Tulip Time Events & Activities
Schedule is subject to change. Visit our "Tulip Time Info" page for more details.
Museums
Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Windmill Tour
507 Franklin Street | 9:00am-6:00pm
$25 adult, $18 youth (5-18)
The Historical Village and Vermeer Windmill ticket includes a tour of the Vermeer Windmill as well as the Miniature Dutch Village, the Wyatt Earp Boyhood Home, the Werkplaats, Beason-Blommers Grist Mill, Dutch Bakery, gift shop, historical exhibits, and more than 45,000 tulips planted throughout the Village. The Wyatt Earp Experience takes you on a journey through the life of the famous Western lawman in his childhood home. Craft demonstrations throughout the day include woodworking, rope making, knitting, Hindeloopen painting, quilting, wooden shoe production, and Dutch letter baking.
When you visit the Vermeer Windmill, you'll tour five floors, from the base of the mill where grain is brought in, to the top floor where grain is milled. It’s one of the tallest working windmills in North America! Please note that not all levels are handicap accessible.
Scholte House Museum
728 Washington Street | 9:00am-6:00pm
$12 adult, $7 youth (5-18)
The "grande dame" of Pella is the 175-year-old Scholte House. Built by Hendrik Scholte for his wife Maria in 1847 and 1848 over a period of just six months, the home sits on what is now the north side of Pella's square, a testament to the craftsmanship and care of our founding fathers and mothers. Tour the home to learn more about the early days of Pella and the life of its founder.
Along with Pella Historical Museums sites, stroll around the Tuttle Cabin, learn from the Fire House Museum, tour the Vermeer Corporation Museum and the Pella Corporation Museum, and explore the Veterans Museum. Find details on the Hour-By-Hour Schedule at the orange button above.
Tulips
It’s the biggest draw of the festival, so be sure to see them all! For an up-to-date bloom status report, call our tulip hotline: 641-620-9463 and press "0." Or, click here for a bloom status map of City of Pella beds.
Tulip Avenue in Central Park (Downtown Pella)
Sunken Gardens Park (Two blocks north of Central Park on Main Street)
Brinkhoff Park (Corner of Washington Street & Fifield Road) - Visit a photo op in the shape of a large wooden shoe! The shoe is large enough for groups and is wheelchair accessible for everyone to get the perfect picture!
Along with Pella Historical gardeners, the City of Pella plants tens of thousands of tulips throughout these three parks in celebration of Pella’s Dutch heritage. Especially vibrant and colorful is the Tulip Avenue in Central Park, which runs from the north fountain to the center of the park. An immense variety of tulips are showcased along this sidewalk.
Scholte House Gardens
Corner of Broadway & Washington Streets
Behind the Historic Scholte House Museum are the beautiful Scholte Gardens. Featuring more than 35,000 tulips, the gardens are free and open to the public. At one time, this land was under the care of Maria Scholte, the wife of Pella's founder Dominie Hendrik P. Scholte. Here you'll find benches to rest on, art sculptures to admire, a gazebo for shade, and many varieties of tulips. Once the tulips have finished blooming, they are replaced with annuals so that the garden remains enjoyable through autumn.
Fair Haven Memorial Garden
Corner of East 3rd & Union Streets
This popular garden was originally planted in 1947 with tulip bulbs donated by the Netherlands in gratitude for war-relief aid sent by the citizens of Pella after World War II. Today these gardens feature more than 13,000 tulips. The Memorial Garden also features two monuments listing more than 800 local veterans who served in WWII.
Central College
812 University Street
Nearly 15,000 tulips bloom on Central College’s beautiful campus each spring. The main tulip beds are located in the plaza by Graham Conference Center, east and north sides of Central Hall, Jordan Plaza, Peace Mall, and Weller Flag Garden, with various other small beds and at the campus cornerstones. Approximately 30 different varieties bloom throughout the spring.
Pella Garden Club's Annual Flower Show
Scholte House at 728 Washington Street
9:00am-6:00pm
See beautiful arrangements using tulips in the historic home of Pella's founder Dominie Scholte. Sponsored and organized by the Pella Garden Club.
