It’s happening – Pella’s annual Tulip Time festival is here. While some of the tulip beds are already done for the season, there are still plenty of beds in bloom around Pella.
Wondering about the logistics of getting to Pella? We’ve got you covered.
When is Tulip Time in Pella?
Tulip Time in Pella is always the first Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in May. In 2026, the festival is happening from May 7-9.
What is the Pella tulip festival schedule?
Tulip Time kicked off on Thursday at 8 a.m. when local museums opened. By 8:30 a.m., tours and the Dutch Master Antique Auto Display began.
From then on, there is at least one event every hour until 8:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Sunday concludes with a thanksgiving and praise service. There is an hourly schedule available on the Pella Historical website.
Where to get tickets for Pella Tulip Time
Tickets are not required to visit Pella’s Tulip Time festival. Events like the grandstand show, museum tours and historic city wagon tours do require admission.
Tickets can be found at the gate for all activities. If you are looking to purchase tickets ahead of time, visit Pella Historical website.
Where to find tulips in Pella, Iowa?
The city is covered with flower gardens displaying thousands of tulips for free. Multiple locations offer displays and fields of celebrated flowers.
How to park at Tulip Time
There are parking lots available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $10 per vehicle cash or $11 Venmo. There is also a shuttle that takes visitors to downtown Pella and back. It will run frequently until 10 p.m.
For Thursday, there will be street parking on the outskirts of the downtown area.
Other places to park on a first-come, first-served basis include:
There is limited handicap parking available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Pella Public Library. It is free to park for those with handicap permits. There are no reservations. Find a map for paid parking lots on the Pella Historical Museum’s website.
Pella weather: Forecast improves through the weekend
Thursday’s activities may face light rain and thunderstorms through about 2 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
Friday should be partly sunny with a high near 70 degrees. Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high of 77 degrees, with rain chances returning in the evening.
What are the shuttle hours for Tulip Time in Pella?
There are golf cart shuttles available from Scholte Church to the Dutch Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Single rides and day-long passes are purchased from the shuttle cart drivers. Single rides are $2 and all-day passes are $5. The golf cart shuttles only pick up and drop off passengers at designated stops.
When is the Tulip Time Parade?
The Volks Parade is at 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There is an evening lights parade at 8:30 p.m. on Friday and fireworks will also follow the parade.
For a full schedule of all events at the Pella Tulip Time festival, visit the Pella Historical website.
Where to stay in Pella near Tulip Time
It is hard to fit all of Tulip Time into one day. So, making plans for lodging will allow you to soak in every bit of the festival. VistPella.com offers a list of hotels, bed and breakfasts, Airbnbs, campgrounds and more in the area.
Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Tulip Time is here. Where to find the schedule, parking and more
Reporting by Lucia Cheng and Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
