Nothing says "Spring's here!" like the vibrant hues of tulips. In the town of Holland, tulips are a big deal - such a big deal that they plant over five million bulbs every year for Tulip Time. If you're looking for some springtime magic this year, you won't want to miss this Tulip Festival In Michigan.
The Tulip Time Festival is a springtime event held in the lakeshore city of Holland in West Michigan. There are tulips scattered all throughout the downtown area as well as a nearby tulip farm, city parks, and even along the side of the road.
Every November, the residents of Holland, Michigan start planning for an event that won't happen for months. Millions of tulip bulbs are planted in beds all over town and at nearby farms and gardens.
The tulip-planting tradition started back in 1929, and has grown in size ever since, drawing visitors from all over the country.
During the nine days of Tulip Time, more than 500,000 people will stroll the streets of Holland, admiring the vibrant blooms planted in every flower bed in town.
This tulip festival in Michigan is jam-packed with tons of Dutch tradition. Tulip Time boasts not one, but three parades!
There are parades held throughout the week including the Kinderparade and Volksparade. The days the parades are held may change depending on weather conditions. You can watch all the parades from the grandstands or you can lay blankets and lawn chairs out along the parade route. But do this first thing in the morning, as many Hollanders get up early to reserve their parades seats.
The 1,000 Dutch dancers klomp their way through the Michigan tulip festival, and perform daily. You can even join in!
Dutch dancers offer performances throughout the week and weather depending. If you would like to learn the art of Dutch dancing, lessons are also held around performances. The dancers will show you a few moves, and you'll feel like a legit Dutch dancer, too.
The carnival is fun for the whole family. It opens on the first day of the festival and continues to run every day until the following Sunday. Enjoy carnival rides, fair food, and exciting games.
You'll certainly want to visit Veldheers Tulip Farm. This gorgeous farm boasts 800 varieties of tulips, so you'll see many varieties you didn't know even existed.
Visit Nelis' Dutch Village where you can learn more about Dutch heritage and history, and of course, see even more pretty tulips in Michigan.
At Windmill Island Gardens, you'll find more than 100,000 tulips. When its distinctive windmill is surrounded by a thick field of bright blooms, the photo opportunities are priceless.
It's not enough for the streets of Holland to be filled with vibrant colors; on opening night, the skies will fill with color too! Join the fun at Kollen Park on Friday at dusk for live music, food, and fireworks.
If Tulip Time is not already on your calendar, you'll want to make your plans to attend now.
For more information about all the festivities, visit the Tulip Time website.
What's your favorite thing about spring in Michigan?
If you're looking for more springtime blooms, check out Dow Gardens - an enchanting place that you'll definitely want to add to your spring bucket list.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!