Tulip Time: Schedule, tickets, weather and more to know if you're heading to Pella
Updated: 12:26 PM CDT Apr 29, 2025
Tulip Time: Schedule, tickets, weather and more to know if you're heading to Pella
Updated: 12:26 PM CDT Apr 29, 2025
MORE FANS HEADING INTO HIS SECOND YEAR. 620 THIS MORNING, WE’RE TAKING A CLOSE LOOK AT THE FORECAST TODAY. AFTER TAKING A DEEP BREATH FROM A KIND OF A BUSY NIGHT LAST NIGHT. YEAH, EXACTLY. STORMS KIND OF PUSH ON THROUGH FOR SOME OF US, NOT ALL OF US WE KNEW WAS KIND OF A BOOM OR BUST SETUP ANYWAYS. BUT EITHER WAY, THAT’S BEHIND US. AND NOW WE’RE LOOKING AT STILL RAIN CHANCES, JUST NOT TODAY. WE’LL BE DRYING OUT. HERE’S YOUR WEATHER HEADLINES. STILL A LOT OF CLOUD COVER OVERHEAD. THE SUN WILL BE BACK THOUGH, SO IF YOU’RE GOING TO BE HEADING OUT, YOU DON’T NEED THE SUNGLASSES RIGHT THIS MOMENT, BUT YOU WILL LATER ON TODAY. RAIN DOES RETURN AS WE GET INTO WEDNESDAY, AND THAT WILL LAST AS WE GO INTO THURSDAY AS WELL. THOSE WINDS ARE STRONG RIGHT NOW, GUSTS PICKING UP TO AROUND 20 UP TO 30MPH. SO YOU’RE GOING TO FEEL THE BREEZE AS YOU STEP OUT THE DOOR. BUT AS YOU TALK ABOUT THE FORECASTED WINDS, WELL, THOSE ARE GOING TO BE GLIDING BACK DOWN, KIND OF BREAKING APART, CALMING DOWN FOR THE LATER AFTERNOON AND ESPECIALLY GOING INTO THE EVENING. YOU’RE LOOKING AT ABOUT A 4 TO 8 MILE PER HOUR WIND. THE SYSTEM TO THE SOUTH AND EAST NOW. SO WE ARE BEHIND IT. THE COLD FRONT IS GOING TO LEAD TO A COOLER KIND OF DAY, BUT ALSO NOT GOING TO ALLOW FOR ANY OF THOSE RAIN CHANCES OR STORM CHANCES TO STICK AROUND BY THE LUNCH HOUR. WE’RE SUNNY. WE’RE CLEAR. WE’RE WARMING UP AS WELL. COULD EVEN TAKE THE LUNCH OUTSIDE. YOU’LL STILL BE BATTLING THOSE LITTLE BREEZY CONDITIONS, BUT AS WE GO INTO THE LATER AFTERNOON AND EVENING, WINDS CALM DOWN, SKIES STAY CLEAR NOW, FAST FORWARDING ALL THE WAY TO WEDNESDAY MORNING. CLOUDS ARE MOVING RIGHT BACK IN. RAIN CHANCES STAYING TO THE SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST FOR THE MORNING DRIVE. HOWEVER, BY THE TIME LUNCH ROLLS AROUND, LATE MORNING SHOWERS MOVE BACK IN. EVEN A CHANCE FOR SOME ISOLATED STORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE. WE’RE NOT LOOKING AT A SEVERE WEATHER THREAT, SO THAT’S NOT GOING TO BE ANY WORRY. CONTINUING WITH RAIN CHANCES FOR THE REST OF WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. GOING INTO WEDNESDAY EVENING AND OVERNIGHT, A DECENT SOAKER AS WELL. AND THEN AS WE HEAD INTO THURSDAY MORNING, STILL HOLDING ON TO SOME OF THE ISOLATED, SCATTERED SHOWER CHANCES FOR MORNING GOING INTO THURSDAY AFTERNOON AS WELL. AND THEN WE’LL BE KIND OF WINDING THAT DOWN AS WE GO INTO THURSDAY NIGHT. STILL HOLDING ON TO SOME RAIN CHANCES FOR THE END OF THE WORKWEEK. JUST NOT GOING TO BE AS HIGH NEXT TWO DAYS. TALKING WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY. THAT WILL BE THE BEST CHANCE FOR THESE SHOWERS. CENTRAL IOWA AND SOUTHERN IOWA OBVIOUSLY GOING TO BE THE MAIN FOCUS FOR NORTHERN IOWA. NOT REALLY GOING TO SEE TOO MUCH, UNFORTUNATELY, AS WE TALK ABOUT THE REST OF THE WEEK, EVEN GOING INTO THURSDAY, BY THE TIME IT’S ALL SAID AND DONE, MOST OF US HERE IN CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN IOWA, A QUARTER TO AROUND THREE QUARTERS OF AN INCH, SOME SPOTS TO THE SOUTH, ESPECIALLY SOUTHEAST. HIGHER CHANCES OF SEEING SOME AREAS GETTING AROUND AN INCH OR MORE. SO THAT’S WHAT WE EXPECT FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK. AS FAR AS THE RAINFALL, MID 60S FOR TODAY, WE’RE DRY. IT’S A GOOD DAY TO TAKE CARE OF ANY ERRANDS YOU NEED TO DO, BUT COME WEDNESDAY, SHOWERS ARE RIGHT BACK WITH US. THEN WE’LL SLOWLY TAPER THOSE RAIN CHANCES THROUGH THE REST OF THE WEEK. THIS WEEKEND GOING TO BE GORGEOUS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. HIGHS BACK IN THE 70S AND STAYING WARM AS WE GO INTO THE NEXT WORKWEEK. GREAT TIMING AND
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Tulip Time: Schedule, tickets, weather and more to know if you're heading to Pella
