Tulip Time Announces the 2023 Festival Entertainment & Exhibition Line-up
HOLLAND, Mich., November 2, 2022 – Tulip Time Festival announces their festival entertainment line-up for 2023.
International Exhibitions
Tulip Immersion Garden Returns
By far, the most popular exhibit of the 2022 festival returns in 2023 with a new location at Beechwood Church in Park Township where visitors will be surrounded by a beautiful landscape. World-renowned Dutch horticulturist, Ibo Gülsen will display over 50,000 tulips in three stunning, raised displays to immerse guests in chest and eye-level tulips. The displays tell the story of how the Dutch found the tulip being cultivated in Turkey, brought them home to the Netherlands where they blossomed into a cultural craze, and, finally, came to be celebrated as part of Holland, Michigan’s heritage in the Tulip Time Festival.
This year, Mr. Gülsen will be adding to this display of history and living beauty by incorporating the story of the delft artwork the Dutch are famous for.
Gülsen is the founder of Imagineering Horti Culture and played a large part in the return of the Istanbul Tulip to Turkey along with the Dutch consulate. Gülsen has crafted world-class immersion gardens including the Dafeng Holland Flower Park in Jiangsu, China, the Culture of Flowers Festival in Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar, and the World’s Largest Off-Season Tulip Show in Chongming Island, Shanghai.
Musical Entertainment
Sara Evans
Multi-platinum entertainer Sara Evans is at the top of her game. As the fifth most-played female artist on country radio in nearly the last two decades — her five No. 1 singles include “No Place That Far,” “Suds In The Bucket, “A Real Fine Place To Start,” “Born to Fly,” and “A Little Bit Stronger,” which spent 2 weeks in the top spot and was certified platinum by the R.I.A.A. Sara’s “stunning, country voice” (Rolling Stone) has earned her the prestigious Academy of Country Music Top Female vocalist accolade as well as numerous American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Country Music Association, CMT and Grammy Awards nominations.
Girl Named Tom
Girl Named Tom has made history as the first-ever trio to win NBC’s The Voice. During the 2021 season, they landed 4 songs concurrently on the iTunes Top 10 charts, with 2 songs reaching #1, plus received praise from both mentors Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande – stating “[They are] The most special thing I have seen on this show” and they give "Ethereal, gorgeous performances, respectively.
Back By Popular Demand
Elton Rohn – The Premier Elton John Tribute Show
During the 2022 Tulip Time Festival, Elton Rohn played to a sold-out Civic Center Place audience. Now, the entire Elton Rohn experience returns to the Civic Center Place to fill the venue with an electrifying atmosphere.
Elton Rohn is the premier Elton John tribute show. Elton Rohn combines the look, feel and sound of a real Elton John show. Featuring full harmonies and all musicians playing and singing live (no recordings). This high-energy show is an engaging and familiar experience for audiences to sing along with. Elton Rohn creates a captivating performance from start to finish. Elton Rohn will be performing on Saturday, May 6th, 2023, at the Holland Civic Center.
Artisan Market
The annual Artisan Market brings together over two hundred vendors to highlight their artisanship and sell unique, hard-to-find items. Guests can walk through the market and adore handmade items at each vendor. Vendors are carefully selected and screened by Tulip Time to ensure they are high-quality. This year, the Artisan Market will be moving to the spacious Ottawa County Fairgrounds on Ottawa Beach Road in Holland. The Artisan Market will run from Saturday, May 6th through Sunday, May 7th, 2023.
Historical Walking Tours
Tulip Time celebrators will have the opportunity to learn about the history of Holland, its’ Dutch heritage, and its vibrant present on this new walking tour developed by Tulip Time. Costumed guides will show guests around the historical sites of Holland, providing an up-close visit to many sites and icons that make up our wonderful city. Participants will see many of the tulip displays and will have numerous photo opportunities with magnificent tulips. The tour is a one-hour experience, and each participant will be given a personal set of headphones, allowing them to hear their tour guide easily.
VIP tours will also be available, where tours will be led by a local VIP and are available to the public.
Most of the tour is wheelchair accessible, except for some stairs and accommodations can be arranged.
New and Returning
Tulip City Brewstillery Guided Beverage Tastings
Local crafter of beer and spirits, Tulip City Brewstillery will be hosting this guided tasting with a historic spin. Tulip City has a penchant for naming drinks after local landmarks and history. During this guided tasting, visitors will get a lesson in beer, spirits, and history.
Dutch Dance Makes Additions
The long-time Tulip Time staple will return in all the same places, with a few additions.
Community Dutch Dance Lessons
The community will be invited to come and learn to Step, Brush, Hop with experienced Dutch Dancers leading the way. Participants will be shown some beginner moves of Dutch Dance to take home and show off to their friends and family!
Dutch Dance Style Show
Local Dutch Dancers will strut their stuff in full costume, showing off their handmade, historically accurate dresses and suits from different provinces of the Netherlands.
Pass the Shoe Ceremony
As high school seniors leave the world of youth Dutch Dancing behind, they will “pass the shoe” to the next generation of high school dancers.
