as the official kickoff to Tulip Festival weekend for 74 years. This unique Albany event will include Mayor Kathy Sheehan's Tulip Festival opening proclamation and a procession with the Dutch Settlers Society (in full traditional Dutch dress) and the 2022 Tulip Queen finalists. - Tulip Festival Luncheon - 12:30pm
90 State Street, Albany, NY
Immediately following the street scrubbing, the Tulip Festival Luncheon is a farewell and thank you to 2021 Albany Tulip Queen Ashanti Bishop and her Court. Proceeds from the Tulip Festival Luncheon will benefit the Tulip Court’s educational programs via the Tulip Fund at the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. Tickets are required, and you can contact 518-573-0051 or kjbender3@icloud.com to purchase. - See the full list of pre- and post-festival events »
Saturday, May 7, 2022
- Yoga Fest with The Hot Yoga Spot - 9am - 10am
Tulip Festival Main Stage, Albany, NY
The Hot Yoga Spot will host outdoor yoga on the Main Stage on Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8. - The Mendelssohn Club - 11:30am
Washington Park Lakehouse Stage, Albany, NY
A local institution for over a century, this acclaimed male chorus is the longest continuously performing arts group in the Capital Region. - Tulip Queen Procession - 11:45am
Begins at formal Tulip Beds by Moses Statue in Washington Park
2021 Tulip Queen Ashanti Bishop, Mayor Kathy Sheehan, and the Dutch Settlers Society lead the 2022 Tulip Queen finalists to the Lakehouse Stage. - Tulip Queen Coronation - 12pm
Washington Park Lakehouse Stage, Albany, NY
Mayor Sheehan and MC Chad O'Hara of B95.5 crown the 74th Albany Tulip Queen in this traditional highlight of Tulip Fest weekend. - Royal Tulip Ball - 6:30pm
The Kenmore Ballroom, 76 N. Pearl Street, Albany, NY
An elegant evening of dining and dancing to honor the new Tulip Queen & Court. Proceeds benefit the Capital City Fund. Tickets are required; to purchase, contact Sarah Kampf at 518.209.1000 or tulipball@albanyny.gov - Plus live music and entertainment »
Sunday, May 8
- Yoga Fest with The Hot Yoga Spot - 9am - 10am
Tulip Festival Main Stage, Albany, NY
The Hot Yoga Spot will host outdoor yoga on the Main Stage on Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8. - 23rd Annual Capital Region Best Mom - 12pm
Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
Mayor Sheehan and B95.5's Joe Condon recognize the Capital Region's most outstanding moms. Presented by St. Peter's Health Partners, Times Union, and B95.5. Nominations open April 9 at www.timesunion.com/capitalregionbestmom - Plus live music and entertainment »
Find Even More Tulip Festival Fun For Kids
Kidzone
Saturday & Sunday
Presented by Price Chopper & Market 32
- Enjoy pony rides, a rock climbing wall, face painting, music, games, and more fun for the family.
Price Chopper Kidzone Stage
Continuous entertainment throughout the weekend!
- 1:15pm & 4pm - Melvin the Magnificent: Melvin is a professional magician played by Joe Goode. His shows are action packed, interactive, and sure to bring huge laughs from the entire audience.
- 2:45pm and 4:45pm - Andy "The Music Man" Morse: A well-versed children's musician renowned for delighting audiences of all ages through sing-a-longs, dancing, play-acting, and storytelling.
- 3:30pm & 5:30pm - Ruth Pelham of the Music Mobile: A Capital Region musical treasure, exuberantly promoting her mission of building peaceful communities through original songs for all ages.
Saturday Only - 2pm - Park Playhouse: Washington Park's beloved theater group offers exciting sneak previews of their 2022 musical productions.
Sunday Only - 2pm - Artpartners: This community-based dance training program presents a stellar performance bridging classic and modern styles.
Parking & Shuttle Info
Free CDTA shuttles will take people to Washington Park from three designated locations:
- Elk Street Parking Lot: Located behind the State Education Building - the pick-up location will be Elk and Hawk at the stop sign.
- Eagle Street Parking Lot: Located at the corner of Eagle Street and Madison Avenue.
- Albany Medical Center Parking Lot (free handicap lot): Located off Robin Street, for customers needing extra assistance or in a wheelchair. This particular shuttle will drop passengers off at the Madison Avenue/New Scotland entrance to the park.
Shuttles will run every 20 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. All parking lots are free to use the weekend of Tulip Festival.
Ground Rules Are in Effect
- 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 7 and Sunday, May 8.
Check out the latest Tulip Fest info from the City of Albany >>