Updated: 12:26 PM CDT Apr 29, 2025
Iowa's most colorful tradition returns this week to Pella. The 90th annual Tulip Time celebration May 1-3 features parades, performances, delicious Dutch treats and, of course, tulips.Here's what you need to know if you're heading to Tulip Time:New in 2025Art at Brinkhoff Park: Located on the west edge of Pella at the corner of Washington Street and Fifield Road, is an art installation in the shape of a large wooden shoe with a bench inside. The shoe will be large enough for groups and be wheelchair accessible for everyone to get the perfect picture.Thistles Flower Market Carts: Thistles Flower Market will be selling flowers and more from two bike carts and a pushcart throughout the festival at Sunken Gardens, Central Park, and the Molengracht.Tulip Time murals: Local artist Nicole Pitts has created two cheerful tulip-themed murals to honor the beauty of Pella and the Tulip Time festival. Find them outside the Vermeer Windmill and in the Molengracht Canal.1960s Tulip Time Documentary: Watch a documentary from 1968-69 about Tulip Time at Pella Cinemas, 708 Main Street. The 21-minute long show will be offered on a rolling basis from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and it is free and open to the public. Concessions will be available. ParkingThere's public parking around downtown and the surrounding areas. There's also designated parking at the following locations for $10 per car (cash only), round-trip shuttle ride included:Friday and Saturday: Delta Lot on west side of town, Exit 40 from Highway 163; follow signage at Exit 40.Saturday only: Pella Christian High School on the southeast side of town, Exit 44 from Highway 163; follow signage at Exit 44The following churches also have parking available: Calvary Church at 408 Maple Street - Free parking with shuttle to downtown. Handicapped transport may be available.Connect Church at 914 Liberty Street - $5First Church at 605 Broadway Street - $15 Open Bible Church at 837 Washington Street - $15Pella Christian Grade School at 216 Liberty Street (enter from Franklin Street) - $20Trinity Church at 407 Franklin Street - $20 per day or $50 for all 3 daysLimited handicap parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Pella Public Library parking lot with access from Liberty Street. This parking lot is free and open to those with handicap permits. No advance reservations.Click here for detailed information about parking, street closures and shuttle options. Tulip Time weatherIt will be a good idea to pack a raincoat if you are planning on going to either of the first two days, but you won't need any rain gear for Saturday.Click here for the full Tulip Time forecast. Pella skycam: The Amsterdam HotelToursPella City Tours640 Franklin St.May 1-38:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and 4 p.m.-6 p.m.$10 adults, $7 youthHistorical Village and Vermeer Windmill Tour507 Franklin St.May 1-39 a.m.-6 p.m.$25 adults, $18 ages 5-17Scholte House MuseumCorner of Broadway and Washington streetsMay 1-39 a.m.-6 p.m.$12 adults, $7 ages 5-18 Tuttle Cabin608 Lincoln St.May 1-210 a.m.-6 p.m. Fire Station Museum604 Main St.May 1-312 p.m.-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-8 p.m. ShowsPella Opera House The Reluctant Pioneer: The Story of Maria ScholteMay 1-310 a.m.Tickets, $10Tulip Time: Brad & KateMay 1-24 p.m.Tickets, $25Tiptoe Through the Tulips on the Barton Theater OrganMay 311 a.m.Tickets, $10Pella High School Choral ShowcaseMay 34:30 p.m.Tickets, $15Afternoon Grandstand show at the Tulip Toren stage The afternoon Grandstand show features Dutch dancing and singing, a Dutch Costume Culture Show, the presentation of the Tulip Queen and her Court, and more. The Grandstand Show is followed by the afternoon Volks parade, and your ticket includes prime seating to view the parade.May 1-31 p.m.