Tulip Talks & Spring Bulb Pre-Sales with Barnswallow Flowers
Scholte Church at 507 Franklin Street
9:00am-6:00pm
Explore an immersive art exhibit by local farmer Meredith Nunnikhoven and her crew at Barnswallow Flowers. Add color to your garden by purchasing a collection of spring bulbs shipped to your front door in the fall. A portion of each sale is donated to Pella Historical Museums and Tulip Time.
Thistles Flower Market Carts
Nestled in downtown Pella since 1985, Thistles Flower Market brings beauty and connects the community in every season. Thistles will be selling flowers and more from two bike carts and a pushcart throughout the festival at Sunken Gardens, Central Park, and the Molengracht.
Entertainment & Performances
Afternoon Grandstand Show
Purchase Park Seating Tickets.
Tulip Toren on Franklin Street | 1:00pm
Grandstand seating $15; Park seating $10
The afternoon Grandstand Show features Dutch dancing and singing, a Dutch Costume Culture Show, the presentation of the Tulip Queen and her Court, and more. The Grandstand Show is followed by the afternoon Volks parade, and your ticket includes prime seating to view the parade!
Evening Feesthouden Show
Tulip Toren on Franklin Street
7:00pm Thursday & Friday, 6:30pm on Saturday
Our FREE evening Feesthouden shows feature special entertainment each night.
Thursday Evening - Valley Church Worship Team
Valley Church Worship Team from West Des Moines, IA, joins us to provide an evening of joyful, hope-filled music! Valley Church has been sharing God’s love in West Des Moines since 1990. This talented group is sponsored by Kreykes & Chaplin, PLC and Recker Dental Care.
Friday Evening - Baldknobbers Jamboree
Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers is Branson’s first and longest running show, guaranteed to give you memories to last a lifetime. As Branson’s premier country music variety show, the show is stacked with your favorite country hits and hilarious comedy as well as just enough classic rock, patriotic salutes and soulful gospel music to pull on all of your heartstrings. Now, in its third generation of performers, the show is bigger and better than ever! Don’t miss it....Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers, featuring Pella native Megan McCombs Mabe. Sponsored by Pella Corporation.
Fireworks!
A special treat after the parade on Friday is the fireworks display. Sponsored by Pella Corporation, this fireworks show is visible from the downtown area. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks show will be postponed to Saturday evening.
Saturday Evening - XOLEX
XOLEX is a rising singer-songwriter from Iowa, blending heartfelt storytelling with a bold, modern country pop edge. Known for her expressive vocals and honest lyrics, XOLEX crafts songs that explore love, resilience, and self-discovery. Drawing inspiration from her Midwestern roots, she fuses organic melodies with cinematic production, creating a sound that feels both intimate and empowering. With her authentic voice and fearless creativity, XOLEX is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting new artists to watch. Sponsored by Pella Corporation.
Parades
2:45pm & 8:30pm in Downtown Pella
The afternoon Volks parade brings Dutch culture and Pella fun to life! And the lighted evening parade shows of Pella in a whole new way. Both parades follow the conclusion of the grandstand shows on the Tulip Toren. It spans several blocks, heading north on Main Street towards Central Park, around the Square, and east to the Historical Village.
Klokkenspel
625 Franklin Street
Pella’s Klokkenspel brings the Old World to Pella in a musical way! Enjoy the 147-bell carillon as you watch figures tell of Pella’s history and heritage. Performances occur frequently and regularly during TUlip Time.
Pella Opera House
611 Franklin Street
Relax while enjoying a show at the Pella Opera House – a beautiful historic theater in the heart of downtown. You’ll find a Martini Huis and shows for all ages throughout the festival. View the Pella Opera House's website for details and tickets.
Shop, Learn, & Enjoy
Pella City Tours
640 Franklin Street
Tours available on a rolling basis, each lasting from 45 minutes to an hour, from 8:30am-12:15pm and 4:00-6:00pm.
$10 adult, $7 youth (under 18)
Explore our beautiful town while hearing about our Dutch history and scenic spots throughout the community. You'll enjoy a one-hour ride on an open-air wagon while a knowledgeable spieler tells you about Pella's sites.
