The City of Albany hosts the 77th Annual Albany Tulip Festival presented by KeyBank on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11 in Washington Park.
The Tulip Festival is Albany’s signature spring event featuring annual traditions rooted in the City’s rich Dutch heritage. The event includes over one hundred artisans selling their handmade crafts and art, delicious food trucks, a KidZone family fun destination, four world-class live entertainment stages, including a newly expanded wellness area with free classes and workshops, Yogafest and more than 100,000 tulips that can be admired in the historic Washington Park, the 81-acre “crown jewel” of the City.
Since Mayor Erastus Corning II read the first Tulip Festival Proclamation on May 14, 1949, the Mother’s Day weekend celebration has grown into one of the Northeast’s biggest and most beloved yearly events. Featuring area vendors, businesses, community organizations and original local artists on every stage, the Tulip Festival continues to honor Albany’s four centuries of history while looking ahead to its future. As always, this event is free and open to the public.
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025
TULIP QUEEN CORONATION CEREMONY
Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
Nominations accepted through April 18th. NOMINATE HERE!
11:30a.m. –The Mendelssohn Club (Lakehouse Stage)
A local institution for over a century, this acclaimed male chorus is the longest continuously performing arts group in the Capital Region.
11:45a.m. – Tulip Queen Procession (Begins at formal Tulip Beds by Moses Statue)
The 2024 Tulip Queen Naishaly Velez Galan, Mayor Kathy Sheehan and the Dutch Settlers Society lead the 2025 Tulip Queen finalists to the Lakehouse Stage.
12:00p.m. - Tulip Queen Coronation (Lakehouse Stage)
Mayor Sheehan and MC Chad O’Hara of B95.5 crown the 77th Albany Tulip Queen in this traditional highlight of Tulip Fest weekend.
PARKALBANY’S MAIN STAGE
Washington Park Parade Grounds
Media Sponsor: Fly 92.3 / Jamz 96.3
1:30p.m. – LAVEDA: “Laveda have evidently carved out their place in NY’s ever growing indie rock scene since moving to the heart of NYC’s up and coming underground music hub, Ridgewood NY. Since their most recent full length release ‘A Place You Grew Up In’ in April of 2023, the band has gone on 4 extensive headlining tours throughout the US and Canada, made multiple performances at SXSW, Treefort Festival, and supported acts including Ariel, Film School, Ringo Deathstarr, and The Brian Jonestown Massacre.
3:00p.m. – JUKEBOX THE GHOST: “Piano-rock trio Jukebox the Ghost formed in 2006 and has been a steadily growing cult favorite and a globally touring band ever since. They have played over 1,000 shows across the world.”
4:30p.m. – THE 502s : “Orlando's The 502s often refer to themselves as the happiest band on earth, and they back it up with their unparalleled live shows. The 6 piece indie folk band often leaps outside of the 'folk' constraints with their endless energy and vast musical influences. Matched by songwriting loaded with infectious hooks, The 502s is led by banjoist/singer Ed Isola, who is joined by lifelong friends Matt Tonner, Joe Capati, Sean Froehlich, Nick Melashenko, and Graci Phillips; the sextet's journey has been marked by camaraderie and a shared passion for music. Their hit "Just A Little While" has over 100 million streams, leading to sold-out tours worldwide.”
NYSTEC & WEXT’S 518 STAGE
Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
Media Sponsor: Exit 97.7/106.1
1:00p.m. – AMANDA CASE: “Amanda Case is a singer-songwriter from Upstate New York known for her thought-provoking pop and indie-inspired music that tells stories of longing, heartbreak, and self-discovery. In 2023, she independently released her debut EP, "Say It," and has since captivated audiences with memorable tunes like "February" and "Spectator." She has also been nominated for Songwriter of the Year and Solo or Duo Artist of the Year at the 2025 Eddies Music Awards.”
2:15p.m. – ZAN & THE WINTER FOLK: “Zan & The Winter Folk is an Americana band from Troy, NY. Led by Zan Strumfeld, The Winter Folk create anthems for the revivalists, lullabies for the lonely, and ballads for the hopeful. Vacillating between an acoustic quartet — two guitars, banjo and upright bass — and a rocking quintet with drums, The Winter Folk blend an upbeat, rootsy spirit with a melodic longing and vulnerability in their storytelling. Since forming in 2017, they have played at festivals, music halls and living rooms. With a captivating sound and comedic banter, The Winter Folk reveal a unique and intimate performance wherever they play.
3:30p.m – AILA CHIAR: “Mostly known for her powerful performances and thought provoking lyricism, Aila Chiar is an artist who explores versatility between different genres.”
4:45p.m. – ALBANY ROCK PIT SHOWCASE BAND: “The Albany Rock Pit Showcase Band is a group of the highest performing students at the Rock Pit. The students chosen for this band are the up and coming performers in the Capital Region. Our showcase band is free of charge to the students chosen to participate. Look for us performing our wide range of rock genres at local venues and festivals.”
SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2025
26th ANNUAL CAPITAL REGION’S BEST MOM
Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
11:00a.m. – 12:00p.m
B95.5’s Chad O’Hara and local officials recognize the Capital Region’s most outstanding moms. Presented by St. Peter’s Health Partners, Times Union & B95.5. Nominations open until April 4th.
PARKALBANY’S MAIN STAGE
Washington Park Parade Grounds
Media Sponsor: B95.5 / MAGIC 100.5
THE HOT YOGA SPOT’S “YOGAFEST”
Washington Park Parade Grounds
9a.m. - 10a.m.
FREE - RESERVE HERE
1:30p.m. – SHANNON TEHYA & THE TROUPE: “Hailing From Cambridge NY, Shannon Tehya pursues music because it brings her more joy than anything else in the world. Her upcoming projects involving The Troupe focus on celebrating life, love, and community through the power of live music and dance. Known for their joyful, uplifting music, the dynamic six piece band seamlessly blends pop, funk, jazz, and Rnb, creating a sound that resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
3:00p.m. – LET’S GET IT ON (Marvin Gaye & Motown Tribute) : “This Grammy-Award Winning songwriter has written, sang, and performed to countless audiences and has touched the hearts of many that have paved the way for his musical success. Jackie's Boy has proved that his talents ensure hits and are highly sought after knowing that he brings success and a Savannah southern flair to every project he works on.”
4:30p.m. – BOY BAND REVIEW: “Boy Band Review is the best Boy Band tribute show in the country! Having captured the hearts of fans with their #boyband shows that transport audience members back in time to the days of frosted tips and hunky frontmen professing their undying love.Touring with a full band (Drums, Guitars, Bass), choreography, all the harmonies and performing the nostalgic boy band hits. The BOY BAND REVIEW tribute experience will blow your audience away! Boy Band Review is everyone's favorite show since the 1990s! “
NYSTEC & WEXT’S 518 STAGE
Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
Media Sponsor: Exit 97.7/106.1
1:00p.m. – LENNOX: “Lennox is an indie pop artist from New York, blending heartfelt storytelling with shimmering melodies to create music that uplifts, encourages, and empowers. Lennox crafts songs that resonate deeply, inspiring listeners to embrace their own journeys. Her sound is both soulful and electric, weaving raw emotion with infectious energy.
2:15p.m. – BUGGY JIVE : “Buggy Jive is a soul rock singer-songwriter from Delmar, New York. Equal parts Zeppelin and D’Angelo and Prince and Joni in sound and sensibility, his lyrics often mine the literature of the past to make sense of the present – from Ellison to Morrison to Eliot to Didion – delicately balancing the heaviness with humor.
3:30p.m. – THE ALEC LEWIS GROUP: “Albany, NY based four-piece playing original songs and compositions by producer, sound engineer, and frontman Alec Lewis. The group mixes contemporary funk with guitar-driven classic rock and blues, all with a slick pop finish.”
4:45p.m. – BENDT: “With lyrical grit, dynamic grooves, and atmospheric, yet driving melodies, Bendt has carved a distinctive sound into the face of modern rock. Formed in 2015, Bendt evolved out of the crucible of the Albany, New York music scene as a passion project between friends.
KIDZONE PRESENTED BY PRICE CHOPPER / MARKET 32
SATURDAY & SUNDAY CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
Enjoy pony rides, a rock-climbing wall, bounce houses, live entertainment, games and more fun for the whole family!
PRICE CHOPPER / MARKET32 KIDZONE STAGE
Continuous free entertainment for all ages, all weekend long!
1:00p.m., 4:00p.m. – ANDY “THE MUSIC MAN”: a well-versed children's musician renowned for delighting audiences of all ages through sing-a-longs, dancing, play-acting and storytelling.
2:00p.m. – PARK PLAYHOUSE: Park Playhouse’s talented performers and students will present songs from their upcoming summer shows (Oklahoma at Albany’s Park Playhouse in Washington Park, and Little Mermaid and Moana at Cohoes Music Hall) as well as other classic Broadway and Disney songs.
2:45p.m., 4:45p.m. – MELVIN THE MAGNIFICENT: Melvin is a professional magician played by Joe Goode, his shows are action packed, interactive, and sure to bring huge laughs from the entire audience.
3:30p.m., 5:30p.m. – RUTH PELHAM: Ruth Pelham of the Music Mobile is a Capital Region musical treasure, exuberantly promoting her mission of building peaceful communities through original songs for all ages.
AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION’S WELLNESS STAGE
Free wellness classes & workshops for all ages, all weekend long!