$15 bleacher seats, $10 park seatingTo purchase tickets for tours and grandstand shows, click here.Evening Feesthouden show at the Tulip Toren stageThe free evening Feesthouden shows feature special entertainment each night.7 p.m. Thursday: Prairie Lakes Church Worship — Prairie Lakes Church Worship is a group of musicians dedicated to creating meaningful moments where anyone can experience God’s love.7 p.m. Friday: Central College Flying Pans Steel Band — The Flying Pans, founded and directed by Stanley E. Dahl, Senior Lecturer of Music, perform diverse styles of music from traditional calypso, soca and reggae to that of classical, Latin, disco, techno and rock and roll. 6:30 p.m. Saturday: Brad Morgan — Country music artist and songwriter Brad Morgan, born and raised on a farm near Manning, plays a show featuring classic country music and original music inspired by his Midwest country roots. Where to find the tulipsEverywhere, really. Hundreds of thousands of tulips are planted throughout town, according to pellahistorical.org. And they're planted strategically so they bloom around Tulip Time, including in downtown Pella's Central Park, Sunken Gardens Park located two blocks north of Central Park on Main Street, and Brinkhoff Park located on the corner of Washington Street and Fifield Road. ParadesMay 1-32:45 p.m. Volks parade8:30 p.m. Evening lighted parade; Friday's parade will be followed by fireworks, visible from downtown areaFor a full schedule of free entertainment and pop-up performances, click here. Where to eat Booths are located throughout the festival area Maria's Tea Room is currently full for Tulip TimeTo be put on a waitlist, email tearoom@pellahistorical.comDutch Dinner ShowCentral College Graham Conference CenterApril 30, May 1-25 p.m.Purchase tickets here Fly-In Pancake Breakfast 501 West 15th Street, Pella Municipal AirportMay 37 a.m.-10 a.m. $10 adults, $7 childrenClick here for a full list of restaurants, bakeries and markets.More Tulip Time stories vlog archives: Look back at Pella's Tulip Time, a treasured Iowa traditionPella marching band honoring long-time band director during tulip time paradeGezellig Brewing Company brews new batch of tulip-flavored beer for Tulip Time
Iowa's most colorful tradition returns this week to Pella.
The 90th annual Tulip Time celebration May 1-3 features parades, performances, delicious Dutch treats and, of course, tulips.
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Here's what you need to know if you're heading to Tulip Time:
New in 2025
Art at Brinkhoff Park: Located on the west edge of Pella at the corner of Washington Street and Fifield Road, is an art installation in the shape of a large wooden shoe with a bench inside. The shoe will be large enough for groups and be wheelchair accessible for everyone to get the perfect picture.
Thistles Flower Market Carts: will be selling flowers and more from two bike carts and a pushcart throughout the festival at Sunken Gardens, Central Park, and the Molengracht.
Tulip Time murals: Local artist Nicole Pitts has created two cheerful tulip-themed murals to honor the beauty of Pella and the Tulip Time festival. Find them outside the Vermeer Windmill and in the Molengracht Canal.
1960s Tulip Time Documentary: Watch a documentary from 1968-69 about Tulip Time at Pella Cinemas, 708 Main Street. The 21-minute long show will be offered on a rolling basis from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and it is free and open to the public. Concessions will be available.
Parking
There's public parking around downtown and the surrounding areas.
There's also designated parking at the following locations for $10 per car (cash only), round-trip shuttle ride included:
- Friday and Saturday: Delta Lot on west side of town, Exit 40 from Highway 163; follow signage at Exit 40.
- Saturday only: Pella Christian High School on the southeast side of town, Exit 44 from Highway 163; follow signage at Exit 44
The following churches also have parking available:
- Calvary Church at 408 Maple Street - Free parking with shuttle to downtown. Handicapped transport may be available.
