COVID-19 Updates
2020 Tulip Festival cancelled due to COVID-19
Over the course of the last month, the Tulip Festival committee has been meeting regularly to monitor the COVID-19 situation in our region and across the country to assess its impact on the 2020 Orange City Tulip Festival. Given the current recommendations from Governor Reynolds, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and other health professionals, the 2020 Orange City Tulip Festival has been cancelled for May 14, 15 and 16, 2020. This decision has been made with heavy hearts but also with the utmost concern for the health and safety of our community and visitors.
The Orange City Tulip Festival Night Show production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA will be postponed to May 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, 2021. The performances will coincide with the 80th annual Tulip Festival, scheduled for May 13-15, 2021, and the show will take place on the same days and times as were planned for May 2020. Tuesday and Wednesday performances will be at 6:30 PM and the Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances will be at 8:00 PM at the Unity Christian High School Knight Center.
All tickets paid for the 2020 production will be deferred to the 2021 performances. Purchased tickets will apply to the same performance dates in 2021 as the 2020 Tulip Festival tickets; however, when ticket sales open in January 2021, festival staff will work with all ticket holders to find a performance event date that best meets their schedule. No refunds will be given at this time, and ticket holders will receive additional communication as ticket sales open in 2021.
The Tulip Festival committee has relied on the festival’s rich history throughout this decision process. The Orange City Tulip Festival did not take place during World War II years. Instead, this period in history was a time where families and communities focused on coming together in practical and meaningful ways. Today, we do the same. We pause, take care of each other and find creative ways for the spirit of the festival to live on throughout the days and weeks to come. We are Vibrant Together, and we know the festival will take on an even greater meaning when we return to celebrate our 80th anniversary in 2021.
During this time, we are working to provide clear and consistent information for our guests, vendors and volunteers. For more information and frequently asked questions, please visit FAQ’s
Ticket Holder Information
With the decision to cancel the 2020 Orange City Tulip Festival, the Executive Committee of the Festival has made the decision to defer and apply all ticket sales associated with the 2020 Festival to the 80th celebration that will happen May 13, 14, and 15, 2021.
The Orange City Tulip Festival Night Show production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA will be held May 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, 2021. The show will be performed Tuesday – Saturday with the Tuesday and Wednesday performances will be at 6:30 PM and the Thursday – Saturday performances will be at 8:00 PM. A Live Streaming option will also be available for 2021.
All purchased tickets will apply to the same times and day of the week as the 2020 Tulip Festival.
No ticket sale refunds will be given at this time. We will be applying any and all tickets fees paid to the 2021 Tulip Festival events, and we will work with all ticket holders to find a performance or event date that will work with their schedules.
2020 Tulip Festival Cancellation – Frequently Asked Questions
What led you to make this decision?
The current recommendations from Governor Reynolds, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Iowa Department of Health (IDPH) and other health professionals include limiting gatherings of 10 or more people at this time. Given that the festival is only six weeks away from the time of this announcement, and there are many unknowns about when and how gathering restrictions will be lifted, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the festival for this year. The committee has been committed to meeting regularly to monitor this situation, and it is in the best interest and safety of our volunteers and visitors to cancel at this time given the COVID-19 pandemic.
Will the festival be rescheduled or postponed?
The festival is a special event that requires months of planning and preparation by many people. There are many unknowns with the current COVID-19 situation, and we are not able to predict when restrictions will be lifted. Because of this, it is difficult to find new dates that might work for so many people, including vital festival volunteers. The committee feels it is best to cancel this event and move forward with planning the 80th festival for next year in 2021.
What does this mean for next year?
Next year will be the 80th festival instead of this year. Lord willing, we will plan the best festival possible. We have commitments from most of those involved with the planning for 2020 to continue in their roles for next year for 2021. All the special events and attractions we planned to celebrate the 80th Tulip Festival this year can be done next year. The festival is a tradition that has prevailed through uncertain times, and we look forward to a special 80th celebration that will take on a deeper meaning and significance on May 13, 14 and 15, 2021.
Ticket and Vendor Information
Night Show Tickets
The Orange City Tulip Festival Night Show production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA will be postponed until May 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, 2021. The show will be performed on the same days and times as were planned for May 2020, Tuesday and Wednesday performances will be at 6:30 PM and the Thursday – Saturday performances will be at 8:00 PM.
No ticket sale refunds will be given at this time. We will be applying any and all tickets fees paid to the 2021 Tulip Festival events, and we will work with all ticket holders to find a performance or event date that will work with their schedules.
All purchased tickets will apply to the same times and day of the week as the 2020 Tulip Festival.
Changes to tickets for specific event days or times will be made when ticket sales begin in January 2021.
Value Book, Parade Seating, Museum Flower Show & Private Tours, Dutch Dozen, Century Home, Quilt Show
All Value Book, Parade Seating, Museum Flower Show & Private Tours, Dutch Dozen, Century Home, Quilt Show tickets will be deferred to the Tulip Festival 2021, taking place May 13, 14 & 15. The Tulip Festival office will issue new tickets to you closer to the festival dates in 2021.
ArtBurst Vendors
We thank you for signing up to be a vendor at the Tulip Festival, and we look forward to working with you next year and in the years to come.
We offered requests for vendor fee refunds until May 1, 2020.
Craft Show Vendors
We thank you for signing up to be a vendor at the Tulip Festival, and we look forward to working with you next year and in the years to come.
We offered requests for vendor fee refunds until May 1, 2020.
Orange City Tulip Festival Road Race
Due to recommendations from Governor Reynolds, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Iowa Department of Health (IDPH) and other health professionals include limiting gatherings of 10 or more people, the Road Race will not happen as planned during the 80th Tulip Festival. The Orange City Tulip Festival Road Race is organized by a third-party organization.
Please contact the Road Race administrators for more information regarding plans for the Road Race as decisions are made www.octulipfestival.com/portfolio-item/race/ or visit their Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/octulipfestivalrace/
Other Questions
I booked lodging for the festival. What should I do?
If you booked accommodations for the festival, please contact the hotel or accommodation location directly for inquiries. For contact information for area lodging, visit www.octulipfestival.com/plan-your-visit/lodging.
Can we still visit when tulips are in bloom?
We request that you follow all guidelines set forth by your local and state officials and public health departments.
Here in Iowa, we are following guidance provided by Governor Kim Reynolds, the CDC, IDPH and other health professionals. At this time, those traveling to Iowa are urged to delay their plans. www.traveliowa.com
We have a number of plans underway for you to safely enjoy spring in Orange City from the comfort of your home, and we will keep you updated as those become available and the tulips begin to bloom.
The festival and City of Orange City are not liable for individual decisions.
We request that Orange City residents follow guidance provided by Community Health Partners and the City of Orange City.
Please see the City of Orange City’s website for resources that are available during this time: www.orangecityiowa.com.
I have or would like to purchase Tulip Festival merchandise. How can I do this?
Special merchandise is still being sold on our website at www.octulipfestival.com/shop/. We are following strict sanitary requirements and are still able to mail merchandise at this time.
