The flowers are in bloom, and Albany is ready to welcome the annual Tulip Festival to the capital city this weekend.
The festival has been held since 1948, after Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands — in gratitude for Albany's assistance in rebuilding the city of Nijmegen following World War II — sent Albany a shipment of tulips that were planted in Washington Park.
The festival runs from Saturday to Sunday at Albany’s Washington Park. Admission is free. Let's look at what else you need to know for the weekend.
Where can I park?
There will be free CDTA shuttle buses taking festival goers into the park from the Elk Street parking lot behind the State Education Building; the Eagle Street parking lot on the corner of Eagle and Madison Avenue; and the Albany Medical Center parking lot off Robin Street. The latter is for those who are disabled or need additional assistance. It will take them to the Madison Avenue/New Scotland Avenue entrance to Washington Park.
I’m just here for the flowers. What’s in store?
More than 100,000 of the early-season flowers are expected to be in bloom for the festival. Free tours will be provided, though reservations are required (by calling 518-434-2032). The schedule of the tours: May 6-8, 2-5 p.m.; May 9, 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.; May 10, 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 5:30 p.m.
So what if you’re not into flowers?
There’s plenty going on that isn’t floral. The festival weekend starts Friday with the traditional Dutch scrubbing of the streets, as well as a procession from City Hall. There’s also Saturday’s Tulip Queen coronation, Saturday night’s Royal Tulip Ball and music performances all day Saturday and Sunday.
Who’s playing this weekend?
Saturday on the main stage: the bands El Modernist, The Greeting Committee and KONGOS.
Saturday on the Local 518 stage: Hasty Page, CK & the Rising Tide, Sydney Worthley and Wild Planes.
Sunday on the main stage: Girl Blue, local “The Voice” performer Moriah Formica, and Marshall Charloff & the Purple Xperience.
Sunday on the Local 518 stage: Mike Grutka, Honey Slider, Bird Streets and Let’s Be Leonard.
What’s in it for the kids?
There’s plenty for them to do. There’s a “Kidzone” Saturday and Sunday, with an activity tent, recreational sports, arts and crafts, and music. The Kidzone stage will have entertainment throughout the weekend.
Who will be named Tulip Queen?
One of these finalists, who were announced last Wednesday:
- Emily Barcia-Varno, 22, of Glenmont
- Isabella Burnett, 19, of Albany
- Parneet Kaur, 19, of Green Island
- Megan Morrill, 23, of Latham
- Michaela Schramm, 18, of Loudonville
The queen will be crowned at noon Saturday at the Lakehouse Stage, succeeding 2018 Tulip Queen Sawyer Cresap.