Pella Tulip Festival 2025: Everything You Need To Know

Pella, Iowa, is a town that's beautiful and unique all year long, but during the Pella Tulip Festival, it truly comes alive! While historical sights, ethnic foods, Dutch architecture, and great shops are always part of Pella's charm, it's during this annual event that thousands of residents don Dutch attire to celebrate their heritage, transforming the town into a vibrant spectacle. 

For three days each spring, Pella is bursting with color and excitement as tulips bloom, parades wind through the streets, and the aroma of Dutch treats fills the air. The festival is a must-see celebration, and this guide from TravelThru will provide you with everything you need to know to plan your visit this year.

Pella Tulip Festival 2025 Dates and Times

The dates are set for the 2025 Tulip Time! Get ready to experience the magic of this iconic Dutch celebration from Thursday, May 1st, through Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. As always, it's happening the first full weekend of May, so you've got three fantastic days to immerse yourself in the beautiful tulips, delicious food, and vibrant culture of Pella.

Festival activities generally begin each morning at 10:00 AM and continue throughout the day until evening. The main attractions include:

Historical street performances: Watch for four daily performances at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM on the main streets of historic downtown Pella.

Afternoon parade: Usually starting around 2:45 PM. This parade features floats, marching bands, people in Dutch costumes, and more.

Lighted evening parade (Lighted parades): Typically starting around 8:30 PM. This enchanting parade features illuminated floats that create a magical atmosphere.

Throughout the festival, you can enjoy a variety of musical performances and shows, such as:

• Local and regional bands: Performing on various stages throughout the festival grounds.
• Dutch musical groups: Showcasing traditional Dutch music and songs.
• High school bands: Many area high school marching bands participate in the parades and may have other performances.

Beyond the parades and musical performances, the Pella Tulip Festival offers a plethora of other exciting activities:

• Dutch craft market: Find unique handcrafted goods, Dutch imports, and souvenirs.
• Pella historical village tours: Explore the historical village, including the Vermeer Windmill, Wyatt Earp's boyhood home, and other historic buildings.
• Tulip garden tours: Visit stunning tulip displays at various locations around Pella, including Central Park, Sunken Gardens, and Fair Haven Memorial.
• Dutch demonstrations: Watch demonstrations of traditional Dutch crafts like wooden shoe carving and Delft pottery painting.
• Food booths: Indulge in delicious Dutch treats like poffertjes, stroopwafels, and "Dutch Letters," as well as other festival favorites.

You should note that while the festival officially opens at 10:00 AM, many local shops and food vendors begin serving traditional Dutch treats as early as 8:00 AM. For the most current schedule information, it's recommended to check the official Pella Historical Society website as the event dates approach, as specific performance times may be subject to adjustment.

For optimal viewing of the tulip gardens and participation in major events, plan to arrive early in the day. Peak crowd times typically occur between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, especially during the Saturday celebrations.

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Tickets and Admission for the Pella Iowa Tulip Festival​

Good news! General admission to the Pella Tulip Festival grounds and most events are typically FREE. This means you can enjoy the parades, admire the tulips throughout the town, and soak in the festive atmosphere without purchasing a ticket.

However, some specific attractions and events, such as Pella Historical Village, Scholte House, and Vermeer Windmill, may require separate admission fees. Based on previous years, visitors can expect:

• Adults (15-64): $20 (Includes Historical Village, Scholte House, and Vermeer Mill)
• Seniors (65+): $15
• Students (5-14): $6
• Children (under 5): Free

For the best value, consider purchasing combination tickets that provide access to multiple premium attractions. These tickets are typically available for purchase:

• Online through the Pella Historical Society website
• At the Pella Historical Society office during the festival
• At designated ticket booths throughout the festival grounds

Food at the Pella Tulip Festival

The Pella Iowa Tulip Festival offers an authentic taste of Dutch cuisine alongside local Iowa favorites. Visitors can experience traditional Dutch delicacies at various locations throughout the festival grounds and downtown Pella.

The central food court on Franklin Street features vendors serving traditional Dutch meals such as:

• Pella bologna – a local specialty meat with a distinct flavor and texture
• Erwtensoep – traditional Dutch pea soup
• Stamppot – mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables and served with meatballs
• Dutch spiced beef – a savory meat dish prepared according to old-world recipes

Beyond Dutch cuisine, you can enjoy:

• Fresh-made corn dogs and funnel cakes
• Iowa pork tenderloin sandwiches
• Locally crafted artisanal cheeses
• Hand-dipped ice cream with Dutch-inspired flavors

Food vendors are located throughout the festival grounds, with the highest concentration near the Tulip Toren and along Franklin Street. Most vendors accept both cash and credit cards, though carrying cash is recommended for smaller purchases.

For the best dining experience, festival organizers suggest visiting food vendors during off-peak hours (before 11:30 AM or after 2:00 PM) to avoid the longest lines.

Where to Stay in Pella

If you're planning to stay overnight during the Pella Tulip Festival, it's essential to book your accommodations well in advance. Pella and the surrounding areas offer a variety of lodging options, but they fill up quickly for the festival. Here's a guide to help you find the perfect place to stay:

Hotels and Motels

Pella has a selection of hotels and motels, ranging from budget-friendly to more upscale options. Here are some popular choices:

• Royal Amsterdam Hotel: Dutch-inspired boutique hotel offers premium accommodations with stunning views of the town square.

   

• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Pella, IA: Offering comfortable rooms and suites with modern amenities, this hotel is perfect for families.

   

• Baymont by Wyndham Pella: A reliable choice offering complimentary breakfast and a fitness center.

   

• Super 8 by Wyndham Pella: A budget-friendly motel option.

• AmericInn by Wyndham Pella: A reliable choice with convenient amenities, including free breakfast and an indoor pool, located just minutes from the festival grounds.

Bed and Breakfasts

For a more intimate and unique experience, consider staying at one of Pella's charming bed and breakfasts:

• The Cheesemaker's Inn: A highly-rated B&B known for its delicious breakfasts and comfortable rooms.
• Strawtown Inn: Enjoy a cozy and historic setting in this beautifully restored 1800s home.

Camping

If you enjoy camping, there are campgrounds near Pella where you can pitch a tent or park an RV:

• Lake Red Rock (15 minutes from Pella): Features both RV and tent camping sites with basic amenities.
• Roberts Creek Park (20 minutes from Pella): Offers electrical hookups and modern facilities.

Nearby Cities

If Pella accommodations are fully booked, consider staying in these nearby cities:

• Oskaloosa (15 miles) - 20-minute drive
• Knoxville (15 miles) - 25-minute drive
• Newton (30 miles) - 35-minute drive

The festival promises to be another spectacular celebration of spring, community, and Dutch heritage. With its colorful tulips, exciting events, and welcoming atmosphere, it's an experience that will delight visitors of all ages. Start making your plans today, and get ready to enjoy all that the Pella Tulip Festival 2025 has to offer!

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