Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, we’re thrilled to welcome you to Orange City for the 85th Annual Tulip Festival, happening May 14-16! As you plan, here’s our guide to making the most of a day at the Festival.
Morning:
- Start your morning surrounded by vibrant tulips before the day’s excitement kicks off. Wander through Windmill Park, explore the Tulip Town Bulb Company, and meander along Central Avenue to soak in the colorful blooms!
- If you’re joining us on Saturday, kickstart your day with the Tour de Tulips Bicycle Ride or the Tulip Festival Road Race. Prefer a more leisurely pace? Head to the Fly-In Breakfast at the Sioux County Regional Airport for pancakes, sausage, and scenic views!
- By 9:00 am, festival activities are in full swing. Hop on a horse-drawn trolley for a relaxing, informative ride through town, then browse the Straatmarkt, Craft Show, and ArtBurst for unique handmade finds.
- For a peek at the history and heritage of Orange City, visit the Vogel Old Mill, the Dutch American Heritage Museum, or the Century Home. Keep an ear out for the Dutch Dozen and the charming sounds of the Dutch Street Organ bringing the streets to life.
Afternoon:
- After grabbing lunch from one of the many food vendors, find your spot for the highlight of the day— the Straat Feest, Street Scrubbing, and Volksparade at 1:00 p.m. (Pro tip: reserved seating is available for only $10 or bring your own lawn chair!)
- When the parade winds down, the fun continues! Catch more live entertainment at the Drum Line Show, and check out this year’s new event, the Klederdracht Tea. Hop back on a trolley or revisit your favorite festival spots—plus, don’t miss another chance to catch a Tulip Talk, see wooden shoes being carved, or enjoy encore performances from the Dutch Dozen.
Evening:
- Satisfy your sweet tooth or savor a meal before the evening festivities begin. Find a spot along the parade route to enjoy various Entertainment in the Street before the evening Volksparade at 6:00 p.m. — a second chance to experience the color, pageantry, and tradition of the festival.
- Cap off your day with the enchanting Night Show performance of Anastasia at Town Hall, beginning at 8:00 p.m. It’s the perfect finale to a day filled with celebration, community, and Dutch heritage.
No matter how you spend your day, you’ll find something memorable around every corner. From tulips and traditions to parades and performances, the Orange City Tulip Festival is an experience you won’t want to miss. 🌷
