Pella, Iowa Tulip Festival | Adventures With Jack

May 10, 2026

The 2026 Pella Tulip Festival just wrapped up and we had to share our trip to this festival with you. This was our second trip to the Festival and this time we knew exactly where to go, what to see, the best restaurants and accommodations, etc. and will share them with you here.

This time Ashley and her boyfriend, Chase decided to join us. I have to say it was nice to be chauffeured around rather than being the chauffeurs! (Chase did most of the driving)

And it was nice to get a teen perspective on the Festival.

As Ashley put it, "I feel like I'm on a Hallmark movie set! Very apt description of Pella.

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!

Our recommendation is to do what we did and arrive in Pella at least one day before the festival starts. This year's festival began on a Thursday so you want to arrive at least by Wednesday. Reason being: This festival has become more and more popular so you can expect to encounter thousands of visitors. On Saturday (last day of the festival) the number of visitors nearly doubles and you'll find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder in those large crowds. Arriving a day or two early gives you a chance to explore Pella without being mobbed and before prices are hiked for the festival.

Dates and Times

The Tulip Festival is always held the first weekend in May, running from Thursday through Saturday.

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.

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.

Tickets and Admission

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

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

Money $aving Tip: 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 & Dining

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.

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,

Many of the vendors are from Pella civic organizations and churches and their proceeds go to those institutions so your money goes toward a good cause.

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.

In the case of restaurants, they get really packed so it's best to make reservations well ahead of time.

The best way to see Pella and its Tulip Festival is to drive your car to Pella, park it and then walk or bike the town - although biking it can be difficult due to the number of people the festival draws.

Your attention will be focused on not running anyone over vs. the town's attractions and scenery.

HIRTA (Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency)

HIRTA provides bus service in and around Pella, Knoxville, and surrounding central Iowa counties (Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Story, and Warren)

Fares: $3.00 in-town, $6.00 in county, $25 to Des Moines (limited availability)

Hours: Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Story County 6:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.),

Saturday–Sunday 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. plus 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

On-demand booking via phone (877‑686‑0029) or the HIRTA On Demand app. Drivers pick up within a 20‑minute window.

Getting Around the Festival

A gift from Pella Corporation to Pella Historical Museums in celebration of their 100th anniversary, the trolley will be offering rides from the Pella Public Library to the Pella Corporation Museum during Tulip Time, running from after the afternoon parade until the start of the evening parade.

Most people drive their personal cars to the festival so plan on hiking a few blocks once you've found parking.

If you have little ones it's a good idea to bring a stroller or a wagon.

SHUTTLES: Golf cart shuttles are available to transport visitors along a route from the Scholte Church to the Dutch Market from 10am-2pm and 4pm-8pm. Single rides and day-long passes may be purchased directly from shuttle cart drivers. Golf carts pick up and drop off passengers at designated sites only. Cost is $2 per ride, or $5 for an all day pass.

Parking

Looking for parking on Thursday? I recommend looking for street parking on the outskirts of the downtown area, or utilize one of the lots listed below.

Several organizations in Pella are also available for parking on a first-come, first-served basis.

Calvary Church at 408 Maple Street: Free parking with free shuttle to downtown. Handicapped transport may be available.
Connect Church at 914 Liberty Street: $10
First Church at 605 Broadway Street
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

Limited handicap parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Pella Public Library parking lot with access from Main Street only. This parking lot is FREE and open to those with handicap permits. No advance reservations.

From the website:

Limited parking is available downtown or within walking distance. These spots tend to fill up early in the morning. Thank you for abiding by all "no parking" signs!

Off-site parking lots are available from 9:00am to 6:00pm for $10 CASH or $11 VENMO. Shuttles take you to downtown Pella and back, running frequently until 10:00pm and included in the price of parking. Note: Not all shuttles are equipped with handicap accessibility and many parking spaces may require significant walking to board the shuttle.

Friday & Saturday: Delta Lot on west side of town, Exit 40 from Hwy 163 - follow signage at Exit 40
Saturday Only: Pella Christian High School on the southeast side of town, Exit 44 from Hwy 163 - follow signage at Exit 44

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.

This trip we decided to stay at the Royal Amsterdam Hotel as it's right in the heart of downtown Pella so everything is within walking distance. Any parking issues solved!

It's all been remodeled and we couldn't have asked for a nicer view from our room. Clean, comfortable and a very accommodating staff.

