Editor’s Note (5/14/2019): Please note, the Tulip Dig & Sale has been rescheduled from May 18 and 19 to May 25 and 26.
Albany Tulip Festival is one of the city’s most anticipated annual spring events, and now the event is in its 71st year. Featuring unique traditions rooted in Albany’s Dutch heritage and a full schedule of events and activities, Tulip Fest is the perfect way to spend Mother’s Day Weekend in the Capital Region.
What Is Albany Tulip Festival?
Each year, Albany Tulip Festival brings together the community for a weekend of festivities and flowers in Washington Park. Attendees can walk through the park and see over 140,000 beautiful tulips in 150 different varieties, listen to live music on two stages, try delicious food, browse vendors and handmade crafts, and celebrate spring.
The festival is a showcase of the area’s local culture and businesses, and admission is free on both Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12.
Experience the Tulip Fest Traditions
Although people come to Albany to see the tulips, they stay for the festival’s fantastic lineup of events and activities.
Pre-Festival Events
The fun actually begins during the days leading up to the event. Tulip Tours (reservations required) are held in Washington Park on May 6, 9, and 10, weather permitting. On Friday, May 10, Amy Heebner will perform a special Tulip Festival musical program at 11:30am with the 1927 carillon at Albany City Hall. A traditional street scrubbing will take place soon after at noon to help kick off Albany Tulip Festival.
The final Friday celebration will be a Tulip Festival Luncheon recognizing the hard work and accomplishments of the 2018 Albany Tulip Queen Sawyer Cresap and her Court.
Tulip Festival Weekend
There’s a lot to love about this annual festival, and for 2019, the event organizers have a variety of events planned. Visitors can enjoy vendors, food, music, and more in Washington Park on Saturday and Sunday, and attend traditions, such as the Tulip Queen Coronation, the Royal Tulip Ball, and the Mother of the Year Award Ceremony.
Speaking of music, you’ll find something for everyone on the performance stages in the park. Musicians and bands will be performing throughout the weekend on the Main Stage and Local 518 Stage, including El Modernist, Hasty Page, Wild Planes, Girl Blue, Moriah Formica, and Let’s Be Leonard.
The Kidzone and Kidzone Stage will feature even more family-friendly fun, from pony rides and a rock climbing wall to magic shows and theatrical performances.
Make Tulip Festival part of your family’s tradition and plan a trip this year!
Post-Festival Fun
On May 25 and 26, the annual Tulip Dig & Sale will be held in Washington Park. Volunteers can help dig up the city’s iconic tulip bulbs, which will then be available for purchase.
