Events

78th Tulip Festival

May 9 & May 10 in Washington Park

VENDORS I YOGAFEST I VOLUNTEERS I PARKING 

The 78th annual Albany Tulip Festival, presented __________ will be held in the historic Washington Park, the 81-acre "crown jewel" of the City on Saturday May 9 and Sunday May 10, 2026. Tulip Festival is Albany’s signature spring event. Featuring annual traditions rooted in the city’s rich Dutch heritage, nearly one hundred artisans selling their handmade crafts, a fine arts show, delicious food, the KidZone family fun destination, two stages of world-class live entertainment and more than 140,000 tulips in 150 different varieties, the Tulip Festival is a sparkling showcase of local culture and business. For GPS directions to the main park entrance, use 1 New Scotland Ave, Albany NY 12208


PARKING

Free Tulip Festival Parking Locations:

  • Elk Street parking lot, located behind the State Education Building. The pick-up location will be Elk and Hawk at the stop sign.
  • Eagle Street parking lot, located at the corner of Eagle Street and Madison Avenue

Paid Tulip Festival Parking Locations: 

Off-street parking for Tulipfest is available just a short walk from Washington park at the following ParkAlbany parking lots:

Parking Lot 2: Located at 72 Central Ave. (Between Central Ave. & Western Ave.)

  • Parking Lot 3: Located at 327 Washington Avenue. (At Washington and Lexington Ave.)
  • Parking Lot 4: Located at 124 Central Ave. (Between Central Ave. & Bradford St.


Parking at these locations is subject to fees, for more information please visit: www.parkalbany.com/find-parking

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

CDTA will provide complimentary shuttle service to Washington Park on both Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10 from 11:00am - 6:00pm at these designated free parking locations. 

  • Elk Street parking lot
  • Eagle Street parking lot
  • Handicap Parking: Albany Medical Center parking lot (628 Madison, enter via Robin Street)

Shuttles will run every 20-25 minutes depending on traffic. For information on public transit to the park, visit www.cdta.org

VOLUNTEERS

This event is produced with the help of community volunteers and non-profits. Volunteers are still needed. Please contact us to be a part of this great experience. Call (518) 434-2032 or submit an application HERE

Special ground rules in effect:
No alcohol outside of designated beer garden area. No glass containers of any kind, recording of performances, animals or pets (excluding ADA-defined service animals). All City of Albany parks are now tobacco-free and marijuana-free. Security personnel reserve the right to inspect any bag, container or package and confiscate any prohibited or illegal items. Any type of recording of the performance or presentation is prohibited without prior written consent. All attendees should be prepared to present age identification at any time if they intend to consume alcohol. Ground rules are subject to change without notice; exceptions made for medical or childcare reasons may be addressed individually.

TULIP BULB AND DIG SALE

May 16th: Tulip Dig - Begins 9 a.m. at the Moses Fountain
The City will provide tools, but please bring a garden fork (NOT a shovel) if you have one. Bulbs are $10 for a bag of 30 while supplies last. The tulip dig is limited strictly to designated beds, under the direction of park staff and volunteers and ends promptly at 12:00 p.m.

May 17th: Tulip Sale - Begins 9 a.m. at the Lakehouse
The remaining bulbs are first come / first serve and are $10 for a bag of 30.The sale is open while supplies last. 


Schedule

8 May 2026 12:00pm
STREET SCRUBBING

STREET SCRUBBING

The traditional Dutch ceremony of scrubbing the streets clean before a big celebration has served as the official kickoff to Tulip Festival weekend for over 78 years. This unique Albany event will include Mayor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs Tulip Festival opening proclamation and a procession from City Hall

 State and Lodge Streets

9 May 2026 11:30am
MENDELSSOHN CLUB OF ALBANY, NY

MENDELSSOHN CLUB OF ALBANY, NY

Since its inception in 1909, this chorus has become the longest continuously performing arts group in the Capital District of New York State. The Club performs a mix of music: show songs, hymns, spirituals, classical, pop.

 More Info     Tulip Court Procession at the 518 Stage

9 May 2026 12:00pm
TULIP QUEEN CORONATION

TULIP QUEEN CORONATION

Mayor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs & B95.5's Chad O'Hara crown the 2026 Albany Tulip Queen in this traditional highlight of Tulip Festival weekend. The Tulip Queen and her four Court members will work as a team year-round on local literacy programs and community service projects. Media sponsor: B95.5.

 Washington Park Lakehouse Stage

10 May 2026 11:00am
CAPITAL REGION'S BEST MOM CEREMONY

CAPITAL REGION'S BEST MOM CEREMONY

Mayor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs and B95.5’s Joe Condon recognize the Capital Region’s most outstanding moms. Presented by St. Peter’s Health Partners, Times Union & B95.5.

 More Info     Washington Park Lakehouse

PRESENTED WITHOUT COST TO TAXPAYERS BY THESE GENEROUS EVENT SPONSORS

MEDIA SPONSORS

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If you are interested in sponsoring any of our upcoming events, please contact us at 518.434.2032.

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About Us

The City of Albany, NY Office of Cultural Affairs plans, produces and co-sponsors an array of fairs, festivals, and concerts promoting art, entertainment and cultural interest for all ages. These special events are 100% underwritten by generous local and national sponsors.

Contact

City of Albany Office of Cultural Affairs
City Hall - Room M252
Albany, NY 12207
P: (518) 434.2032

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