The City of Albany hosts the 76th Annual Albany Tulip Festival presented by KeyBank on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12 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, a fine arts show, delicious food trucks, the KidZone family fun destination, three world-class live entertainment stages, a brand new wellness stage with free dance classes, Yogafest and more than 100,000 tulips 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.
For more information, call 518.434.2032, visit www.albanyevents.org or follow @AlbanyNYevents on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. #TulipFest2024
Read on for the full schedule of events or view online at www.albanyevents.org
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024
HOT YOGA SPOT’S “YOGAFEST”
Washington Park Parade Grounds
9a.m. - 10a.m.
FREE - RESERVE HERE
TULIP QUEEN CORONATION CEREMONY
Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
Nominations accepted through April 19th. 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 2023 Tulip Queen Olivia Owens, Mayor Kathy Sheehan and the Dutch Settlers Society lead the 2024 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 76th Albany Tulip Queen in this traditional highlight of Tulip Fest weekend.
PARKALBANY’S MAIN STAGE
Washington Park Parade Grounds
Media Sponsor: 102.7 WEQX
1:30p.m. – OF THE ATLAS: “Catskill NY based songwriter, guitarist and vocalist Jay Woodruff has led alternative rock band Of The Atlas through a colorful range of styles and incarnations. Started initially as a solo act by the enthusiastic and longtime member of the thriving and diverse regional underground rock community, Woodruff fleshed the group out into a powerful blend of introspective indie, vibrant art rock and infectious power pop. Now joined by Ethan Klee and Kenny Rowe”.
3:00p.m. – PRINCE DADDY & THE HYENA: “Prince Daddy & the Hyena is an American punk rock band from Albany, New York, formed in 2014. They have released three full-length albums and four extended plays”.
4:30p.m. – THE FRONT BOTTOMS: When you turn on a record from The Front Bottoms, you hear the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of two lifelong friends who stare down personal tragedy and the madness of a world gone haywire by simply playing a little louder together. The New Jersey natives went from playing in the woods to performing in high school bands. After Brian finished college, The Front Bottoms officially formed. Brian’s mom gifted the boys 12 hours of recording time for Christmas, resulting in their 2011 self-titled independent debut. A whirlwind of prolific output and countless gigs followed. The Front Bottoms reached a critical peak with 2017’s Going Grey. It received praise from the likes of The FADER, Stereogum, VICE, A.V. Club, and more. Along the way, the band performed on Late Night with Seth Meyers and NPR’s “Tiny Desk,” graced the stages of Coachella, Austin City Limits, and Bonnaroo, and toured with the likes of Blink-182, Manchester Orchestra, and many more. Not to mention, the group has tallied nearly 100 million streams, sold over 500,000 album equivalents, and launched the annual holiday festival Champagne Jam, which expands year over year at an unprecedented rate.
WEXT’S 518 STAGE
Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
Media Sponsor: Exit 97.7/106.1
1:00p.m. – SIDE B : “Four-piece alternative rock band from Upstate New York consisting of drummer Dylan Travison, bassist Eric Mitchell, guitarist AJ Horton, and vocalist Ian Justino. Our debut release “The Low Budget Romance EP” out now!”
2:15p.m. – SOFIA CORTS: “Sofia Corts is a 18 year-old singer-songwriter from the Albany, New York area who is on the cusp of a national breakout. Totally self-taught on guitar and keyboards, Sofia's songwriting effortlessly blends genres, pop, R&B, a hint of jazz, while generating infectious, memorable melodic hooks”.
3:30p.m – CAMTRON5000: “Camtron5000, rapper from Albany NY, has been creating alternative hip-hop music since 2016. He makes music that he hopes will break the stereotypes of what it means to be a rapper. Channeling a dynamic yet playful energy with his skilled lyricism, and sporting a logo crafted from his own gapped smile, Camtron5000 is a musical personality unlike any other!”
4:45p.m. – THE INSOLENT WILLIES: “The Insolent Willies are an upstate New York-based roots-rock band known for their hip-shaking mix of quirky, clever original songs and unpredictable interpretations of tunes from all over the musical map. The band consists of Bill Ackerbauer (acoustic guitar, harmonica, mandolin, vocals), Frank DeVer Pullen (bass, banjo, vocals), Paul Gavry (accordion, fiddle, vocals) and Evan Gavry (guitars, percussion, vocals).”
SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2024
25th ANNUAL CAPITAL REGION’S BEST MOM
Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
11:00a.m. – 12:00p.m
NOMINATE HERE
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 8th.
PARKALBANY’S MAIN STAGE
Washington Park Parade Grounds
Media Sponsor: 99.5 THE RIVER
1:00p.m. – OFF THE RECORD: “Off The Record Trio" is the Capital District’s only 1960’s rock and roll lounge band. Awarded a music “Eddie" for Best Capital District Party Cover Band two years in a row, the trio plays 60’s vintage tunes as well as some hidden nuggets with a modern twist. It is led by the dynamic and engaging Joanna Palladino on vocals with local favorite Geo on guitar / vocals along with Bob Resnick splashing rock and roll rhythms on a minimalist drum set.”
2:30p.m. – FUNK EVOLUTION : “Formed in 2010, Funk Evolution has been bringing top-shelf entertainment to the Northeast for 14 years. Funk Evolution features a who's who of musicians from New York and Massachusetts. Funk Evolution is best known for its high-energy delivery and unique arrangements; epic mashups of classic R&B with modern Top 40, 15 minute mega-medleys and their legendary 'Sax Battle' featuring original 14 year member, Justin Godlewski on Alto saxophone. From Classic Soul, Disco and 80s Anthems to Celtic Rock, Modern Country, Jam Band, Pop and Hip Hop; Funk Evolution is one of the most diverse entertainment groups in the region and has been recognized internationally as one of the top entertainment groups in the nation.”
