What to do and know in Pella during Tulip Time 2023
More than 300,000 tulips in stunning reds, pinks, whites, yellows, oranges, purples and even blacks take center stage Thursday through Saturday when Pella's Tulip Time, a celebration of Dutch culture, takes over the charming city 45 minutes east of Des Moines.
The Tulip Time Festival in Pella dates back to 1935 when it started as an impromptu gathering of those with Dutch ancestry. People came together to celebrate their heritage by wearing traditional Dutch costumes, eating Dutch food and participating in Dutch activities such as street scrubbing and coffee time.
The annual festival celebrates traditional Dutch heritage and tulips, the national flower of the Netherlands. Tulip Time typically occurs when tulips are in full bloom and gives a blissful view as endless rows of tulips appear before your eyes.
For generations, time-tested traditions at the three-day fest have enchanted Iowans and visitors.
Here is a comprehensive guide to this year's 2023 Tulip Time in charming Pella.
When is Tulip Time 2023?
This year, Tulip Time begins Thursday, May 4, and concludes Saturday, May 6. Events and parades are planned throughout the three days.
Where to find tulips in Pella
The city is laden with hundreds of thousands of tulips, but several locations host larger displays and fields of tulips.
Tulip Avenue in Central Park, 720 Franklin St., and Sunken Gardens Park, 1110 Main St., each have tens thousands of planted tulips for visitors to feast their eyes on during the three-day fest.
Scholte House Museum & Gardens, at the corners of Main and Broadway streets, have more than 35,000 tulips on display with resting places and a gazebo to gaze at the garden once cared for by Maria Scholte, the wife of Pella’s founder Domine Hendrik P. Scholte.
Fair Haven Memorial Garden at the corner of East Third and Union streets hosts more than 13,000 tulips for visitors to enjoy and also includes two monuments listing more than 800 area veterans who served in World War II. The tulip garden is replaced with annuals when autumn arrives.
Central College's campus at 812 University St. boasts more than 15,000 tulips with a series of main tulip beds by the Graham Conference Center, Weller Flag Garden, east and north sides of Central Hall, Jordan Plaza, and Peace Mall.
Where can I get tickets?
Tulip Time is free for all, but some events and attractions required paid tickets. For ticket information on specific events, visit pellahistorical.org/tickets. Tickets are required for grandstand shows as well as for a wagon tour of the city, a tour of the windmill and historic village, and through the Scholte House Museum. Tickets range from $5 for park seating during the stage shows to $20 for tours of the windmill and historic village.
How to park, where to pay
The streets of Pella are packed with people hoping to get their first look at the tulips blooming next to its sidewalks and in its city parks. Parking is limited near the downtown area, but there are options.
Parking lots that offer shuttle service for visitors to downtown Pella are available for $10 per vehicle for cash only. The shuttles run regularly from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and are included in the cost of parking. Lots are located at Delta Building A, 1417 Washington St., on Friday and Saturday while parking at Pella Christian High School, 300 Eagle Lane, is available Saturday.
Several churches in Pella are open for parking on a first come basis. Calvary Church, 408 Maple St., has free parking with a shuttle to downtown. Open Bible Church, 837 Washington St., is available for $10 each day. First Reformed Church, 605 Broadway St., is $15 a day.
How to view parades, find information on events
Each day at Tulip Time is different. Two parades will occur each day throughout the festival — the first at 2:30 p.m. and the Volks lighted parade at 8:30 p.m. Both will feature marching bands, floats and people wearing Dutch costumes.
In addition, a other shows keep the day filled with entertainment to highlight the rich Dutch history that Pella still holds dear. A full schedule is available at pellahistorical.org.
What is the weather for Pella during Tulip Time?
The weather this year in Pella is expected to reach the upper 60s and low 70s. For more accurate weather updates, sign up to receive weather-related texts by sending Pellatulip to 67283.
To view the City of Pella's live tulip cam, click here.
Dutch Craft Market
The free market hosted by the Pella Business Women's Club at West Market Park features more than 100 booths with shopping options and features beverage, food, and craft stands. The popular market with face painting, air plants, clothing, metal signs and more at 1009 Liberty St. opens from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily during the three-day festival.
Grab a stroopwafel, Dutch letters, brats and funnel cakes at vendors as well. Be sure to find eats, drinks, and dining options at visitpella.com/eat_drink.
Lodging in Pella near Tulip Time
Plan on staying in town for a bit to soak in all that Tulip Time has to offer? Visit Pella has a info on hotels and places to stay on its website at visitpella.com/stay, as well as dining options and bars.
Jay Stahl is an entertainment reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow him on Instagram or reach out at jstahl@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Things to do in Pella during Tulip Time 2023
