Story by Culture Editor Leah Ash

Exams are quickly approaching and with them, warmer weather. While it can be stressful at this time of year, take some time off to celebrate summer before going home.

Holland’s Tulip Time Festival will begin on Saturday, May 6th, and end on Sunday, May 14th, offering plenty of time for a visit to check out the celebrations. The event is free and takes place in Downtown Holland with plenty of events over the course of the week. 

The Festival celebrates the Dutch heritage of the town in a multitude of ways, including traditional Dutch dances in Centennial Park as well as historic walking tours around town.

Aside from the heritage, this festival celebrates the millions of tulips that bloom in May. The festival has a daily schedule, with some events happening every day and other special events included as well. 

While visiting, make sure to visit the Tulip Immersion Garden at Beechwood Church. Visitors are able to view the three stunning, raised beds of tulips that are carefully grown by Ibo Gülsen, a world renowned Dutch horticulturist. In addition to taking pictures among the gorgeous flowers, guests will learn about the history of tulips and how we came to be celebrating them in Holland, Michigan. 

Enjoy artwork created by talented artists celebrating the Tulip Time Festival at the Art in Bloem Fine Art Showcase. This free event has twenty pieces of contemporary art up for display and encourages visitors to partake in the celebration. These art pieces are the finalists for the 2023 First Bloem artwork competition, and visitors can vote for their favorite image in the Viewers’ Choice Awards!

The Ottawa County Fairgrounds will be home to the Artisan Market. With over two hundred vendors, this is a market to remember. Find beautifully handcrafted, unique goods to buy for yourself or as a gift. In addition to the vendors, there will also  be food trucks and pop up Dutch dance performances on site. 

There are plenty of other events to check out throughout the week. Attend a morning photo walk in Windmill Island Gardens or head over to the Holland Community Theatre to see the light hearted play “Nana’s Naughty Knickers.” 

The Tulip Time Festival has something for everyone, so don’t be afraid to take time off from studying to spend some time enjoying spring as it blooms! Check out the daily schedule of events here: https://tuliptime.com/events#list-view