Experience Albany in full bloom this Mother's Day weekend. Enjoy the beauty of Spring at Albany's signature celebration, the 74th Annual Albany Tulip Festival, on Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8. Tulip Fest is the event of the season showcasing Albany's rich Dutch heritage and vibrant culture. Scroll on for upcoming special events and tours for the 74th Annual Albany Tulip Festival.
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 week 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: Monday, May 2 to Wednesday, May 4 at 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM
Thursday, May 5 at 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM
Friday, May 6 at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 5:30 PM
Location: Washington Park
Price: Free
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 with the Dutch Settlers Society (in full traditional Dutch dress), and the 2022 Tulip Queen finalists.
Date: Friday, May 6
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: State and Lodge Streets
Price: Free
74th Annual Albany Tulip Festival
Stop and smell the tulips during the main event, Tulip Festival, in Washington Park. The two-day festival features two stages of world-class live entertainment, over 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. Don't miss Park Playhouse's exciting sneak previews of their 2022 musical productions on Saturday at 2:00 PM on the Price Chopper KidZone Stage. For the full line up of Tulip Festival events on Saturday and Sunday, click here.
Dates: Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8
Time: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Washington Park
Price: Free
Tulip Queen Coronation Ceremony
Witness the crowning of the 2022 Albany Tulip Queen by Mayor Kathy Sheehan & B95.5's Chad O'Hara at the Tulip Queen Coronation Ceremony. The 2021 Tulip Queen Ashanti Bishop, Mayor Kathy Sheehan and the Dutch Settlers Society lead the 2022 Tulip Queen finalists to the Lakehouse Stage in a procession beginning at 11:45 AM. At 12:00 PM, 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 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 7
Time: 12:00 PM (Procession starts at 11:45 AM)
Location: Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
Price: Free
Annual Capital Region Best Mom Award
Celebrate Mother's Day this year by joining B95.5's Joe Condon and local officials as they recognize some of the Capital Region's most magnificent moms. Capital Region mothers who have proven a commitment to their family and their community are nominated for the Annual Capital Region Best Mom Award by their friends and family. Five finalists are recognized at Tulip Festival, before one is crowned as the Capital Region Best Mom.
Date: Sunday, May 8
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
Price: Free
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 28
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)
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 29
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Washington Park
Price: Bulbs are $10 for a bag of 30 (Limit of 2 bags per person)
Celebrate tulip season and the 2022 Albany Tulip Festival with The City of Albany's Office of Cultural Affairs, Discover Albany, Citizens and The City of Albany Department of General Services with #518TulipTracker. Follow along on social media and use the hashtag to join the conversation.