Breakfast was included but plan on having breakfast out as the hotel breakfast left a whole lot to be desired. The Liberty Street Restaurant is right there. We did have a coffeemaker, mini fridge and microwave in our room so picked up a few things that we could make breakfast right in the room as well. This comes in hand if the restaurants are jammed packed, causing you to wait in long lines.

The 38-room hotel includes the Grand Cafe, a movie theater and a signature clock tower.

Plan on booking your Pella accommodations during the Tulip Festival at least 6 months in advance.

Accommodations Recommendations

HOTELS & MOTELS

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 & 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.

Recommended for families with kids:

The Rock House - historic home has been carefully updated with modern amenities while still holding onto its charm
The Royal Amsterdam Hotel (pretty spendy, but you can't beat the charm or the central location)
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Pella, IA
Links Bos Landen Hotel & Spa of Pella, Trademark by Wyndham
Fairfield Inn & Suites Oskaloosa (about 20 minutes outside of town)
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites in Knoxville, Iowa (about 25 minutes outside of town)

Wednesday

Day before festval begins

Day one of our trip itinerary for Pella, Iowa, focuses on arrival and settling in for the fun weekend ahead. Once you've arrived, you'll take a walk around Pella's scenic canal and have dinner.

You'll do a whole lot of walking so bring comfy shoes! (No, I don't advocate walking the town in wooden shoes...or "Klompen" as they're called.)

Molengracht Plaza & Canal

Right in the heart of downtown, this beautiful plaza was designed to mirror an authentic Dutch canal. It even has arched bridges, 100,000 gallons of flowing water, and European-style buildings that feel straight out of a storybook. It feels like being on a Hallmark movie set.

With shops and restaurants nearby, it's simple to hang out and explore at your own pace.

This business district expanded over 100,000 square feet, representing an authentic Dutch square. Opened in 2001 the complex is home to some of the most delightful boutiques, stores, bakeries, retail/office space, still retaining the old world charm. The highlight of Molengracht plaza is the beautifully designed Dutch canal with a working drawbridge.

No, unfortunately you can't take a boat ride down the canal. It wasn't built for boats and boat traffic.

Still, it's common to see people hanging out all day in Molengracht Square by the canal, just chillen' Dutch style.

After you've explored, have dinner right in Molengracht Square at Liberty Street Kitchen.

Located right along the canal, Liberty Street Kitchen serves contemporary comfort food with a local twist. The menu has something for everyone, including fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, pastas, and well-executed entrées.

The service is warm and genuinely welcoming. With indoor seating, a lively bar area, and a spacious patio in warmer weather, it's a perfect place ease into your weekend.

Reservations can be made online, which I definitely recommend during tulip season.

705 E 1st St, Pella

Thursday

Planning your itinerary before your trip is crucial. We planned ours so that we saw the major attractions the first day of the festival when it was far less crowded than Friday and Saturday.

Breakfast

Start your day with a stop at Iris Coffee Company for a delicious latte or coffee then pop into Jaarsma Bakery for some Dutch sweets for breakfast.

Jaarsma Bakery has been a Pella institution since 1898.

This family-owned bakery is famous for its Dutch Letters (flaky, buttery, S-shaped pastries filled with rich almond paste).

We took ours across the street to the park to eat among the tulips.

We spent so much time in Pella bakeries we actually put them on speed dial!

I recommend arriving before 8:00 am at the bakeries if you don't want to wait in much of a line.

Take A Tractor Tour of the Town

Tractor-pulled wagon tours of the city are a crowd favorite, offering a one-hour guided ride through Pella with a knowledgeable costumed guide who covers the city’s history and the story behind the festival itself.

If it's your first time in Pella I recommend doing it on day one to get the lay of the town and the history behind the Tulip Festival.

Throughout each day of Tulip Time, there are tours of the town available for about $8. The tours start on Franklin St. just off of the central park.

Vermeer Windmill & Pella Historical Village

Vermeer Windmill is one of the largest working windmills in North America. The windmill was designed and built by Lukas Verbij Hoogmade, the Netherlands. It was de-assembled, shipped to Iowa, and re-assembled in Pella 2002.

Vermeer has five floors. The bottom floor is where the grain was brought in, and the rest of the floors are where the grain was milled.

