Tulip Time is back.
Holland'sfestival celebrating its Dutch heritage returns for its 91st year with festivities beginning Saturday, May 1, and concluding Sunday, May 9.
With the pandemic in its early stages, organizers decided it was best to postpone the 2020 celebrationfor a year.
This year, organizers have retooled Tulip Time into a scaled-down version. Sorry, no parades, no Dutch dancers, no Tulips & Juleps fundraiser. But, there are still plenty of events to partake and enjoy.
So what'sscheduled for the 2021 Tulip Time festival?Read on to find out.
COVID-19 guidelines
Tulip Time will follow guidelines established by the Ottawa County Health Department and are encouraging guests to do the same.
Masks or faceshields are required of guests ages 2 years old and older.
Please try and maintain a 6-foot distance between you and other guests, and please follow directional signage for indoor exhibits.
For ticketed events, Tulip Time is instituting a timed ticket policy, which will limit the number of guests for an event or exhibit.
Tickets may be purchased online astickets will not be sold in-person to limit contact.
When purchasing a ticket, select the desired date and arrival time. Admission to the event will only be for the time you've selected.
Guests must arrive within 30 minutes of the arrival time on your ticket, or you will not be granted access outside of your time slot.
For more information, visit tuliptime.com.
Where to see tulips
Tulips are the main attractions of the nine-day festival, obviously.
Prime locations to see the multitude of colors include:
- Window on the Waterfront
- Windmill Island Gardens
- Downtown Holland
- Veldheer Tulip Gardens (there is an admission fee)
- Centennial Park
- Kollen Park
- Tulip Lanes (best viewings along Van Raalte Avenue, between 10th and 28th streets; 28th Street between Van Raalte Avenue and State Street; State Street between 21st and 28th streets; Central Avenue between 10th and 21 streets.)
Events
The festival schedule may be trimmed, but there are still plenty of events and activities for festival-goers.
Carnival
The carnival begins at 5 p.m. Friday, April 30, and runs until the festival's end on May 9. Like Tulip Time, the carnival is scaled back to allow for adjusted capacity and social distancing measures.For more information or to purchase tickets and wristbands, visit tuliptime.com/events orskerbeck.com.
Princess Lida
Children can visit online with Princess Lida, watch an interactive video, listen to story time, and other activities. Tickets are required to receive an access code to exclusive contentand may be purchased on Tulip Time's website.
Tall ship dockside tours
The tall ship Friends Good Will returns to Lake Macatawa for another Tulip Time Festival. The Michigan Maritime Museum owns and operates the replica of a Great Lakes sloop from 1810.
Tours are available daily from Boatwerks North Dock during the festival's run, except Tuesday. Tickets are $5. For more information, visit the Tulip Time web page.
Dutch costume exhibit & Dutch market
While Dutch dancers won't be showcasing their skills on the streets of downtown Holland, you can glimpse their costumes as dancers model the outfits.
You can also check out the festival's art history with the collection of Tulip Time posters through the years. Browse displays from local museums and shop Tulip Time merchandise and Dutch-inspired items.
The exhibits and market are open beginning at 10 a.m.Saturday, May 1, at the Civic Center. Tickets are $8 and available at the Tulip Time's website.
Yoga in the Tulips
The popular Yoga in the Tulips is back for another year.
How popular is it? The three sessions — 10 a.m.Sunday, May 2; 7 p.m.Monday, May 3; 7 p.m.Tuesday, May 4 — at Window on the Waterfront, 110 Columbia Ave.,are already sold out.
If you are participating in one of the sessions, remember COVID-19 guidelines are in place, so wear a mask and establish a 6-foot distance between you and your fellow yogis.
Walking tours
The festival offers two versions of its walking tours of the tulip fields beginning Saturday, May 1, atWindow on the Waterfront, 110 Columbia Ave.
A two-hour, two-mile version andfeatures a costumed guide sharing the history of the festival and provides close-up viewings of the tulips.
A one-hour VIP tour features your host, Holland Mayor Nathan Bocks, discussing the festival and city. Plus, you'll enjoy some wine tasting with a charcuterie board and dessert.
Tulip Time Photo Walk
Photographers of any skill level can get personalized tips from two professionals —Kathy Odiorne and Heidi Quellet. The best part? You'll practice your skills at one of the most gorgeous spots for Tulip Time, Windmill Island.
There are five sessions available, so check tuliptime.com for the schedule or to purchase tickets, which are $35 per person. Photographers must use their gear.
For a full list of events, their schedule, or to purchase tickets, visit tuliptime.com/events.
Parking
There are public and private lots available across downtown Holland. Public lots are free, and private lots will likely charge a fee.
Food
Food trucks and concession stands are throughout downtown Holland, but the primary spot will be at the Civic Center.
Customers can enjoy snacks while sitting in specified eating areas.
Each table is limited to six people. Hand-washing stations will be available and eating areas will be continuously cleaned throughout the day.
More:Tulip Time shares information on food vendors, limited-edition gift boxes
