Albany’s signature Spring celebration, The Albany Tulip Festival, marks 75 years in the city’s history this year. This tradition showcases Albany's rich Dutch heritage and vibrant culture and has created countless cherished memories for many. To help commemorate this anniversary, local businesses and community members have come together to create a special series of events in the weeks leading up to the event of the season, the 75th Annual Albany Tulip Festival, taking place on Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14.

                             Washington Park Tulips

Tulip Tours

Tip-toe through the tulips with Albany City Gardner Jena Commerford to learn about the vast varieties of blooms planted in Washington Park. Tulip Tours are offered during the weeks leading up to Tulip Festival, so it's a great opportunity to explore the vivid tulip beds prior to the weekend crowds. The City of Albany Department of General Services plants more than 140,000 tulips in 150 different varieties in Washington Park. The Tulip Tours are free, but spaces are limited so reserve your spot by calling 518-434-2032.

Dates & Times: Thursday, May 4 at 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM
Friday, May 5 at 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM
Wednesday May 10 to Friday May 12 at 10:00 AM  & 5:00 PM
Location: Washington Park
Price: Free

                                1st Friday

The Revival of First Friday

First Friday is back! Just in time to celebrate during Tulip Fest week. First Friday features new art, live music, special events, offers, and discounts at dozens of locations throughout the city. Learn how to screen print your own poster with Overit Media's "The Power of Paper" event. Or enjoy a special discount and free tote with purchase at Fort Orange General Store! You're sure to find something new and exciting in Albany this Friday and the first Friday of each month.

Date: Friday, May 5
Location: Various Locations in Albany
Price: Free

                                  Nine Pin

Tulip Fest 75: Paint and Sip!

Create a masterpiece and celebrate the Tulip Festival’s special anniversary by memorializing the event in a painting! Attend a paint and sip presented by the Albany Barn at Nine Pin Ciderworks LLC. Led by resident painter Raina Briggs this event includes all materials with your ticket, food and drinks sold separately. Space for this event is limited so be sure to buy your tickets now!

Date: Sunday, May 7
Time: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Nine Pin Ciderworks LLC
Price: $40 per person

                                 Fort Orange brewing

All Things Albany Trivia Night

True or False: The Tulip Festival is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. That one was easy, but what are some other Albany trivia facts that you know? Head over to Fort Orange Brewing to show off your knowledge on all things Albany and help them kick off the start to Tulip Fest week. Trivia questions cover everything from local landmarks, sports, history and more. Doors open and food truck service starts at 5 PM with trivia beginning at 6 PM. Seating is first come, first serve so be sure to arrive early to snag your spot and earn the title of Albany’s #1 Expert.

Date: Monday, May 8
Time: 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Fort Orange Brewing
Price: Free

                                Albany War Room Tavern

Tulip Karaoke at the Albany War Room Tavern

Sing your heart out at the Albany War Room Tavern! Stop by for a night of tulip themed karaoke. 

Date: Tuesday, May 9
Time: 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Location: Albany War Room Tavern
Price: Free

                                                  Tulip Qweenz Drag Show

Tulip Qweenz Drag Show      

Head out to Rocks to attend a drag show celebrating 75 years of the Tulip Festival, and 75 years of community, hosted by London Jae Precise. The Tulip Qweenz Drag Show pays homage to drag and art, and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ communities through performance. There is no cover fee but you must be 21+ to enter.


Date: Wednesday, May 10
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Rocks
Price: Free

                                 Tulips

Champagne on the Park

Join the Lark Street Business Improvement District (BID) for their annual fundraiser, Champagne on the Park. Enjoy a lovely evening by the Washington Park Formal Tulip Beds to celebrate Lark Street and honor community leaders for their work and positive impact on the neighborhood and greater Capital Region. Guests will be treated to live music by Graham Tichy Band, dinner from Nicole’s Catering, and champagne and wine from Capital Wine Albany.

Date: Thursday, May 11
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Location: Washington Park
Price: Varies

                                Albany Street Scrubbing

Street Scrubbing 

Tulip Festival is rooted in Albany's Dutch heritage, so the weekend festivities are kicked off with a touch of tradition. The City of Albany recreates a traditional Dutch ceremony of scrubbing the streets (in preparation for a big event!) to officially launch Tulip Festival weekend. This unique Albany event will include Mayor Kathy Sheehan’s Tulip Festival opening proclamation and a procession from City Hall.


Date: Friday, May 12
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: State and Lodge Streets
Price: Free

                                Tulips in Washington Park

Tulip Festival Luncheon 

Before the crowning of the 2023 Albany Tulip Queen on Saturday, celebrate the 2022 Albany Tulip Queen Sam Mills and their Court. Attend a farewell and thank you to last year’s Tulip Queen at a Tulip Festival Luncheon hosted at dp An American Brasserie. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Tulip Court’s educational programs via the Tulip Fund at the United Way for the Great Capital Region. Tickets are required; email tulipluncheon@gmail.com!