The guided tour starts at the top and works its way down:

See the grindstones in action
Explore the miller’s living quarters
Visit the windmill museum
Peek into a miniature Dutch village from the 1840s (a favorite with kids)

There are a lot of stairs, so strollers and wagons must stay in the gift shop.

During Tulip Time you need to schedule your Vermeer Mill (the iconic windmill) tour when you arrive in Pella.

Historical Village & Museum

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of Pella, IA at the Historical Village, Vermeer Windmill & Scholte House. This unique museum offers visitors a glimpse into the past, with meticulously preserved buildings and artifacts that tell the story of the town's early days. Wander through the charming village streets, lined with historic homes and shops, and discover the traditions and customs of the Dutch settlers who founded this picturesque community.

From the iconic Vermeer Windmill, a towering symbol of the town's heritage, to the elegant Scholte House, a beautifully restored mansion that once belonged to one of Pella's founding families, each corner of the museum is steeped in history. Explore the exhibits that showcase the daily life of early settlers, learn about traditional crafts and trades, and gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring spirit of this tight-knit community.

It's easy to spend 3-5 hours at the Village as there's so much to see and do - we loved 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.

There's puppet show and koi pond that kids like.

If you wish to come and go, you may as they give wristbands to mark your admission.

Historical Village

Hours:

Monday through Friday
- 10:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday
- 10:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday
- Closed to the public

Admission:

$25 adult
$18 youth (5-18)
Kids 4 & under: Free

This price includes both the Historical Village and the Vermeer Windmill experience. Tickets can be purchased in-person, day-of, or online here.

Scholte House Museum & Gardens

Photo credit: Pella Historical Society

The Library is the room most original to when the Scholtes lived here. The rest of the house has changed over the years as different members of the family have moved in and out. The first addition was the room we now call the Rose Room, which was originally the carriage house, but was later converted to living quarters as the family’s needs changed. What started as a few rooms grew to the present approximately 26-30 rooms (counting bathrooms, hallways, & enclosed porches). There are 6 stairways (including the 2 basement stairs), 12 exterior doors, 41 interior doors, 69 windows, and 55 light switches.

Hours:

Monday through Saturday
- 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Sunday
- Closed to the public

Admission:

$12 adult
$7 youth (5-18)
Kids 4 & under: Free

The Scholte Gardens are always free and open to the public. Tickets to the Scholte House Museum can be purchased in-person, day-of, or online.

The Pella Historical Village is not to be missed. It features 22 historic buildings that bring early settler life in Iowa to life. You'll find gardens, a koi pond, demonstrations of traditional Dutch crafts (like wooden shoe making), and even Wyatt Earp's boyhood home. There are indoor and open air exhibits. You'll even find a puppet play area for kids in one of the indoor exhibits.

Wyatt Earp House

Wyatt Earp's house marks the beginning of the historical village and museum. It examines the life of Wyatt Earp, leading visitors through his childhood, relationships, and legacy as they explore the rooms where he lived in the early 1860s. The self-guided audio tour is part of admission into the Pella Historical Village.

The boyhood home of Wyatt Earp was built in 1855 by the brothers B.H. and J.H.H. Van Spanckeren, who used the building as a home and merchant-tailor store. The architecture is rare in the Midwest; its 18th century Dutch style is normally only seen in the Netherlands or eastern United States.

The Earp family lived in the Van Spanckeren Row House in the bottom floor apartment during the Civil War. Since then, many people have lived and worked inside the building.

Pella Historical Museums honors the life and times of Wyatt and his family with a fall celebration. Wyatt Earp Day is fun for the whole family where you can enjoy artisans sharing their crafts, tasty treats, old-fashioned music, and more!

Wyatt Earp Day is in the Historical Village, located at 507 Franklin Street.

Incidentally, watch for Wyatt Earp and his brothers roaming around town. They'll happily pose for a selfie with you!

We were so full of Dutch pastries that we had a light lunch from Eatery Island food trucks.

The food is very basic but a Walk'N'Taco and small lemonade will only run you $10 - tax included.

Their tacos are very good! They also serve funnel cakes and deep fried Oreos.

There are a lot of food vendors present at the Tulip Festival. Among the vendor foods that you really need to try are the Poffertjes served by the Pella Kiwanis Club, the Dutch Stack, Vetbollen in front of the Vermeer Windmill, and the Romanian Sausage served by the Orthodox Church.

Central Park

Central Park and the tulips planted in it are gorgeous, especially at night when the town is all lit up.