Dutch Craft Market
1002 Franklin Street, West Market Park
Open 9:00am-7:00pm
Visit West Market Park to enjoy 100+ booths filled with a variety of shopping options. Vendors interested in participating can learn more here.
Tulip Time Murals
Located outside the Vermeer Windmill & in the Molengracht Canal
Local artist Nicole Pitts has created two cheerful tulip-themed murals to honor the beauty of Pella and the Tulip Time festival. The murals are a great spot for selfie takers of all ages. Be sure to stop by for a photo to share!
Quilt Show
605 Broadway Street, First Church
10:00am-6:00pm | $5
View dozens of beautiful, handmade quilts from talented area quilters! Sponsored and organized by the Pella Area Quilters Guild.
Tulip Time Art Show
611 Franklin Street, Pella Opera House
1:30-5:30pm | $5
Enjoy dozens of beautiful pieces of artwork, all submitted to Pella Historical's annual Tulip Time Art Competition. The creativity and talents of local artists will be on full display, alongside curated photos showing Pella through the ages.
Dutch Masters Antique Auto Display
Franklin Street west of Square
8:30am-7:30pm
Antique Implement Display
Franklin Street west of Square
9:00am-7:00pm
Tractor Rodeo
Broadway Street west of Square
5:00pm
Pop-Up Performances
Enjoy presentations from and photo ops with local performers throughout the three days of Tulip Time! View the hour-by-hour schedule for times and locations, but please note that this is subject to change.
Dutch Family Singers: Listen and watch Dutch songs and traditional dances performed by an energetic group of families in Dutch costume.
Dutchesses: A group of high school women sing traditional Dutch songs and perform Dutch dances in costume, complete with wooden shoes!
Tiny Tulips: Students in grades 4th through 6th perform classic songs in Dutch such as “Happy Birthday” and “Are You Sleeping?”
Pella High School Orchestra Strolling Strings (Thursday & Friday only): Members of the Pella Community High School Orchestra perform Dutch songs and classical music on violin, viola, cello, and bass.
And More: The Tulip Queen & her Royal Court, famous western lawman Wyatt Earp, Pella's founders Dominie & Maria Scholte, and more!
Food & Drink
Dozens of food booths are located throughout the festival area with a variety of delicious foods to enjoy. You'll find everything from brats and funnel cakes to more authentic Dutch items like poffertjes and Pella bologna. Click here for a map and menus from our 2025 vendors!
Maria's Tea Room
Learn about the story of Pella's founding through the eyes of Maria Scholte, the community's "founding lady." You'll enjoy a selection of Pella treats from local bakeries and meat markets, as well as your choice of Dutch teas and coffee. Seatings are available at 10am, 1pm, and 4pm. Reservations required - click here for more details.
Dutch Dinners
Enjoy an authentic Dutch meal and special entertainment at dinner served by Central College. Reservations required - click here for more information.
Fly-In Pancake Breakfast
Start your day off right while viewing antique, classic, experimental, and corporate aircraft on display. Hosted by the United Methodist Church and Classic Aviation, Inc.
Amenities
Sunday Church Service
2110 Vermeer Road, Vermeer Global Pavilion
Sunday, May 10 | 11:00am
Join us for a community-wide thanksgiving and praise service that marks the official end of the three-day festival.
First Aid
Pella Regional Health Center supports a first aid tent and offers nursing and changing areas, along with wheelchairs. These offerings are located on the west side of Central Park.
Family Rest Stop
Immanuel Reformed Fellowship hosts a rest stop for families and senior citizens offering a private area for nursing mothers, free popcorn, coffee, water, a single stall bathroom, and a scooter recharging station (scooters are not provided or available for rent). The Family Rest Stop is located behind Franklin Street Clothing (612 Franklin Street); the entrance faces the alley behind the store.
Relaxation Station
Conveniently located at the end of the parade route (407 Franklin Street), Trinity Church invites families to stop at their relaxation station! Come experience some tranquility amongst the tulips and enjoy a break with room for nursing moms, baby changing station, restrooms, coffee, and water.