A highly anticipated spring tradition continues when over 100,000 tulip bulbs blossom into a sea of colors just in time for this Mother’s Day celebration in Washington Park. Historic events take place annually, including the scrubbing of State Street, the tradition of the Tulip Queen Coronation, Tulip Queen and Court Luncheon and Royal Tulip Ball. As always, Saturday and Sunday will host the added excitement of children’s activities, craft vendors, delicious food and multiple stages with nationally acclaimed musical performances. Sunday’s events include the 17th Annual Mother of the Year Award.
Saturday afternoon features the crowning of the Albany Tulip Queen. Nominees go through a competitive interview process and five finalists are chosen to attend the ceremony. One will be crowned the Queen and the other four will serve as the Tulip Court. The Tulip Queen & Court spend their year of reign involved in community projects.
Schedule for Saturday
- 10:00AM – 2:00PM: Drawing Up Central
The City of Albany, the Central Avenue Business Improvement District and Equinox Inc. present this community-wide event featuring artists from all over the region competing for cash and prizes in a sidewalk chalk art contest. For more information, call 518.462.4300 or visit www.centralbid.com.
Venue: Central Avenue and Quail Street, Albany NY 12206 - 11:00AM-6:00PM: Canvas, Corks & Forks
- 12:00AM,2:15PM,4:30PM: Andy ‘The Music Man’ Morse (Saturday & Sunday)
Celebrating 20 years of entertaining audiences of all ages, The Music Man offers a high-energy show full of sing-a-longs, dancing and storytelling.
Venue: PRICE CHOPPER KIDZONE STAGE - 12:00PM: Tulip Queen Coronation
Mayor Sheehan and 2014 Tulip Queen Caitlin Whelan crown the 67th Albany Tulip Queen in this traditional highlight of Tulip Festival weekend.
Venue: Washington Park Lakehouse - 12:45PM,3:00PM,5:15PM: The Incredible Larry (Saturday & Sunday)
This interactive performance features world-class circus skills, juggling and hilarious physical comedy.
Venue: PRICE CHOPPER KIDZONE STAGE - 1:00PM: Flagship
A vivid, visionary combination of lofty melodies, contemplative lyrics, atmospheric soundscapes and aggressive rhythms.
venue: MAIN STAGE - 1:15PM: Holly & Evan
Updating the tradition of the barrelhouse with their own unique style, Holly & Evan draw from a deep well of blues, soul and jazz.
Venue: LOCAL 518 STAGE - 1:30PM, 3:34PM: Magic&Beyond featuring Illusionist David Garrity (Saturday only)
Illusionist David Garrity and his magic team bring their exciting, family-oriented illusion spectacular to Washington Park!
Venue: PRICE CHOPPER KIDZONE STAGE - 2:30PM: The Spectacular Average Boys
A foot-stomping Oneonta folk-rock band, the Boys take ideas from traditional roots music and update them for a faster, louder, modern generation.
Venue: LOCAL 518 STAGE - 2:30PM Joywave
An eclectic Rochester indie pop group that blends a tech-savvy synthesis of emotions, genres and random noise into a danceable DIY sound smoothie.
Venue: MAIN STAGE - 3:45PM Jocelyn Arndt
A devastatingly powerful singer with a presence on stage that demands all attention from her opening notes, Jocelyn’s indie-rock-blues sound has amazed audiences nationwide.
Venue: LOCAL 518 STAGE - 4:00PM The Kooks
This infectious, adventurous UK pop band has spent more than a decade racking up worldwide hits with a signature mix of unshakeable melodies and boundless musical experimentation.
Venue: MAIN STAGE - 5:00PM The Orange
Planted in 1998, The Orange grew into a formidable tree with branches bursting into the U.S. indie rock scene. After 12 years in stasis, the band offers its sweet rock nectars once again!
Venue: LOCAL 518 STAGE - 6:30PM Royal Tulip Ball
An elegant evening of dining and dancing to honor the new Tulip Queen & Court. Proceeds benefit Capital Repertory Theatre. Tickets are required; to purchase, contact Capital Rep at 518.382.3884 x 187.
Venue: 90 State St, Albany NY 12207
Albany Tulip Festival is FREE & open to the public (fee for luncheon and ball).
Special ground rules in effect: No alcoholic beverages, glass containers of any kind, animals or pets (excluding ADA-defined service animals). Any type of recording of the performance or presentation is prohibited without prior written consent. All attendees should be prepared to present age identification at any time if they intend to consume alcohol. Security personnel reserve the right to inspect any bag, container or package and confiscate any prohibited or illegal items. All City of Albany parks are now tobacco-free.
Event Categories: Events