This is where you'll find the biggest variety of different tulips in nearly every color of the rainbow.

The Avenue of Tulips is located in Central Park, the town square in Pella. It holds the widest variety of tulips –

all with nicely done labels so you know the name of each variety. Photo credit: Iowa Road Trip

Photo credit: Iowa Road Trip

Kids will love spotting the historic fountain, sundial, and Tulip Tower.

Tour the Tulip Gardens

Warm April weather caused the tulips this year to bloom early so they were past their peak for the Festival. Not that the early bloom affected the enthusiasm of residents or festival-goers.

Taken May 6, 2026

There are a number of tulip gardens to look at around town and we hadn't seen all of them yet so we took a stroll through some of the various gardens:

Brinkhoff Park: A quieter area to enjoy the colorful tulips
Central Park: The heart of downtown featuring meticulously designed flower beds with over 40,000 blooms
Sunken Gardens: A peaceful oasis with unique tulip varieties and water features
Scholte House Gardens: Historic gardens surrounding the home of Pella’s founder
Tulip Avenue: A specially designed street featuring a stunning central median filled with thousands of fresh tulips
West Market Park: Another fantastic location for favorite tulip shots

Klokkenspel Musical Display

Now is the perfect time to visit the Klokkenspel, where mechanical figures bring the town's Dutch-inspired history to life alongside a 147-bell carillon. The best times to view the display are at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 9 p.m. You can watch from either side for a different view.

The Klokkenspel features eight 4-foot mechanical figures that portray people and moments of Pella’s history. It was built and unveiled during Tulip Time 1985. It was just the coolest thing ever! Even Chase and Ashley were enthralled with it.

In the courtyard behind the Klokkenspel are flower beds, stone benches, and arched niches filled with Dutch tile scenes. All this can be experienced a half block west on Franklin Street from the Vermeer Windmill.

The north side of the Klokkenspel features four figures - Dominie Hendrik Scholte ( founder of Pella), Maria Scholte, Wyatt Earp, and a Blacksmith.

Wyatt Earp is known to most Americans as an infamous lawman of the Wild West. He resided in Pella as a child, and the home he lived in still stands as part of the Historical Village. The Blacksmith, working at his forge, represents the early industry of Pella and new Americans everywhere. The Historical Village also includes a blacksmith shop.

On the south side of the Klokkenspel are figures representing Tulip Time. The wooden shoe maker, flower girls, and street scrubbers are a part of every festival and represent the colorful spirit of Tulip Time.

Afternoon Volks Parade

The afternoon Volks parade brings Dutch culture and Pella fun to life. This is also called the Kinder Parade as it features Pella's school students and younger. Costumed parents also push their babies and toddlers along the parade route in strollers and baby carriages. Even the little tykes are costumed.

See and hear dozens of bands from West Michigan's middle and high schools! Enjoy community floats, local businesses and fun in downtown Holland. Perfect springtime event for kids, families and couples.

You can bring you own chairs/blankets and watch the parade for free OR buy Grandstand Seats for $22 per person.

There is grandstand seating located adjacent to the Civic Center parking lot, on both sides of 8th Street. Convenient viewing and the comfort of a seat with a back and legroom. Not ADA accessible. Reserved seating. Parade Grandstands - 150 West 8th St. Holland, MI 49423.

There's also streetside seating at the Civic Center Marketside!. This location is ADA and stroller accessible. First come, first serve. Holland Civic Center, 150 W. 8th St. Holland, MI 49423

This parade is so popular it will be difficult to see if you get there late. People are 6 and 7 deep lined up along the parade route!

So be sure to plan ahead!

We elected the reserve grandstand seating this trip and found it was well worth the $22 price just not to have to fight the crowds along the parade route.

During the Tulip Festival, they hold two parades each day: an afternoon 2:30 pm parade and an evening lighted parade that starts at 8:30 pm.

Both parades follow the conclusion of the grandstand shows on the Tulip Toren. It spans several blocks, heading north on Main Street towards Central Park, around the Square, and east to the Historical Village.

After some short speeches the Tulip Festival Queen and her court were introduced.

Tulip Queen and her court

Before the parade can take place Pella residents perform the traditional washing of the street, dressed in traditional Dutch costumes.

I had to ask one of them why they washed the streets. She explained not only for health reasons and safety of those in the parade but because the town residents always want their town looking its best.

