Orange City to kick off 85th annual Tulip Festival

Community members take part in a straatfeest wearing traditional Dutch attire. (Courtesy of Orange City Tulip Festival)

It’s tulip time in Orange City again, as the town gears up to host thousands of visitors during the 85th annual Tulip Festival, with the festivities starting tomorrow morning. Festival chair Jennie Droog explained to KLEM what events and activities will be featured during the festival’s three-day run.

 

Along with the parades, dancing, and other longstanding traditions, Droog says new events, features, and upgrades will be present for the 2026 festival.

 

The Tulip Festival is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year, with the festival’s roots dating back to 1936 from a small flower show established by descendants of Dutch immigrants. Droog says the show was initially created as a way for Orange City residents to celebrate their heritage.

 

Women wearing traditional Dutch attire taking part in street scrubbing. (Courtesy of Orange City Tulip Festival)

The Orange City Tulip Festival will kick off tomorrow morning and run until Saturday evening.