Often considered as spring’s greatest gift, tulips are truly a sight to behold. Intrinsically linked with hope and renewal, tulips are a quintessential symbol of sunnier days, spring and new beginnings. Also associated with rejuvenation, healing and prosperity, tulips are a favorite across countries and cultures. While tulips are an icon of Dutch heritage and the world renowned Keukenhof gardens in Netherlands are one of the best places to view these colorful beauties, it is key to note that tulips and tulip festivals are popular in other regions too. Here is a low down on some of the best tulip festivals to visit this spring.
Tulip Festival,Morges, Switzerland
A picturesque town perched on Lake Geneva in Switzerland, Morges is known for its castle, historical old town, engaging museums and flower shows. The town hosts the famous annual Fête de la Tulipeaka Tulip festival each year during spring. With over 350 varieties of tulips showcased in the utterly stunning Parc de l’Indépendance located close to the town’s castle, the festival is a riot of color. From triumph to fringed and parrot to lily-flowered tulips, the festival showcases a great variety and includes as many as 140,000 flowers in full bloom. The theme for the year’s festival is “water” and there are several events including floral and origami workshops, pottery markets and musical concerts. Do not miss the Tulip Art Exhibition by Adélia Clavien at the Escape 81 gallery in the city centre as part of the festival.
Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa
A much-awaited event each year, the Canadian Tulip Festival is held at Commissioners Park, in Ottawa. With over 300,000 tulips, this event is popular with adults and children alike. Admission is free and the festival has its origins linked with the Second World War when the royal family of the Kingdom of Netherlands took shelter in Ottawa. Canadian forces also played a key role in the Dutch regaining their freedom and as a mark of gratitude, the Dutch has been sending tulip bulbs as a gift every year since 1945. The festival in its 73rd edition opens with a formal opening ceremony with the Canadian army and royal guests. Apart from massive displays of tulips, there are guided walking tours, tulip markets, fun activities for children as well as movie screenings.
Orange City Tulip Festival, Iowa
Celebrated since the last 83 years, the Orange city tulip festival in Iowa enters its 84th edition in 2025. The festival is being celebrated since 1936 and occurs every third weekend in May. The city founded in 1870 by Dutch immigrants celebrates its heritage by organizing this event annually. The festival has over 50,000 tulips blooming in multiple locations around the city centrum along Central and Albany Avenues, Veterans Park, Windmill Park, the Vogel Old Mill etc. There are several exciting events which make the festival an alluring one. This includes daily parades, Dutch music, dance performances and carnivals. With windmills and food trucks adding to the charm, the village exudes a celebratory vibe to say the least.
Thanksgiving Point Annual Tulip Festival, Utah
A stunning celebration of spring, Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival is held each year at the Ashton Gardens in Lehi, Utah. The visual spectacle consists of over 900, 000 floral beauties and includes daffodils, poppies and hyacinths apart from tulips. The 50-acre garden is transformed into an oasis of color and beauty and this year’s festival boasts of over 100,000 tulips on display. Special varieties like the purple raven tulip and rhapsody of smiles tulip have also been exhibited. The festival includes programs like floral design classes, specially curated tours, and marathons like Tulip 5k where visitors can jog, walk or run through the entire garden. The highlight of the display is the aesthetically created topiaries which are crafted in shapes like the butterfly, mushrooms, fairies etc.
Tulip Time Festival, Holland, Michigan
Again a highly popular festival which began way back in 1929, the Tulip Time Festival is the recipient of several accolades including the “Best Flower Festival” in the USA and “America’s Best Spring Flower Festivals”. The festival is held around the Holland city downtown area including Kollen park, Beechwood church and Tulip immersion gardens. From dance performances to concerts by renowned artists, the festival offers something for everyone. Art and craft lovers can learn wooden shoe painting while foodies can enjoy Dutch cheese-tasting sessions. Dutch dance is an integral part of the festival and this year marks the 90th anniversary of this event. The spectacular display of fireworks on the last day is a fitting end to this spectacular celebration.
