Most years, the festival runs from late March to early May—right when spring decides to show up. The peak bloom is usually mid-April, but weather can be a trickster, so check their bloom map before you go.
If you’re trying to avoid crowds, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning. The light is golden, the air smells like fresh earth, and you can hear the bees working. It’s basically a nature spa for a few hours.
Pro tip: bring cash for extras
Your ticket gets you in, but you might want cash for flower baskets or a mini tractor ride for the kids. Some vendors don’t take cards, so twenty bucks in your pocket is a safety net.
And don’t forget sunscreen and a bottle of water—you’ll be walking under that bright spring sun, and tulips don’t come with a canopy.
