Tulip Time

Schedule of Events

Here's what's coming up:

Attractions

Things you won't want to miss:

Traditions

The Queen

Each year the Pella Tulip Time Queen and her court rule over the Tulip Time Festival. This is one of the highest honors for any young lady. The Queen is officially crowned at the Tulip Toren stage on Thursday afternoon of the festival prior to the afternoon parade. The Queen and court are selected in November prior to the festival in May. They spend several months promoting the Tulip Time Festival.

Street Scrubbing

The Dutch are known for their tidiness. To make sure the streets of Pella are ready for the Queen, her court and the parade, city leaders declare to residents, who are all dressed in their Dutch attire, to “wash the streets” along Franklin for two blocks. Young and old participate in this tradition with brooms and buckets in hand.

Dutch Foods

You really haven’t experienced Tulip Time until you've sample some of the fine Dutch foods around Pella. You will find all types of treats sure to please everyone’s taste buds. Ask the locals (dressed in Dutch attire) for specialties at food stands and local restaurants. Hint…Dutch letters are not something you mail at the post office – they’re a great coffee time treat with a flaky pastry outside and almond filling.

Dutch Dancing

There are several groups that perform traditional Dutch dances during the festival. The Dutch Family Singers and Dutchesses can be found throughout the festival performing at the Molengracht, in front of the Vermeer Mill and at Central Park. Before each parade, local residents perform Dutch dances on the street in front of the Tulip Toren stage. Lucky visitors are often invited to join in the fun for a dance or two.

Entertainment

Before each parade, you can enjoy Tulip Toren stage entertainment by purchasing tickets to the grandstand or park area. Evening performances include a special guest each night. For this year’s line up of entertainers, go to www.pellatuliptime.com.