Photo credit: Iowa Road Trip

After the streets were washed Dutch dancers took to the streets to perform traditional Dutch dances.

Every so often these dancers would stop dancing long enough to pull members of the audience into their dance to join them in the streets.

Attend the Dutch Dinner at Central College

You can’t attend the Pella Tulip Time Festival without attending the Dutch dinner show at Central College. This exclusive dinner is hosted each night of the annual festival, and tickets tend to sell out well in advance. $35 per ticket.

The dinner consisted of several authentic and delicious Dutch foods, as well as live entertainment by a group of over 20 Dutch Dancers.

Central College is within walking distance of Pella’s downtown area.

After dinner we headed for the lighted parade.

Evening Lighted Parade

Our favorite part of the Tulip Festival is the evening lighted parade.

Photos creditL Iowa Road Trip

At around 7 pm, the Air Force Band of Mid-America Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble started performing. When their performance wound down everyone got busy staking out their places along the parade route as jazz ensemble belted out “In The Mood”, a jazz classic by Iowa native Glenn Miller.

For the first time ever we saw something really unique - each section of the parade route had its own announcer! They wanted to make sure that you knew what you were seeing and understood its significance, and its history… This was fantastic! You weren't trying to guess what everything was or its significance!

The parade ends about 9:30 pm. It had been a busy day. We enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the canal on the way back to our hotel.

Friday

Breakfast at the best breakfast spot in Pella. (In our opinion)

Windmill Cafe. 709 Franklin St, Pella

In spite of downtown being packed and the cafe being super busy we were seated right away with no wait. You couldn't ask for a better, more friendly and efficient staff and our food was delivered within 10 minutes of ordering it.

There's a small section on the menu that offers Armenian/Greek fare and we both ordered an omelet off that section. It was scrumptious and came with hash browns and toast.

During our walk we came upon where the town had parked Goliath, their gorgeous street organ.

Dutch Craft Market

1002 Franklin Street in West Market Park

West Market Park is a local park on the west side of town.

During Tulip Time, this area is loaded with a wide variety of shopping delights, as vendors rent out space to sell their goods. Ranging from food and clothing to decorations and stationery, the park becomes a sort of Dutch craft market that should absolutely be checked out.

I was fascinated with the display of wooden shoes and the shoemaker even let me try a pair on. Much to my surprise they were actually very comfortable!

There are over 100 vendors booths to check out and just browsing the market was fun and interesting.

For Lunch: Butcher's Brewhuis and Deli & In't Veld's Meat Market

For an authentic taste of Pella, head to Butcher's Brewhuis and Deli for lunch.

Judging by what others in line were ordering bologna sandwiches steal the show. This local favorite is supplied by In't Veld's Meat Market, the adjoining butcher shop known for its famous ring bologna. The lunch menu offers bratwurst, dynamite Reubens (I highly recommend one!), pulled pork, and more if you're like me and can't stand bologna in any form.

Expect a line. What I recommend is one of your party grabbing a table while another places your order at the counter.

If you want picnic fare just walk next door to the butcher shop and pick some up.

Visit the Tuttle Log Cabin

While a bit of a hike from downtown, the Tuttle Cabin location is totally walkable. If you take the wagon tour it will bring you to Tuttle Cabin.

This is Pella's oldest building. Built in 1843, it was once the only thing standing in the entire area.

Visitors walk along a brick path from the historic walnut Tuttle log home to Sunken Garden Park, with seven interpretive signs along the way sharing information about Pella’s early history, Dutch settlement, and the area’s heritage.

There is no admission fee to enter the Tuttle Cabin or take the learning walk.

After visiting Tuttle Cabin we returned to watch the afternoon parade again. The parades are definitely worth watching more than once. The afternoon parade begins at 2:30 pm.

Tip: Stake out your 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 to reserve them.

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.

Dutch parents pushing their babies in the afternoon Kinder Parade

Enjoy A Pop Up Show

Enjoy presentations from and photo ops with local performers throughout the three days of Tulip Time! View the hour-by-hour schedule for times and locations, but please note that this is subject to change.

Dutch Family Singers: Listen and watch Dutch songs and traditional dances performed by an energetic group of families in Dutch costume.

Dutchesses: A group of high school women sing traditional Dutch songs and perform Dutch dances in costume, complete with wooden shoes! View Dutchesses schedule here.

