Information
When is Tulip Time?
Tulip Time in Pella is always the first Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in May. In 2024, the festival will be May 2, 3, and 4.
How can I order tickets for the Festival?
Tickets are not required to get into the festival, but they are required for grandstand shows, museum tours, and City tours. Tickets are available "at the gate" for all activities, or you can purchase them online when we get closer to the festival. Please note that tickets are not refundable.
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When will the tulips be at their prime?
The tulips in Pella are intentionally planted to be at their best during Tulip Time. The gardeners plant a broad variety of tulips with differing maturation dates for the best chance of blooms for the festival. However, Mother Nature always has the last word, so it’s hard to perfectly predict when is the optimal opportunity to see the most tulips in full bloom. After all, bulbs are planted back in October and November of the year before! But, it’s fairly safe to say that you should see beds of tulips in bloom from the week before Tulip Time through the week after.
How much does it cost?
Many of the events at Tulip Time are FREE! Hundreds of thousands of tulips are planted throughout the town for you to enjoy. Parades wind around the city square, open to the public. The Dutch Market charges no admission. Parking along the streets is free.
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There are also many must-see exhibits and shows that charge admission. Entrance fees generally range from $5 - $20.
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What are the parade times during Tulip Festival?
We have two parades each day of Tulip Time. The afternoon parade begins at 2:30pm, and the lighted evening parade begins at 8:30pm. The parades make their way down Main Street, around Central Park, and past the Pella Historical Village on Franklin Street.
Do you have a schedule of events for each day?
Yes! We will post our schedule of events when we get closer to the festival.
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Where is the best place to eat during the Festival?
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Street vendors: There are food booths everywhere you look during Tulip Time! Featuring everything from funnel cakes and burgers to Dutch festival favorites like poffertjes (miniature pancakes), Pella bologna on a stick, stroopwafels (waffle cookies sandwiching a caramel filling), vet bollen (fried donuts), and more!
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Dutch Dinners & Maria's Tea Room: Stay tuned for details.
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Restaurants: Click here for a list of local restaurants.​
What lodging opportunities are in the Pella area?
Click here to find a list of local hotels. Rooms fill up fast, so call early!
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Where is the best place to park when I arrive in Pella?
Click here to learn more about parking on our "Getting Around" page.
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Where can I find restrooms?
Public restrooms are located: at Pella Historical Museums, around the corner from the gift shop; at the Pella Public Library; and at the Pella Police Station. There are porta-potties located near the food booth areas on East 1st Street and Broadway Street, as well as at the Dutch Market.
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Are dogs allowed at the festival?
You are certainly welcome to bring your four-legged friend, but be aware that shops, restaurants, and museums will most likely not allow them inside. In general, most places only allow service animals trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. At the Vermeer Windmill, Historical Village, and Scholte House, we cannot allow other dogs, pets, or animals, including those whose sole function is to provide comfort, emotional support, companionship, or therapy. Thank you for understanding.
What provisions do you have for those who are handicapped or have mobility concerns?
Handicap parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Pella Public Library parking lot with access from Liberty Street. We reserve a number of accessible grandstand seats for those with physical limitations. A limited number of wheelchairs are available for check out on a first-come, first-served basis at the first aid tent on the west side of Central Park. Additionally, charging for mobility scooters is available at the Immanuel Reformed Fellowship Church tent behind Franklin Street Clothing. Keep in mind that walking is a large part of the festival, from touring museums, to exploring gardens, to visiting shops, restaurants, and food stands.
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I would like to bring a tour group to Tulip Time. How can I get that organized?
We are happy to help you schedule your tour group! Please call or email our Tulip Time office: 641-628-4311 or tuliptime@pellahistorical.com.
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How can I get involved in volunteering at Tulip Time?
We'd love your help! Tulip Time relies on volunteers to make the festival a fun and safe experience for our hundreds of thousands of visitors. Please check out our "Volunteer" page for more information about volunteer opportunities and how to sign up.
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Who sponsors/supports the Pella Tulip Time festival?
The festival is sponsored and organized by the Pella Historical Museums.
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The festival is planned by the Tulip Time Steering Committee, seven community volunteers who serve for five years, with one committee member rotating off each year while a new member is trained to take their place. This committee works year-round to bring the festival to our community and guests. In addition there are many partnerships that make the festival possible. The City of Pella provides numerous labor hours and support for the festival, as well as Visit Pella and the Pella Area Community & Economic Alliance. Our evening Feesthouden celebration is sponsored by Central College, and fireworks on Friday night is sponsored by Pella Corporation. Additional community partners are all the volunteers, schools, churches, businesses, and more that support the festival by volunteering, participating in parades, organizing food booths, and much, much more.