Every spring, the Washington Tulip Festival ushers in a season of love and rejuvenation, painting the Pacific Northwest with a breathtaking array of colors.Situated in the picturesque Skagit County, Washington, this annual festivity is a tribute to the splendor of tulips, attracting nature lovers and bird watchers from all corners of the world.
Our Blossoming Journey
Rooted in the 1930s, our festival began as a humble tribute to the region's rich horticultural legacy. Evolving from a local gathering into a nationally celebrated event, the Washington Tulip Festival epitomizes the spirit of spring – a time of renewal and joy. The Neil Noorlag farm now located at the Tulip Town address is the birthplace of commercial flower bulb production in Skagit County in the late 1930s. Since 1970 the Spring emergence of tulips has caused a Pacific Northwest celebration of intense admiration of color, nature and annual rebirth that has attracted the visitors to come to Skagit County for a look at this brief culmination of flower blooms and waterfowl presentations.
Daffodils are first to awaken the canvas of color with brilliant fields of vibrant yellow. These yellow florets overlap the awakening of the combination orange, yellow, purple, and red colors of tulips, the flowers of love. The gifts of nature continue to gift royal blue dutch iris flowers, followed by the rainbow of colored gladiolas. The various bulb growers have specialized in some or most of the flower bulbs that deliver what we now call the Washington Tulip Festival each Spring.
The last 50 years has seen the Dutch iris and gladiolas retreat to homes and gardens and are no longer grown commercially in Skagit County. Some of the pioneers have retired or moved to the eternal flower garden. Some of the current growers have discontinued growing some of the flowers. The constant is the tulips of Washington Tulip Festival are still on full display every year.
A Festive Fusion of Nature, Community, and Love
Watch the elegant snow white trumpeter swans glide overhead with tulip fields as a backdrop. White snow geese by the thousands visit the Washington Tulip Festival every year.
At its heart, the festival is more than just a tulip showcase; it's a celebration of community, a rendezvous with nature, and a testament to the enduring romance of spring. Wander through expansive tulip fields, immerse yourself in diverse cultural experiences, and savor the craftsmanship of local artisans.
Our Pledge to Sustainability and Nature's Harmony
Sustainability is at the core of our festival. We diligently work to ensure that our celebration not only delights our guests but also nurtures the environment and bolsters the local community.
Embark on a Journey of Floral Wonder
Every year, the festival blooms with a new theme and novel attractions, offering a distinct experience each time. Whether you're a first-time visitor captivated by the allure of tulips, or a seasoned enthusiast returning for another glimpse of spring's beauty, the Washington Tulip Festival is your gateway to an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Join us at the Washington Tulip Festival, where each petal tells a story of love, each bloom sings the melody of spring, and every moment becomes a cherished memory.