4:30p.m. – NEW YORK PLAYERS: “New York Players are New York's Dance Party Experts, an entertainment powerhouse with a focus on corporate and private events, nightclubs, concerts and festivals… Keeping the Dance Floor Packed ALL NIGHT LONG!!”
WEXT’S 518 STAGE
Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
Media Sponsor: Exit 97.7/106.1
1:00p.m. – GIRL LOVE: “Girl Love is the Albany based, folk project of award- winning poet and songwriter, Laura Beth Johnson. Laura is known for her dark blend of story and soul. She was awarded the Lucy Monro Brooker Poetry Prize from the University of Indianapolis in 2017. In 2019, Laura was awarded a Songwriting Scholarship by Image Magazine. She received a Poetry Scholarship from Hudson Valley Writers Guild in 2022. In 2023, Girl Love was nominated for two Eddies. Laura’s poetry has been published in journals such as Post Mortem Press, Lady Blue, Indie Earth, Etchings Press, and Hare’s Paw. Laura’s music strives to affirm queer holiness. You can find Girl Love on all streaming platforms. Laura is joined at this year’s Tulip Fest by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Katie Johnson.”
2:15p.m. – THE E-BLOCK: “The E-Block is a 5-piece indie R&B band based in Upstate New York, blending the acoustic warmth of singer-songwriter music with an ice-cold rhythm section informed by modern R&B. With a deep bag of influences and free-flowing style, The E-Block has earned a reputation as a unique live act in the Capital Region scene.”
3:30p.m. – REESE FULMER & THE CARRIAGE HOUSE BAND: “Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band challenge the traditional relationship of a songwriter and his band, with a fluidly rotating cast of top-notch players and a flair for experimentation that combine for a unique and mesmerizing live performance. Add to that a keen lyricism that explores the human experience with a patient and poetic touch and you have the Capital Region's answer to the indie-folk/alt-Americana boundary pushed forward by Wilco and Iron & Wine.”
4:45p.m. – OOBLECK: “Oobleck, founded in 2008, is an original, analog funk band out of the Capital Region of NY. Known regionally for inciting dance parties wherever they land, they boast a big, in your face sound inspired by New Orleans street music. It’s a melee of horns, super heavy drums and bass and your favorite type of chunky guitar riffing that leaves your bum shaking and your face grinning.”
KIDZONE PRESENTED BY PRICE CHOPPER / MARKET 32
SATURDAY & SUNDAY CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
Enjoy pony rides, a rock-climbing wall, bounce house, live music, games and more fun for the whole family!
PRICE CHOPPER 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: Washington Park’s beloved theater group offers exciting sneak previews of their 2024 musical productions The Marvelous Wonderettes, Legally Blonde & Finding Nemo Jr.
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.
KISS 102.3’S WELLNESS STAGE
Free wellness classes for all ages, all weekend long!
Media Sponsor: KISS 102.3
12:00p.m. – SISTER’S OF THE RISING MOON – Belly Dancing Class
1:00p.m. – HOT YOGA SPOT - Kid’s Yoga Class
2:00p.m.- SIMPLY BALLROOM – Salsa & Bachata Dance Class
3:00p.m. – ARTPARTNERS – Hip-Hop Dance Class
4:00p.m. – MARCUS ROGERS DANCE COMPANY MRDC – Cardio Dance Class
5:00p.m. – MOVE FITNESS BY LENNY – Zumba Dance Class
TULIP WEEK EVENTS
TULIP TOURS at Washington Park Tulip Beds
Wednesday May 1: 10am and 5pm
Thursday May 2: 11am and 5pm
Friday May 3: 1pm and 6pm
Wednesday May 8: 11am and 6pm
Thursday May 9: 10am and 3pm
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 10th
CARILLON CONCERT
11:30 a.m. – noon, outside Albany City Hall
Amy Heebner performs a special Tulip Festival musical program on Albany City Hall’s historic 1927 carillon, a unique instrument consisting of 49 bells that range in size from 27 to 11,200 pounds.
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 76 years. 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, bagpiper Michele Lyons, 2023 Tulip Queen and Court, along with 2024 Tulip Queen finalists.
TULIP FESTIVAL LUNCHEON
12:30 p.m., The Blake Annex
Immediately following the Street Scrubbing, the Tulip Festival Luncheon is a farewell and thank you to 2023 Albany Tulip Queen Olivia Owens 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 contact: email tulipluncheon@gmail.com to purchase.
SATURDAY, MAY 11th
ROYAL TULIP BALL
6:30p.m., Albany Capital Center
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 HERE or email tulipball@albanyny.gov
TULIP BULB AND DIG SALE
May 18th: 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 19th: 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
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.
Find more parking options at www.parkalbany.com.
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, DeCrescente, Heineken, New Belgium, Wild Bill’s Soda, Barefoot Wine, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Yankee Home, Renewal by Andersen, Polish Korner, Instant Bath Fitter, Energy Catalyst Technologies, DGS, Alpin Haus, Verizon, The Hilton Garden Inn, Hot Yoga Spot, American Cancer Society, Tri-City Valleycats, Albany Patroons, Albany Firebirds, Mirth Films, Satch Sales, Park Playhouse, Recovery Sports Grill, Discover Albany, In Our Own Voices, Pride Center of Capital Region,
Media Partners:
WEQX, IHeart Radio, 99.5 The River, Kiss 102.3, Exit 97.7/106.1, B95.5, Albany.com, NYS Music, Spot 518, Times Union, Radio Radio X, WVCR 88.3 The Saint,
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.