Date: Friday, May 12
Time: 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: dp An American Brasserie
Price: Varies

                                  Tulips for Albany Exhibit Photo

Tulips for Albany Reception

Help celebrate the latest exhibition, Tulips for Albany, at the Albany Institute of History & Art and immerse yourself in 75 years’ worth of Albany Tulip Festival history. The festival’s roots date back to 1947 when Albany’s sister city, Nijmegen, The Netherlands gifted thousands of tulip bulbs to Albany in gratitude for their aid to the Dutch city following the war. The Albany Institute of History & Art honors this history with an exhibit displaying crowns and regalia worn by Tulip Queens of the past alongside designs for the tulip beds in Washington Park and photographs documenting the celebration. The reception will feature signature beverages and food from local Albany favorites. Guests of honor will include Hubert Bruls, Mayor of Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Register for tickets here, RSVP by Monday, May 8.

Date: Friday, May 12
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: Albany Institute of History & Art
Price: $25 per

                                    Tulip Festival

75th Annual Albany Tulip Festival

Stop and smell the tulips during the main event, Tulip Festival, in historic Washington Park. The two-day festival features two stages of world-class live entertainment, nearly one hundred artisans selling crafts, a fine arts show, the Price Chopper KidZone Stage and plenty of delicious food vendors. Plus, the vivid Washington Park tulip beds create the perfect backdrop for selfies and long-lasting memories with family and friends. This year’s festival features more than 140,000 tulips in 150 different varieties. For the full line up of Tulip Festival events on Saturday and Sunday, click here

Dates: Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14
Time: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Washington Park
Price: Free

                                Tulips in Washington Park

Tulip Queen Coronation Ceremony

Witness the crowning of the 2023 Albany Tulip Queen by Mayor Kathy Sheehan & B95.5's Chad O'Hara at the Tulip Queen Coronation Ceremony. The official Tulip Queen is crowned in this traditional highlight of Tulip Fest weekend. The Tulip Queen serves as Albany's Ambassador for one full year of reign. She works as a team year-round with her four Court members on local literacy programs and community service projects in Albany. The crowning occurs at the Washington Park Lakehouse Stage and it is a great way to soak up the spirit of Albany. 


Date: Saturday, May 13
Time: 12:00 PM (Procession starts at 11:45 AM)
Location: Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
Price: Free

                                     Tulips in Washington Park

75th Annual Royal Tulip Ball

Attend an evening of dining and dancing to commemorate the newly crowned Tulip Queen and her court and celebrate the tradition of Tulip Fest weekend that has endured over the past 75 years. The Royal Tulip Ball is a longstanding tradition hosted by The City of Albany Office of Cultural Affairs. This year, the city of Albany welcomes a delegation from our sister city Nijmegen, Netherlands. All proceeds benefit the Capital City Fund, an organization that provides care to our Veterans and their families, funds events throughout Albany and provides grants to Albany nonprofits. Tickets for this event are required, contact Sarah Kampf at 518.209.1000 or tulipball@albanyny.gov to purchase.

Date: Saturday, May 13
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: New York State Museum Terrace
Price: Varies

                                        Tulips in Washington Park

Tulip Dig

Have you ever wished you could plant the beautiful tulips from Washington Park in your own backyard? Participate in the Tulip Dig and your dreams will become reality! Volunteer to help the City of Albany Department of General Services dig up bulbs in designated beds. The City provides the tools, but volunteers are asked to bring a garden fork. After participating in the dig, volunteers can then purchase the bulbs and plant them in their own backyards! 

Date: Saturday, May 20
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Washington Park 
Price: Bulbs are $10 for a bag of 30 (Limit of 5 bags per person)

                                       Washington Park Lakehouse

Tulip Sale

If you are unable to participate in the Tulip Dig, there is still a chance to purchase some Washington Park tulip bulbs to bring home. The remaining tulip bulbs from the Tulip Dig, are sold the following day. Stop by the Washington Park Lakehouse to purchase tulip bulbs on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Tulip Sale is very popular, so it is recommend to arrive early!

Date: Sunday, May 21
Time: 9:00 AM 
Location: Washington Park 
Price: Bulbs are $10 for a bag of 30 (Limit of 2 bags per person)

Tulip Tracker Blog Header 2023

Celebrate tulip season and the 2023 Albany Tulip Festival with The City of Albany's Office of Cultural Affairs, Discover Albany, KeyBank and The City of Albany Department of General Services with #518TulipTracker. Follow along on social media and use the hashtag to join the conversation.