11:00a.m. – THE HOT YOGA SPOT – Kid’s Yoga
12:00p.m. – TSEHAYA & CO. - "A Community Dance Showcase"
1:00p.m. – CAPITAL SWEAT – Pilates
2:00p.m.- SIMPLY BALLROOM – Salsa (Saturday) / Bachata (Sunday)
3:00p.m. – YMCA – Kickboxing
4:00p.m. – YMCA – Zumba
5:00p.m. – YMCA – Zumba (Saturday) / 5:00p.m. - SIMPLY BALLROOM – Latin Dance Party (Sunday)
TULIP WEEK EVENTS
TULIP TOURS at Washington Park Tulip Beds
Wednesday April 30: 10:00am / 1:00pm / 6:00pm
Thursday May 1: 1:00pm / 3:00pm / 6:00pm
Friday May 2: 10:00am / 1:00pm / 6:00pm
Saturday May 3: 5:00pm / 7:00pm
Tuesday May 6: 10:00am / 1:00pm / 3:00pm / 6:00pm
Wednesday May 7: 10:00am / 1:00pm / 3:00pm / 6:00pm
Learn more about the vast variety of flowers planted for Tulip Fest with City Gardener Jena DiTonno. Free. Spaces are limited and reservations are required; call 518.434.2032 to reserve your place. (Weather permitting).
FRIDAY, MAY 9th
STREET SCRUBBING
12p.m., State & Lodge Streets
The traditional Dutch ceremony of scrubbing the streets clean before a big celebration has served as the official kickoff to Tulip Festival weekend for nearly eight decades. This unique Albany event will include Mayor Kathy Sheehan’s Tulip Festival opening proclamation and a procession from City Hall featuring Albany High School students in Dutch costume, the Dutch Settlers Society, City Hall Staff Children, bagpiper Brennan Cain of the Capital District Youth Pipe Band, 2024 Tulip Queen & Court, along with 2025 Tulip Queen finalists.
TULIP FESTIVAL LUNCHEON
12:30 p.m., The Woman’s Club of Albany
Immediately following the Street Scrubbing, the Tulip Festival Luncheon is a farewell and thank you to 2024 Albany Tulip Queen Naishaly Velez Galan and her Court. Proceeds from the Tulip Festival Luncheon will benefit the Tulip Court’s educational programs via the Capital City Fund, a component fund of United Way of the Greater Capital Region. Tickets are required; email
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SATURDAY, MAY 10th
ROYAL TULIP BALL
6:30p.m., DUO AT THE DUNES
An elegant evening of dining and dancing to honor the new Tulip Queen & Court. Proceeds benefit the Capital City Fund. Tickets are required; to purchase, visit
http://tulipball25.cbo.io/ or email
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TULIP BULB AND DIG SALE
May 17th: Tulip Dig
Begins 9 a.m. at the Moses Fountain
The City will provide tools, but please bring a garden fork (NOT a shovel) if you have one. Bulbs are $10 for a bag of 30 while supplies last. The tulip dig is limited strictly to designated beds, under the direction of park staff and volunteers and ends promptly at 12:00 p.m.
May 18th: Tulip Sale
Begins 9 a.m. at the Lakehouse
The remaining bulbs are first come / first serve and are $10 for a bag of 30.The sale is open while supplies last. More info can be found at HERE
“New this year: ADA Accessible tour options will be available. Visit HERE for scheduling updates.”
PARKING & SHUTTLES
FREE CDTA shuttle runs continuously to Washington Park from Eagle Street Garage (at Eagle & Madison Ave) & Elk Street Parking Lot (at Elk & Hawk Streets) throughout the festival.
Handicap parking available at Albany Medical Center lot at Robin & Morris Streets. A free, accessible CDTA shuttle runs to and from the Madison & New Scotland entrance to the park throughout the festival.
Additional parking options: ParkAlbany /Additional bus routes: CDTA
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
This event is produced with the help of hundreds of volunteers. Sign up to be a part of this great experience by visiting www.albanyevents.org/volunteer or calling 518.434.5416.
Presented by generous event sponsors:
Keybank, Price Chopper & Market 32, CDTA, ParkAlbany, NYSTEC, Vista Home Improvement, Verizon, CSEA, Barefoot Wine, Toyota, Renewal by Andersen, Wild Bill’s Soda, Instant Bath Fitter, Polish Korner, DeCrescente, Miller Lite, New Belgium, The Hilton Garden Inn, Recovery Sports Grill, American Cancer Society, Luizzi Property Management, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Leafguard, Mohawk Ambulance, KIPP, Casella, AEC Solar, 1st Step Mental Health Counseling, Access Anvil, Hodgson Russ LLP, Eastern Contractors Association, Inc, The Hot Yoga Spot, Avelo Airlines, Albany Firebirds, Albany Patroons, Tri-City Valleycats, DGS, Satch Sales, Park Playhouse, Lynkwell EV Charging Solutions
Media Partners:
Fly 92.3, Jamz 96.3, B95.5, Magic 100.5, Exit 97.7 / 106.1 WEXT, Mirth Films, Albany.com, NYS Music, Spot 518, Times Union, RadioRadio X, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Martin., Metroland Now
Special ground rules in effect:
No alcohol outside of designated beer garden area
No glass containers
No animals or pets (excluding ADA-defined service animals)
No recording of performances
All City of Albany parks are now tobacco and marijuana-free.
For more information, call 518.434.2032 or visit www.albanyevents.org
Also check out other Entertainment events in New York, Music events in New York, Festivals in New York.
