Your guide to making the most of Michigan’s most colorful festival.
Each spring, over six million tulips bloom across the charming city of Holland, Michigan—ushering in one of the most beloved festivals in the Midwest: Tulip Time. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning as a longtime fan, there’s something magical about watching the city come alive with color, culture, and community spirit.
Here’s your guide to the must-see and must-do experiences during Tulip Time in Holland:
1. Explore the Tulip Gardens
Start your adventure with the tulips themselves. Wander through thousands of blooms at iconic locations like:
- Window on the Waterfront – Perfect for photos and long strolls along the river with rows upon rows of vibrant tulips.
- Centennial Park – Just steps from downtown, this is one of the most picturesque spots in the city.
- Windmill Island Gardens – A historic Dutch windmill, canals, and fields of tulips create a truly unique experience.
- Veldheer Tulip Gardens – Where the flowers bloom, and the buffalos roam
2. See the Traditional Dutch Dancers
Catch the klompen (wooden shoe) dancers performing in full costume! Performances happen daily throughout the festival, showcasing Holland’s rich Dutch heritage with music, choreography, and bright smiles.
3. Shop the Artisan Market
Tulip Time is the perfect opportunity to support local makers and artists. Stroll through vendor tents downtown to find everything from handcrafted jewelry and ceramics to tulip-themed decor and delicious snacks.
Downtown Holland recently welcomed Heinen Delfts Blauw! A third generation business from the Netherlands, Heinen Delfts Blauw sells imported home goods, tableware, decor, jewelry and more featuring modern Delft blue patterns!
4. Savor Local Food & Drink
From food trucks lining the parade route to local restaurants offering spring specials, there’s no shortage of flavor in Holland during Tulip Time.
Our favorite restaurants:
- Hops at 84 East – Brick oven pizza, local beer, and cozy vibes.
- Seventy-six – Modern American fare with seasonal ingredients.
- New Holland Brewing – A beloved brewery featuring craft beer and a full menu downtown.
5. Catch the Parades
Tulip Time hosts not one, but three major parades:
- Kinderparade – Featuring local school children in costume.
- Volksparade – A community favorite, complete with street scrubbing, floats, and marching bands.
- Muziekparade – A vibrant celebration of sound and color with performers from all over the region.
6. Attend a Live Show or Event
From concerts to dance performances and historic walking tours, there’s something happening at every corner of the city. Check the official Tulip Time schedule for daily activities and ticketed events.
And don’t miss the fireworks on the final night of Tulip Time—a spectacular sendoff that lights up the sky over Holland in celebration of a week well spent. It’s the perfect way to end your visit, your weekend, or even your wedding festivities if you’re celebrating at Port 393!
Make It a Celebration
If you’re hosting out-of-town guests or celebrating a special moment during Tulip Time, there’s no better place to do it than Port 393. Our location—just a short walk from all the downtown excitement—makes us the perfect home base for your spring gathering.
Getting married during Tulip Time? You’re in for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The entire city becomes a vibrant, flower-filled backdrop for your big day, offering incredible photo ops, added entertainment for your guests, and an atmosphere that feels festive from sunrise to sunset. Imagine your wedding weekend filled with tulip garden strolls, street performers, Dutch dancing, and rooftop cocktails overlooking the blooms.
Your guests can enjoy all that Tulip Time has to offer—then step into your ceremony or reception at Port 393 without missing a beat. Whether you’re using our airy upstairs space, modern main floor, or rooftop terrace, your wedding will feel like part of something bigger: a celebration not just of love, but of life in full bloom.
Tulip Time is more than a festival. It’s a celebration of beauty, tradition, and the joy of a city in bloom. We hope to see you in Holland soon—don’t forget your camera, your clogs, and your sense of wonder.