Best Hotel near Pella, IA for Tulip Time Festival
The Pella Tulip Festival is a celebration of the arrival of spring in Pella, Iowa. The festival takes place over three days and features live music, food, and plenty of tulips. Pella is known for its Dutch heritage, and the festival celebrates this with traditional Dutch costumes, music, and food. Visitors can stroll through the town’s streets and admire the beautiful tulips that line the sidewalks.
According to the Pella Historical Society and Museums, the Pella Tulip Time Festival typically attracts around 150,000 visitors each year! However, attendance numbers may vary from year to year depending on things like weather and the festival’s events lineup.
When is Pella Tulip Time Festival?
The Pella Tulip Time Festival takes place annually in May. This year’s festival is scheduled to run from May 2nd – 4th, 2024.
Where is the Pella Tulip Festival held?
If you didn’t guess already, this event is held in Pella, Iowa, a charming town located about 40 miles southeast of Des Moines. The festival’s events take place throughout the town, with the main festivities centered around the town square.
There are several parking options available for you when visiting the Pella Tulip Time Festival.
- Street parking: You can find street parking throughout the town, but it can be limited during the festival’s peak hours.
- Public lots: There are several public parking lots available throughout the town, including the Molengracht Plaza Parking Lot and the Pella Corporation Parking Lot. These lots are located within walking distance of the festival’s events.
- Shuttle service: Your best bet will be to take advantage of the festival’s shuttle service, which runs from the Vermeer Windmill to the Pella High School parking lot. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes and is free of charge.
It’s important to note that parking can be crowded during the festival, especially during peak hours. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and carpool when possible. Additionally, some parking areas may have fees, so visitors should bring cash or credit cards for parking fees if necessary.
What can I expect?
The festival is a celebration of spring and Dutch heritage. Visitors can expect to see the town’s streets lined with colorful tulips and traditional Dutch costumes. The festival’s main attraction is the parade, which features floats, marching bands, and traditional Dutch clothing. In addition to the parade, the festival also features a street fair, art show, and quilt show. Visitors can enjoy live music and delicious food, and take guided tours of the town’s historic buildings.
The event organizers have various parking lots around Pella with complimentary shuttles. Even with the transportation, expect to walk quite a bit to get the full experience of what this amazing event has to offer.
So What’s the Deal with Dutch Letters??
The Pella Tulip Time Festival is known for its Dutch-inspired cuisine, which includes several popular food items. Some of the festival’s most popular food items include:
- Poffertjes – These are small, fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and often served with butter and syrup.
- Dutch Letters – These are flaky, almond-filled pastries that are shaped like the letter “S”.
- Stroopwafels – These are thin, crispy waffles filled with caramel syrup.
- Dutch sausage – A savory sausage typically made with pork, beef, and a variety of spices.
- Dutch apple bread – A sweet, cinnamon-flavored bread filled with chunks of apples and raisins.
- Dutch cheese – A variety of cheeses that are popular in the Netherlands, including Gouda and Edam.
You’ll also enjoy other classic fair foods like corn dogs, funnel cakes, and lemonade. Many of the food vendors at the festival are local businesses and organizations, giving visitors a taste of Pella’s unique culinary culture.
If all of this sounds tasty, it’s because it is! Other festival attendees will also be hungry so you should be prepared to wait in lines for several of the more popular items. Want to eat a nice sit down meal closer to the hotel? Check out our guide with some of the Best Restaurants near Hotel Pommier.
Best Indianola Hotels near Pella, IA
Of course, staying in Pella allows you to be close to the festival’s events and experience the town’s charm. Due to the popularity of the event, accommodations in Pella are typically fully booked including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Because of this, many visitors choose to stay in nearby Indianola, which is about 38 miles away. If you do choose to stay in Indianola, be sure to explore everything our own town has to offer!
Naturally, if you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Indianola, consider booking with us at Hotel Pommier! Guests often stay with us as they want to be close to Pella but also want to avoid the crowds. We have room types for groups of all sizes, and have all amenities you can expect to have an amazing stay. Be sure to book early, as even though we are a decent drive away, our rooms also fill up quickly during the Tulip Time festival.
What should I bring?
You should be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved in the festival’s events. It’s also a good idea to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket, as Iowa’s weather can be unpredictable in May.
Finally, visitors should bring a camera to capture the festival’s colorful tulips and festive atmosphere. The scenery is unmatched so take the opportunity to get that perfect selfie or photo with your friends!
The Pella Tulip Festival is a must-see event for anyone visiting Iowa in the spring. With its beautiful tulips, traditional Dutch costumes, and lively atmosphere, it’s a celebration of spring that shouldn’t be missed.