Immerse yourself in a blooming wonderland with our detailed guide that transports you to the Skagit Tulip Festival. Discover the vibrant beauty of tulip fields and the festivities that make this annual event a must-see
Best Times to Visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival takes place annually from April 1st to April 30th, although the blooming of the tulips may vary depending on the weather. The festival is busiest on weekends, so if you’re looking for a less crowded experience, consider visiting during the week.
Most often, the festival is open from 9 am to 7 pm daily, except for the last day when it closes at 5 pm. The best time to visit is early in the morning or in the late afternoon when the light is softer and the colors of the tulips appear more vibrant.
However, it’s worth noting that each and every grower, farm, and field operate individually with their own sets of hours and displays too. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered and will share a bit more about each of the farms so that you know all your options within this guide.
Activities & Events To See
Of course, the Skagit Tulip Valley Festival events aren’t limited to these, and in fact, far surpass the amount we’ve listed. But the ones that we have shared in this are the foundational events, while the rest change names and event styles yearly.
Tulip Town’s Mount Vernon’s Street Fair
Tulip Town’s Mount Vernon Street Fair is a vibrant and lively event that adds an extra layer of excitement to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Ranging in a diversity of over 200 vendors, selling crafts, and delicious food. It’s the perfect opportunity to soak in the local culture while surrounded by the stunning beauty of blooming tulip fields. Generally, this event takes place during the second weekend of the festival.
Tulip Parade
The Tulip Festival Parade is typically held on the third Saturday of April during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. This lively celebration brings the community and visitors together! All while displaying colorful floats filled with intricate floral arrangements, marching bands, and local groups showcasing their vibrant spirit.
Ways To Get To The Festival
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is held in Mount Vernon, Washington, which is about 60 miles north of Seattle. If you’re flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, it’s recommended to rent a car and drive to Mount Vernon. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic times. If you’re driving from Vancouver, BC, it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
It’s important to note that during the festival, traffic can get congested, so be sure to give yourself extra time for travel. There are various parking lots available around the festival area, but they can fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to arrive early.
For those who prefer not to drive, there are also shuttle buses available from Seattle and other nearby cities. Be sure to check the festival’s website for more information on shuttle services, times, and costs.
Overall, getting to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is relatively easy, and the drive itself is scenic and beautiful. Just be sure to plan ahead and give yourself extra time for traffic and parking.
Costs & Admission For the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Although admission to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is free, but there are costs associated with parking and some activities. Parking at the fields costs could cost $7 per car, while the Roozengaarde Display Garden charges a $10 admission fee for adults and $5 for children aged 6-11. The trolley tour at Tulip Town costs $7 for adults and $5 for children aged 2-12. So, be sure to double-check the pricing on their websites specifically, as prices vary and could change yearly.
In addition to these costs, you may want to budget for food and souvenirs, as there are plenty of vendors selling local products and tulip-themed gifts throughout the festival too.
Farms, Fields, and Gardens Filled With Tulips Worth Visiting
The fields are carefully planted to produce both tulip bulbs and blossoms. While the field tulips typically burst into bloom in April, the exact timing depends on the weather conditions. To stay updated on the bloom status, you can visit www.tulipfestival.org or www.tulips.com/bloommap.
It should also be noted, that there are often April rain showers, which can cause the fields to become muddy and inaccessible. So having some flexibility is important when planning to visit the fields, gardens, and farms. It’s also essential to consider having the proper attire that you’re most likely going to get muddy too.
Tulip Valley Farms
Tulip Valley Farms is a 30-acre haven, with 12 acres devoted to tulip bulbs, inviting you to embrace the joys of tulip season even beyond the festival’s peak.
Aspiring to elevate your experience, the farm offers diverse options including “Tea Time in the Tulips,” photography mini-sessions, painting classes, food truck gatherings, and the intriguing Tulip Tower. All while wandering this former hazelnut orchard.
During April, they welcome guests from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, with extended hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays. For the rest of the year, their hours may vary, providing a different charm with each season. They also take pride in supporting charities through ticket sales and encourage visitors to pre-purchase tickets to ensure a smooth and uncrowded visit.
Truly, standing out and offering a unique experience, in June they offer a U-pick/U-dig event known as “Dig Days” at the end of June, where visitors can dig their own tulip bulbs and flowers. This farm not only allows you to enjoy the blooms, but also purchase, and dig bulbs to take a piece of the beauty home.
Located: 15245 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon, WA, United States, 98273
Roozengaarde Display Garden
Roozengaarde Display Garden, a sprawling 50-acre spread of millions of blossoms, annually undergoes a stunning redesign, showcasing an artistic interplay of captivating color combinations and intricate floral designs. The spectacle unfolds a carefully and heartfelt designed canvas made up of a 5-acre display garden, a vast 25-acre tulip field, and an equally gorgeous daffodil field. All displays are made up of 85 different varieties of tulips, 25 varieties of daffodils, plus varieties of hyacinths, crocuses, and irises. WOW!
The garden warmly extends its welcome from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, with free parking, allowing you ample time to soak in its enchanting ambiance. Immerse yourself in a sea of beauty as you wander through the gardens, Gift Shop, and Fresh Cut Tulip Market stand ready to captivate you.
While you bask in the floral wonder, on-site food trucks stand ready to cater to your cravings, enhancing your delightful experience at the Roozengaarde Display Garden.
Located: 15867 Beaver Marsh Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273-8802
Garden Rosalyn
During the enchanting Skagit Valley Tulip Festival season, Garden Rosalyn extends its embrace to the public from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, every day. This ensures ample time for you to immerse yourself in its beauty, inviting you to escape into a world of blossoms and charm.
This garden boasts a tranquil man-made lake, graced by charming ducks and geese, creating a serene backdrop for your visit. The lush tulips grace the landscape throughout April, painting the surroundings with vibrant colors that captivate the senses.
As spring transforms into summer, the garden transitions to vibrant dahlias, offering a captivating display from early May until the fall months. Beyond its natural allure, Garden Rosalyn is an ideal venue for various events, such as weddings, birthdays, and photography sessions, during both spring and summer. This idyllic space, “designed with love,” also hosts delightful food trucks and unveils a new gift shop for your shopping pleasures too.
Located: 16648 Jungquist Rd Mount Vernon WA 98273
Tulip Town
Tulip Town stands as a welcoming haven for flower enthusiasts. While supporting the community, in offering free parking and ADA accessibility, it ensures a convenient experience for all visitors.
Immerse yourself into the charm of a paved indoor barn setting, where you can elevate your senses in the vibrant floral world while staying sheltered. The iconic windmill display adds a touch of whimsy, while trolley rides offer a unique way to explore the beauty.
For those seeking relaxation, the beer and wine garden provides a delightful respite. Both indoor and outdoor garden displays enchant visitors with a riot of colors and fragrances, capturing the essence of the season. At Tulip Town, the celebration of nature is beautifully showcased through every detail.
Tulip Town welcomes guests to explore its floral wonders from 10 AM to 6 PM Monday through Thursday, extending its opening hours to 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and wrapping up the week with a 5 PM closing time on Sundays.
Located: 15002 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Enjoy Your Visit To The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves flowers and nature. It’s stunning fields of tulips, fun activities, events, and commitment to sustainability set this event apart from the rest. By following our tips and guide, you’re sure to make memories worth cherishing and have photos worth sharing.
