Every May, my daughters and I visit Pella's Tulip Time festival, hosted annually during the first full weekend in May (Thurs-Sat). After years of navigating this popular celebration, I've gathered countless tips to help first-time visitors make the most of their experience in Iowa's Dutch treasure. With 300,000 tulips planted in numerous gardens around the town, two wonderful parades every day for three days, delicious Dutch food, and Dutch traditions, this festival is a spring must-see.
We always get there on Thursday morning when the crowds are lighter and enjoy the festival through Friday. Then, on Saturday, we travel to Amana Colonies for their Maifest, which is about an hour away.
My Top Tips for an Unforgettable Tulip Time Experience
1. Plan Your Parade Strategy
Trust me on this one – the parades are unmissable! There are two daily parades: one in the afternoon at 2:45 and one at night at 8:30. On Friday, fireworks are displayed after the evening parade. My girls and I always stake out our afternoon parade spot near the Vermeer Mill or on the square first thing in the morning. Guests are allowed to lay blankets and chairs in their spots early in the day. I use a folding wagon to carry our chairs, cooler, and blanket. The night parade is just wonderful and enchanting, with each of the fabulous floats lit beautifully.
One of the traditions of the parade is, to begin with street cleaners, so consider where you sit and avoid sitting next to the troughs of water where they refill their buckets. The photos above only offer a glimpse of the wonderful parade. You'll enjoy dozens of animated floats, marching bands, and performers.
2. Time Your Treats Right
After standing in long lines at Jaarsma Bakery, I've discovered a secret: visit during parade times! While everyone else is watching the parade, you can enjoy "shorter" lines. As we visit the festival for multiple days, we watch the parade one day and shop during parade time another day. Typically Thursday is less crowded than the weekends. Additionally, Jaarsma offers an "express" line in the alley behind their shop for Dutch Letter orders. You won't be able to purchase their entire variety of goodies at this station, but it's a nice way to get their most famous treat without a long wait.
Some of our Favorite Dutch Treats to enjoy in Pella:
Pastries from Jaarsma and Vander Ploeg Bakeries:
Dutch Letters - Flaky, S-shaped pastries filled with almond paste, traditionally eaten during St. Nicholas Day celebrations but now enjoyed year-round in Pella.
Dutch Puff Pillows - Light, airy pastries similar to cream puffs but with a distinctive Dutch flavor profile, often filled with sweetened whipped cream or custard.
Almond Blanket - A rectangular pastry with flaky layers wrapped around a sweet almond filling, similar to Dutch letters but in a different shape.
St. Nick Cookies - Spiced shortbread cookies shaped and decorated to resemble St. Nicholas, traditionally baked for the December 5th celebration of Sinterklaas.
Dutch Apple Bread - A dense, moist bread studded with chunks of apple and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, sometimes topped with a sweet glaze or streusel.
Favorite Foods from Ulrich's Meat Market and Int Velds Meat Market and Delicatessen:
Dutch Bologna - A distinctive ring-shaped bologna with a smoky flavor and firm texture, often sliced thin and served on sandwiches or with cheese and crackers.
Dutch Gouda - A semi-hard cheese with a rich, buttery flavor that becomes more complex with age. In Pella, it's often served at room temperature with mustard or bread.
Favorite Fair Foods during Pella's Tulip Time:
Poffertjes - Small, fluffy pancakes made from yeast batter, typically served warm with powdered sugar and butter. These coin-sized treats have a light, spongy texture.
Krokketen - Crispy deep-fried rolls with a creamy meat-based filling inside, usually made with beef or veal ragout. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft interior makes them a popular snack.
Dutch Spiced Beef Sandwiches - Thin-sliced, slow-cooked beef seasoned with a blend of traditional Dutch spices (often including cloves, nutmeg, and juniper berries), served on soft rolls.
3. Navigate the Historic Village Like a Pro
The historic village is the heart of the festival, but it can get crowded quickly. We always start our day here, arriving when it opens. This is one of our favorite experiences during Tulip Time, and we typically spend an entire day in the village (typically, we choose Thursday for the parade and shopping and Friday for the village). We love watching the wooden shoe maker, Hindeloopen painting, blacksmith, the corn grist mill, Goliath, the street organ, touring Wyatt Earp's home, and the other buildings. The Vermeer Mill tours are fascinating. We love exploring the miniature village, going up on the mill deck, and trying to lift those heavy flour bags. You can easily spend 3-5 hours in the village. If you wish to come and go, you may as they give wristbands to mark your admission.
Pro Tip: During Tulip Time you need to schedule your Vermeer Mill (the iconic windmill) tour when you arrive. When possible, we enjoy timing it so that we are on the Windmill Deck during the parade.