Art in Bloem Fine Art Showcase
Enjoy a stroll through 20 pieces of fine art created specifically for the Tulip Time Festival poster contest, including the official 2023 Tulip Time Festival poster winner, and see Holland’s rich culture and diversity on display at the Holland Civic Center Place. Next to these 20 pieces of contemporary art, traditional Dutch costumes will be on display for patrons to study up close. The Art in Bloem Fine Art Showcase will be open from Saturday, May 6th to Friday, May 13th, 2023 at the Holland Civic Center Place.
Tall Ship Dockside Tour
The Friends Good Will tall shop will be moored at Boatwerks restaurants and available for dockside tours. This authentic replica gives a peek back into life on the Great Lakes in 1812. Learn the history of this merchant vessel turned Navy transport ship. Public touring will be available from Saturday, May 6th through Saturday, May 13th, 2023.
Street Parades
Gentex Kinderparade
The Gentex Kinderparade (children’s parade) is a time-honored favorite. On Thursday, May 11th, 2023, elementary school children will line up with their teachers and school administrators in full costumes and smiling faces as they march together through downtown Holland. Each school and grade will have its theme that nods to the town's Dutch heritage, from Dutch agriculture to the Dutch Master’s painters. This year, the Gentex Kinderparade will feature street scrubbing from town officials and VIPs.
Quality Car Wash Volksparade
The Quality Car Wash Volksparade (people's parade) will be big and bold. People from near and far will be invited to don their Dutch costumes, grab a bucket and a broom, and scrub the streets clean for the coming performances. Town officials will walk through with their ceremonial white glove inspection to approve the streets for the parade and when the town crier officially announces the official's approval, the parade will start. Dozens of bands from West Michigan middle and high schools showcase their talents amid the community floats through downtown Holland. The Quality Car Wash Volksparade parade will be on Saturday, May 13th, 2023.
Local Performing Arts Series
Tulip Time is pleased to announce the Local Performing Arts Series for the 2023 Tulip Time Festival. Each year, several of Holland’s cultural organizations collaborate with Tulip Time to create an array of entertainment for festival visitors.
Dazzle! A Tulip Time Talent Showcase
The brilliantly fresh talent from four area high schools bursts onto the stage to present this vibrant medley. Enjoy this astounding variety of soloists, show choir, and orchestral performances, all in one show! Dazzle! will be performing on Tuesday, May 9th, 2023, at Central Wesleyan Church in Holland.
Nana’s Naughty Knickers
Bridget and her grandmother are about to become roommates. However, what Bridget saw as a unique opportunity to stay with her favorite nana in New York for the summer quickly turns into an experience she’ll never forget. It seems her sweet grandma is illegally selling handmade naughty knickers from her apartment!
Nana’s Naughty Knickers will be performed by the Holland Community Theatre throughout the festival.
American Legion Band
Founded by the Willard G. Leenhouts American Legion Post 6 in Holland, Michigan, the American Legion Band is filled with prolific musicians who have performed in the Holland community, across the state, country, and the world. The Holland American Legion Band will be performing on Wednesday, May 10th, 2023, at the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts.
Dutch Organ Music Old and New (1521-Today!)
Join Rhonda Sider Edgington and Jonathan Ruffer as they put 500 years of Dutch music on display in one night, spanning the early traditional styles to modern fusions of jazz, rock, and pop music. Siders Edgington guides audiences through the centuries with clever color commentary and a witty approach to musical entertainment. Siders Edgington is an Organist at Hope Church in Holland, an instructor at Calvin University, and an international concert artist. Ruffer, who will be accompanying Siders Edgington on trumpet, plays in the St. Andrew's Cathedral Brass band and is an instructor at Hope College. The Dutch Organ concert will be performing Sunday, May 7, 2023, at Hope Church
Quilt Show
The Tulip Time Quilt Show will put West Michigan quilter’s artistry on display for all to appreciate at Beechwood Church in Holland. Over 100 exquisite quilts will be hung high for patrons to enjoy up close. Every cut, every stitch, and every pattern will showcase the quilter’s skill and experience in an increasingly rare craft. The Quilt Show will also play host to the annual Quilt Raffle. Participants will be able to purchase tickets for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind quilt, made specifically to commemorate this year's festival. The Quilt Show will run from Saturday, May 6th, through Sunday, May 14th, 2023, with the winner of the Quilt Raffle being announced Monday, May 15th.
Floral Arranging Class
Huisman Flowers’ award-winning floral designers teach the art of floral arranging as guests create their masterpieces to take home. The classes take place at their beautiful Holland flower shop location where you can browse through a vast assortment of occasion-themed gifts, Monday, May 8th, and Tuesday, May 9th, 2023.
Tulip Time Run
Runners from all over the Midwest will gather at the lakeside Kollen Park in Holland to wait for the starting gun. Runners will run through the historic tulip lanes and see Holland in ways they have never seen before. This run offers a 10k, a 5k, and a Kid’s Fun Run option for runners of all ages and skill levels. The run will take place on Saturday, May 6th, 2023. Registration is open at TulipTime.com/run.
Experience Tulip Time Festival, May 6-14, 2023. Detailed program and event information is available at www.tuliptime.com. Tickets for shows go on sale Tuesday, November 15th, 2022, at 9:00 am ET. Tickets can be purchased online at www.tuliptime.com, in person at the Tulip Time Festival Box Office located at 42 West 8th Street, Holland, Michigan, or by phone at 800-822-2770.
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