Every spring, fields in Washington’s Skagit Valley burst into color with millions of blooming tulips. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is one of the most popular events in the Pacific Northwest, drawing visitors from across the United States and beyond. Rows of tulips in red, yellow, pink, and purple stretch toward the horizon, making it a photographer’s dream and a perfect day trip from Seattle.
The festival is not held on one exact weekend. Instead, it runs through the entire month of April, with the peak bloom shifting slightly each year depending on weather. Knowing the best time to visit helps you catch the fields at their brightest and avoid the worst of the crowds.
Quick Answer
The best time to visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is usually the second and third weeks of April, when most of the fields are in full bloom. Early April can be hit or miss, with some fields flowering and others still green. By late April, many tulips start to fade, though you can still see plenty of color.
About the Festival
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival started in 1984 and has grown into a month-long celebration. It is self-guided, meaning you drive between fields, gardens, and events at your own pace. Two main display gardens anchor the festival: RoozenGaarde and Tulip Town. Each one plants new designs every year, with pathways and photo spots among the flowers. In addition to the tulips, local businesses host art shows, wine tastings, bike rides, and street fairs.
The festival takes place in and around Mount Vernon, La Conner, and Burlington, about an hour north of Seattle.
Weather and Bloom Timing
Bloom time depends on the weather. A warm spring brings earlier blooms, while a cold, wet season delays them. The festival runs from April 1 to April 30 to cover the entire bloom window.
- Early April: Daffodils often bloom first, with tulips beginning in some fields.
- Mid-April: This is usually peak tulip season, with most fields in full color.
- Late April: Tulips begin to fade, but gardens still have displays, and some late-blooming varieties remain.
The festival’s website and social media update bloom status daily, which is helpful if you want to plan for the best fields.
Weekends vs. Weekdays
Weekends are the busiest. Parking lots fill up quickly, traffic slows near Mount Vernon, and photo spots are crowded. Weekdays are calmer, with fewer people in the fields and shorter lines at gardens and restaurants. If possible, plan your visit for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
Best Time of Day
Arriving early in the morning has two advantages: softer light for photos and fewer crowds. Sunrise in the fields can be magical. Late afternoon also offers good light and smaller crowds compared to midday.
RoozenGaarde vs. Tulip Town
Both gardens are worth visiting if you have time, but each has its own character.
- RoozenGaarde: Known for carefully designed display gardens with patterns, color blocks, and themed plantings. Their fields stretch widely and offer classic tulip views.
- Tulip Town: More family-oriented, with trolley rides, murals, and activities. It has fewer acres of tulips but still plenty of photo opportunities.
Tickets for both gardens are sold online in advance and required for entry.
Other Things to Do During the Festival
- La Conner: A small waterfront town with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
- Mount Vernon Street Fair: Usually held mid-April, with food, crafts, and live music.
- Skagit Valley Wineries: Local vineyards often run tastings and events during the festival.
- Farm Stands: Seasonal produce, fresh tulip bouquets, and baked goods are sold throughout the valley.
Getting There
The Skagit Valley is about 60 miles north of Seattle, or 70 miles south of Bellingham. Most visitors drive via I-5, with exits for Mount Vernon and Conway. Parking is available at display gardens and near fields, though it can fill quickly on busy days.
If you want to avoid traffic, Amtrak runs trains from Seattle to Mount Vernon, where you can connect to shuttles or local transport during the festival.
Costs
- Entry to display gardens: Around $15 per person
- Parking: Usually included with ticketed gardens, but some roadside fields charge a small fee
- Food: Casual restaurants and food trucks offer everything from seafood to pastries
- Souvenirs: Tulip bulbs, bouquets, and art are sold throughout the festival
Tips for Visiting
- Buy tickets online before you go, especially on weekends.
- Wear boots or shoes you don’t mind getting muddy, since fields can be wet.
- Check bloom updates on the official website or social media pages.
- Bring layers. April weather in western Washington can shift quickly from sun to rain.
- Be patient with traffic, especially on weekends.
Photography Tips
Tulip fields are best photographed early or late in the day when the light is softer. Use the rows of tulips as leading lines in your photos. Respect signs and stay on marked paths to protect the flowers. A polarizing filter can help capture the colors of the flowers against the sky.
Where to Stay
If you want to stay overnight, Mount Vernon and Burlington have chain hotels and motels. La Conner has smaller inns and bed-and-breakfasts. Reservations fill up quickly during April, so booking early is smart. Some travelers also stay in Everett or Bellingham and drive in for the day.
Why It’s Worth the Trip
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is more than just flowers. It is a celebration of spring in the Pacific Northwest, bringing together color, community, and local culture. Even if you are not a gardener, walking through the fields surrounded by endless rows of tulips is a memorable experience. The fact that it only happens for a few weeks each year makes it feel special.
Final Thoughts
The best time to visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is mid-April, when the flowers are at their peak. Visiting on a weekday morning gives you the best chance to enjoy the fields without heavy crowds. Pair the tulips with a stroll through La Conner or a stop at a local winery, and you have the perfect spring day trip.
Whether you come for the photos, the flowers, or simply the feeling of walking among millions of blooms, the festival is a reminder of how beautiful the season can be. Plan ahead, check bloom reports, and give yourself time to enjoy it at an easy pace.
