It’s officially Tulip Time in Holland Michigan! For the locals this festival is a time to celebrate their Dutch heritage that first migrated here back in the 19th Century. This week long celebration is packed full of dancing, craft shows, carnival rides, and of course the junk food. We’re going to give you a couple of our favorites for the week to check out while you’re there!
Dutch Dance/ Kinder Dance
This is one of the festivals staples! Students of the surrounding school districts and alumni work very hard year round to get ready to perform for hundreds of people. They dress in traditional Dutch costumes including the wooden shoes (duck if you see one fly off a foot!) to traditional Dutch music.
These men and women dance every day, throughout the day so make sure to check the schedule for a list of times.
Art & Craft Fair (Centennial Park- 10th and Central Ave. Holland, MI)
Saturday, May 6: 10am-6pm
Sunday, May 7: 10am-4pm
Free
This is one of the biggest craft shows that comes to Holland with over 250 vendors displaying their talent for crafting. There is something for everyone at this show including lawn ornaments, clothes, jewelry, decorations, beef jerky, pet accessories, toys, and so much more! Take your time and make sure to get through each booth as they all have something unique to offer. Also, be sure to keep your eyes peeled between browsing and grab some junk food to watch the Dutch dancer’s line the streets of the park to perform.
Carnival (Civic Center- 150 W. 8th St. Holland, MI)
Friday, May 5- Sunday, May 14
Times vary
Prices vary
Looking for a break during your long work week? Unwind with the family and enjoy some good ole fashioned carnival games and rides! When you’re finished grab a bite to eat at one of the food venders lined around the carnival.
Save time and buy your tickets online here:
Full list of Carnival Times
Tulip Pot Painting (Carolyn Stitch Studio-208 College Ave. Holland, MI)
May 8, 9, and 13: 7-9pm
$25.00/person
If you love to paint you will enjoy this activity. Carolyn Stitch (winner of the 2015 tulip time poster design) has an adorable studio downtown Holland where she hosts a wide variety of events. During Tulip time she is opening her doors to teach others how to paint tulips on terra cotta pots. Save yourself some time and buy your tickets ahead of time at the website below
Delft on Canvas (Beechwood Church-895 Ottawa Beach Rd. Holland, MI)
Saturday, May 6: 7:30pm-9:30pm
Sunday, May 7: 3:00pm-5:00pm
For those of you that are not familiar with blue delft, it is a particular style of painting that originated in Delft, Netherlands. Between 1600 and 1800 it was a very popular pottery that was collected by wealthy families. Today it is still collected by many and displayed in homes and stores all over Holland.
Artist Lisa Schulist is giving you the chance to learn how to paint this beautiful Dutch masterpiece yourself! Head to the website below to buy tickets and reserve a spot for you and your friends to have a night of fun learning a new skill.
These activities are just the tip of the iceberg! Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for part II; there are still so many fun things for you and your family to do during the last half of Tulip Time!