ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) — The 77th annual Albany Tulip Festival has transformed Washington Park into a vibrant celebration of spring for Mother's Day weekend. On May 10 and 11, Albany’s signature spring event returns to celebrate the city's rich Dutch heritage with a weekend full of tradition, fun, and festivities.
Visitors can look forward to exploring nearly 100 artisan stalls offering handmade crafts, a fine arts show, and a variety of delicious food options. For families, the KidZone will provide a dedicated space for fun activities. Music lovers will enjoy two stages of world-class live entertainment. The festival's main attraction, however, is the stunning display of more than 140,000 tulips in 150 different varieties, making it a true showcase of local culture and business.
For those planning to attend, free parking is available at the Elk Street parking lot behind the State Education Building and the Eagle Street parking lot at the corner of Eagle Street and Madison Avenue. Paid parking options are also available at nearby ParkAlbany lots, including locations on Central Avenue and Washington Avenue.
CDTA will provide complimentary shuttle service to Washington Park on both Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at these designated free parking locations. Shuttles will run every 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic. For information on public transit to the park, visit www.cdta.org.
The festival, presented by KeyBank, invites everyone to enjoy the "crown jewel" of Albany and experience the beauty and excitement of spring in full bloom.
Additionally, the Tulip Queen finalists have been announced, and the annual street scrubbing is on schedule, albeit in a different setting due to rain. The opening ceremonies will take place Friday, starting with the traditional street scrubbing at noon in the City Hall rotunda.
The festival will feature music, dance, fitness events, craft vendors, food, a kids' stage, and more on both days, weather permitting. Over 100,000 tulips in various varieties will also be on display.
The 2025 Tulip Queen will be crowned at noon on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the park's Lakehouse Stage. This year's Tulip Court consists of LeeAshia Green (22), Alyssa Kamara (23), Cait Tizzone (23), Theadora Welch (21), and Abigail Williams (21). The 2024 Tulip Queen, Naishaly Velez Galan, will be recognized at a Friday event and will be on hand for the crowning of the 2025 queen.
As Albany gears up for this beloved tradition, the festival promises to be a delightful experience for all ages. With its rich cultural heritage and community spirit, the Albany Tulip Festival continues to be a highlight of the spring calendar.