4. Dress for Success
Iowa weather in May can be unpredictable. We dress in layers and comfortable walking shoes. Sometimes we opt to drop off hoodies at our parade spot during the day. Don't forget sunscreen and perhaps a small umbrella – we've experienced everything from summerlike heat to spring showers during our visits.
5. Make Time for Photos
The tulip gardens around Central Park and the historical village offer stunning photo opportunities. My favorite spot is near the canal with the Vermeer Mill in the background during "golden hour" just before sunset. The light is perfect, and the crowds have usually thinned by then.
6. Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss
While most visitors focus on the main square, we love exploring the residential areas where local homeowners create stunning tulip displays. The neighborhoods just north of the square are particularly beautiful and less crowded.
Watch the Klokkenspel. This Pella landmark features eight 4-foot-tall mechanical figures showing scenes from Pella's history as music plays. The Klokkenspel can be viewed first from Franklin Street and then from the courtyard behind. Performances are held daily at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm, and 9:00 pm. The courtyard behind the Klokkenspel features beautiful Dutch murals and leads to the Molengracht Canal in Pella, Iowa.
Scholte House: The Scholte House Museum is a charming home built back in 1848 by Pella's founder, Hendrik Scholte, for his wife, Maria. The house is filled with their personal belongings, giving you a real sense of their life and times. The gardens behind the house are absolutely beautiful and free to explore. If you're up for a treat, you can even enjoy a Dutch coffee time at Maria's Tea Room (reservations required).
Sunken Garden Park located at the 1100 Block of Main Street, gets its name from its central feature, a sunken pond shaped like a wooden shoe. The park also features a diverse array of formal tulip beds, trees, a windmill, benches from the turn of the century, and light poles. It attracts tourists throughout the year, particularly in the spring when over 15,000 tulips are in bloom. During winter, many people enjoy ice skating.
Shows at the Band Stand and Opera House: During Tuliip Time you can enjoy special live performances ranging from dance to plays. Check the Tulip Time Schedule each year for information.
Dutch Craft Market: 1002 Franklin Street in West Market Park, you can explore over 100 booths offering diverse shopping choices.
Vermeer Corporation offers free self-guided tours (2110 E Vermeer Rd.). Explore the museum to discover the origins of innovation, the impact of our equipment on the world, and the teams responsible for this significant work.
Watch the Annual Tulip Time Schedule for additional information on shuttles, quilt shows, tractor pulls, special tours, meals, and workshops.
The Nitty-Gritty: Planning Your Visit to Tulip Time in Pella
Where to Park
I've found the best parking at Calvary Christian Reformed Church (408 Maple St.). They offer free parking, clean restrooms, and a shuttle to and from the festival from 9 am-10 pm. This is easier than finding street or paid parking. This is a very popular spot, so try to arrive before 9 AM before the lot fills.
Other parking options
Open Bible Church: Located at 837 Washington St., parking is $15 per day
Connect Church: Located at 914 Liberty St., parking is $5
First Church: Located at 605 Broadway St., parking is $15 per day
Pella Christian High School: Located at 300 Eagle Lane, parking is available on Saturdays only
Delta Lot: Located on the west side of town, parking is available on Fridays and Saturdays
Tulip Time festival
Street Parking (follow signage)
Best Times for Activities
Morning: Historic Village tours and shopping
Midday: Catch the afternoon parade
Late afternoon: Visit the bakeries
Evening: Night parade and dinner at one of Pella's charming restaurants
Additional Tips from a Tulip Time Fan
Bring cash – some vendors don't accept cards
Come on Thursday - If possible, visit on Thursday for the smallest crowds.
Book accommodations months in advance if you're staying overnight. Read our guide to the best Vacation Rentals in Pella for ideas. We often stay in neighboring towns like Grinnell (between Pella and Amana Colonies) as it can be more affordable during the festival season.
Tulip Time isn't just a festival; it's a celebration of Dutch heritage that my family looks forward to every year. Each visit brings discoveries and adds to our collection of precious memories. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for another year of Dutch celebrations, I hope these tips help you create special memories in Pella.
Additional Iowa Inspiration:
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It is that time of year when I start to think about tulip season. A good signal that winter is heading behind us! Good to see there are so many options for tulips in Pella in Iowa. And I love the idea of a fun parade too.
These tips are awesome, thank you!
A very useful blog!
Wow, your tips are invaluable. And the experience sounds amazing. I would definitely plan a trip around this event.
This sounds like so much, reading this felt like I was right there :) this would be something I’ll tick off soon.