Orange City Tulip Festival

Spend an enjoyable day at the Annual Orange City Tulip Festival in northwest Iowa. Upon arrival enjoy an authentic Dutch lunch at Nederlander’s Grill. Enjoy Dutch seasoned roast beef with fried potatoes and green beans. After lunch we travel downtown to take your reserved seat for the Straat Feest, street scrubbing, and Volksparade. The Straat Feest is a fashion show that displays authentic, distinct, and varied Dutch attire from the Netherlands. Costumed participants of all ages fill the streets to showcase their heritage and perform traditional Dutch dances. Carrying on a Dutch tradition, the streets are checked for cleanliness in anticipation of the Tulip Queen’s arrival. Boys and men throw buckets of water while girls and women follow with brooms, ensuring that the streets are spotless for the queen. The Volksparade, featuring the Tulip Queen and marching bands and colorful floats, follows the cleaning. After the parade, you will have over two hours to explore the various Dutch attractions. Do not miss a performance by the Dutch Dozen dance group. Formed in 1947, this group of 24 young men and women provide a colorful and melodious journey through old Holland. The Dutch Dozen members wear traditional Volendam costumes and wooden shoes. Most of the songs are in the Dutch language. Other afternoon options include exploring the festival craft show, walking among the tulip beds in Windmill Park, learning about Orange City’s history at Dutch Museum and Flower Show, shopping at the Straatmarket for Dutch souvenirs, or discovering the art of making wooden shoes with a carving demonstration.