- Connect Church at 914 Liberty Street - $5
- First Church at 605 Broadway Street - $15
- Open Bible Church at 837 Washington Street - $15
- Pella Christian Grade School at 216 Liberty Street (enter from Franklin Street) - $20
- Trinity Church at 407 Franklin Street - $20 per day or $50 for all 3 days
Limited handicap parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Pella Public Library parking lot with access from Liberty Street. This parking lot is free and open to those with handicap permits. No advance reservations.
Click for detailed information about parking, street closures and shuttle options.
Tulip Time weather
It will be a good idea to pack a raincoat if you are planning on going to either of the first two days, but you won't need any rain gear for Saturday.
Click here for the full Tulip Time forecast.
Pella skycam: The Amsterdam Hotel
Tours
Pella City Tours
- 640 Franklin St.
- May 1-3
- 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
- $10 adults, $7 youth
Historical Village and Vermeer Windmill Tour
- 507 Franklin St.
- May 1-3
- 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- $25 adults, $18 ages 5-17
Scholte House Museum
- Corner of Broadway and Washington streets
- May 1-3
- 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- $12 adults, $7 ages 5-18
Tuttle Cabin
- 608 Lincoln St.
- May 1-2
- 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Fire Station Museum
- 604 Main St.
- May 1-3
- 12 p.m.-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Shows
Pella Opera House
- The Reluctant Pioneer: The Story of Maria Scholte
- May 1-3
- 10 a.m.
- , $10
- Tulip Time: Brad & Kate
- May 1-2
- 4 p.m.
- , $25
- Tiptoe Through the Tulips on the Barton Theater Organ
- May 3
- 11 a.m.
- , $10
- Pella High School Choral Showcase
- May 3
- 4:30 p.m.
- , $15
Afternoon Grandstand show at the Tulip Toren stage
- The afternoon Grandstand show features Dutch dancing and singing, a Dutch Costume Culture Show, the presentation of the Tulip Queen and her Court, and more. The Grandstand Show is followed by the afternoon Volks parade, and your ticket includes prime seating to view the parade.
- May 1-3
- 1 p.m.
- $15 bleacher seats, $10 park seating
- To purchase tickets for tours and grandstand shows, click .
Evening Feesthouden show at the Tulip Toren stage
- The free evening Feesthouden shows feature special entertainment each night.
- 7 p.m. Thursday: Prairie Lakes Church Worship — Prairie Lakes Church Worship is a group of musicians dedicated to creating meaningful moments where anyone can experience God’s love.
- 7 p.m. Friday: Central College Flying Pans Steel Band — The Flying Pans, founded and directed by Stanley E. Dahl, Senior Lecturer of Music, perform diverse styles of music from traditional calypso, soca and reggae to that of classical, Latin, disco, techno and rock and roll.
- 6:30 p.m. Saturday: Brad Morgan — Country music artist and songwriter Brad Morgan, born and raised on a farm near Manning, plays a show featuring classic country music and original music inspired by his Midwest country roots.
Where to find the tulips
Everywhere, really. Hundreds of thousands of tulips are planted throughout town, according to . And they're planted strategically so they bloom around Tulip Time, including in downtown Pella's Central Park, Sunken Gardens Park located two blocks north of Central Park on Main Street, and Brinkhoff Park located on the corner of Washington Street and Fifield Road.
Parades
May 1-3
- 2:45 p.m. Volks parade
- 8:30 p.m. Evening lighted parade; Friday's parade will be followed by fireworks, visible from downtown area
For a full schedule of free entertainment and pop-up performances, click .
Where to eat
- Booths are located throughout the festival area
- Maria's Tea Room is currently full for Tulip Time
- To be put on a waitlist, email tearoom@pellahistorical.com
- Dutch Dinner Show
- Central College Graham Conference Center
- April 30, May 1-2
- 5 p.m.
- Purchase tickets
- Fly-In Pancake Breakfast
- 501 West 15th Street, Pella Municipal Airport
- May 3
- 7 a.m.-10 a.m.
- $10 adults, $7 children
Click for a full list of restaurants, bakeries and markets.
More Tulip Time stories
vlog archives: Look back at Pella's Tulip Time, a treasured Iowa tradition
Pella marching band honoring long-time band director during tulip time parade
Gezellig Brewing Company brews new batch of tulip-flavored beer for Tulip Time