Tiny Tulips: Students in grades 4th through 6th perform classic songs in Dutch such as “Happy Birthday” and “Are You Sleeping?”

Pella High School Orchestra Strolling Strings (Thursday & Friday only): Members of the Pella Community High School Orchestra perform Dutch songs and classical music on violin, viola, cello, and bass.

We watched the Dutch Family Singers after the parade.

Dinner

Cantaritos Grill & Cantina. 1205 Washington St., Pella.

This cantina brings you authentic flavors prepared with fresh ingredients. All their guacamole is made in shop, and many of their recipes have been passed down through generations.

Kids have their own menu with enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and grilled cheeses. Meanwhile, adults can try things like pollo a la crema or Cantaritos fajitas paired with a margarita.

Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Evening Feesthouden Show

Tulip Toren on Franklin Street

7:00pm Thursday & Friday, 6:30pm on Saturday

The FREE evening Feesthouden shows feature special entertainment each night. No ticket purchase necessary.

Imagine our surprise to discover that night's show was the Baldknobbers Jamboree that we'd seen in Branson!

Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers is Branson’s first and longest running show - featuring Pella native, Megan McCombs Mabe.

As Branson’s premier country music variety show, the show is stacked with favorite country hits and hilarious comedy as well as just enough classic rock, patriotic salutes and soulful gospel music to satisfy just about any taste in music.

Okay, so the video below features a Christmas song...but I hunted for a video that would show you Pella native, Megan McCombs Mabe as well as the group.

Fireworks

At 8:30 pm we returned to watch the night parade again, which was followed by a fireworks show. This fireworks show is visible from the downtown area. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks show will be postponed to Saturday evening.

Time lapse video of the fireworks taken by the Pella Historical Society...

Saturday: Last day of the Festival

Start your morning off with a special fly-in pancake breakfast at the Pella Municipal Airport. 501 W 15th St, Pella

Breakfast served from 7 am to 10 am. And the breakfast was good.

Breakfast served by the United Methodist Church, with proceeds supporting their programming. The cost is $10 for adults and $6 for kids 5 and under.

Antique, Classic, Homebuilt and Corporate Aircraft were on display.

Iowa Aviation Heritage Museum’s Plane Train was giving rides to children.

We were glad we decided to have breakfast at the airport as it appeared the crowds in Pella on Saturday had doubled in size! Downtown restaurants were MOBBED. There were only about 40 people at the fly-in breakfast by comparison.

The kids wanted to take a ride on the Ferris wheel on our way back through town, to get a bird's eye view of Pella and the festival so all four of us hopped on the Ferris wheel despite having to wait in a line to board.

Pella Opera House

611 Franklin St., Pella

Built in 1900 and brought back to life in 1990, this historic treasure features a 1928 Barton theatre organ and an ornate tin ceiling. Free-self guided tours are available throughout the day. Stop and see the historic architecture or enjoy a great show!

We timed our visit so that we could take a self guided tour of the opera house just before seeing a show there. If you're looking for year round entertainment, check out their year round theater shows and event calendar to book your tickets.

The award-winning Pella High School Choirs were performing during our visit and they were superb!

You’ll find a Martini Huis and shows for all ages throughout the festival.

Nederlanders

514 1/2 Main St, Pella

OPTIONAL: We needed some space from the Festival crowds and had seen pretty much everything we'd wanted to see so we decided to visit Nederlanders to play some virtual golf and grab a gourmet hot dog for lunch.

Nederlanders offers 70+ virtual golf courses, a wide array of driving ranges, target games, and mini-games for all skill levels.

After our golf game we decided to hit the road as we had to make a stop in Cedar Rapids to visit relatives. We decided to have dinner at one of our fave restaurants there - Midtown Reserve.

319 7th St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA

They make a wicked good ribeye with Crab Oscar.

We had a wonderful time at the Tulip Festival and besides the tulips, if there's one thing that stands out in the festival, it's the solid sense of community the residents of Pella have retained. For a small town of about 10,000 people to hold an annual festival that draws over 200,000 visitors a year is quite an accomplishment!

To help keep an eye on the spring blossoms, the city has a bloom status map that is updated weekly leading up to the festival. You can also call the tulip hotline for an up-to-date status report by dialing 641-620-9463 and pressing “0.” This detailed report includes information about what blooms look like in each of the city’s more than 250 flowerbeds.