Tulip Time Parades

2026 Parade Participation

Each May, the streets of Holland burst with color, music, and community spirit during the Tulip Time parades—and you’re invited to be part of the tradition! Whether you’re representing a school, organization, or neighborhood group, marching in a Tulip Time parade is a chance to celebrate our Dutch heritage, showcase creativity, and join thousands of smiling spectators in one of Michigan’s most cherished spring events.

Want to join the fun? Parade participation applications open later this year! Sign up below to receive an email alert when registration goes live, along with important updates and tips to help your group get parade-ready for Tulip Time.

Applications

Join the Parade Participation Mailing List

Parade Guidelines

GENERAL GUIDELINES 

  1. Each unit must maintain forward momentum without slowing or stopping in route. Parades maintain a brisk pace; your group must be prepared to maintain pace for the parade. 
  2. Entries are required to incorporate one or more elements of Tulip Time’s mission. Our Mission is to welcome the world to our community by celebrating tulips, Dutch heritage, and Holland today.  
  3. Exceptions for unique entries with strong visual appeal OR for entries which engage with and entertain spectators are made by the Parade Committee. 
  4. All persons participating MUST be in uniform dress, Dutch costume, or match the theme of the entry. Type of dress must be outlined on the application. 
  5. To ensure the safety of our parade participants and spectators, Tulip Time and the Holland Police Department have decided that there will be NO HANDOUTS and NO ITEMS thrown along the parade route or in the assembly/dispersal areas are permitted. Violators will be removed from the parade route.  
  6. Identification banners/signage with a salute to Tulip Time (EX: Quality Car Wash Welcomes you to Tulip Time!) must accompany each unit.  Each entry is responsible for their own banner and signage. Banners are limited to one per group with the exception of the Presenting Parade Sponsor. 
  7. Issue oriented entries will not be accepted. The parade committee reserves the right to determine whether an entry is in the best interest of the Festival.  
  8. Riders/mascots must remain in their vehicle throughout the entire parade or keep fast pace. There is no stopping or holding up the parade. Be prepared for convertible tops to be put up if poor weather conditions arise. 
  9. Applicants hoping to participate in the Kinderparade must be child or family-oriented organizations. 
  10. When applying you MUST indicate if you will be having music with your entry. If indicated NO, entries may NOT have music the day of the parade. The parade line up is strategically formed to make sure entries with music are not placed by one another.   
  11. Animal units must have prior parade experience, verification that the animals are parade safe, and a clean-up crew. Participating dogs must be up to date on their rabies vaccine, licensed, and on a leash. 
  12. Helium parade balloons must not exceed 30 feet long/high by 15 feet wide. 

 WALKING UNIT GUIDELINES 

  1. The maximum number of walkers on the parade route with each entry should not exceed 30; exceptions will be made by the Parade Committee. 
  2. Walking participants must be able to walk the entire parade route (up to 2.4 miles). 
  3. Walking units may include wagons, strollers, scooters, etc. with prior permission from the Parade Committee. This does include Street Scrubbing and Dutch Dogs.   

VEHICLE GUIDELINES 

  1. Vehicles in the parade are restricted to those used for pulling a float, convertibles (five years old or newer), or antique/classic cars (20 years old or older). If you have a vehicle that does not fit these guidelines, please contact the parade director to discuss.   
  2. Corporate vehicles are not permitted unless they meet the above criteria. Please check with the parade committee with any questions. They must also incorporate one or more of Tulip Time’s Mission Statement. 
  3. Participating in a parade often means that your vehicle will be “idling” for many minutes at a time.  This can be difficult for motorcycles, classic cars, etc. and should be considered when deciding to enter the parade. 

FLOAT GUIDELINES 

  1. Tulip Time will provide 2 10” diameter pots of live tulips (subject to availability). Applicants are encouraged to supply additional tulips if the size of the entry allows it. 
  2. Floats must be skirted, and all objects should be completely decorated in floral sheeting or its equivalent. Float resources are as follows:  
  3. www.creativefloats.com 
  4. www.defrellbuilders.com 
  5. www.theparade.org 
  6. Floats should not exceed 12.5’ in height  
  7. Each float must have its own driver and own towing vehicle; no riders are permitted in the back of the towing vehicle.  

BAND GUIDELINES 

  1. Bands must be in matching professional uniform. Any insignia, images, additions or alteration of band uniform will not be allowed. 
  2. Each band director may have no more than three additional people accompany the band in any capacity (assistant director, first aid, water carrier, etc.). 
  3. Band directors are responsible for the proper hydration and nutrition of band members prior to the parade, even beginning as early as the day before. 
  4. The parade route for the Saturday Volksparade is 2.4 miles long; and Thursday parade is a bit shorter at 1.5 miles approximately. 
  5.  Bands are expected to use a cadence of MM 120-132. 

MEDIA GUIDELINES 

  1. HAVE MEDIA NOTES READY. Entries who leave this section blank will not be accepted. When writing notes, write them from the perspective of the TV announcer (3rd person) and not an organization (1st person).  Make it brief as announcers may cut pieces out if it is too long!  

FIREARMS GUIDELINES 

  1. Firearms permitted in the parade will be for ceremonial purposes only and will not be loaded. Rifles must only be carried in an “over the shoulder” position.  
  2. Only active police personnel may be in possession of live firearms. 
  3. Entries including firearms will be inspected before step-off by the Holland Police Department. 

The Parade Committee reserves the right to accept or deny all applications. Any parade-day deviations from the originally accepted application, violations of the stated guidelines, or inappropriate behavior could result in your entry’s exclusion from any of the 2024 parades.       

If you have any questions about the guidelines or application process, please contact Chad Mesbergen at chad@tuliptime.com or 616-396-4221 ext.108. 

Gentex Kinderparade

The Gentex Kinderparade at Tulip Time in Holland, Michigan, showcases local children in traditional Dutch costumes. They march through downtown, representing different Dutch provinces, accompanied by bands and floats. Local residents and guests will dress in Dutch costumes and join bands, floats, and street scrubbers to celebrate the city's heritage. This colorful parade highlights the community’s pride in its Dutch heritage and cultural traditions. 

May 7, 2026 @ 2:00 - 4:00pm

 

Quality Car Wash Volksparade 

The Quality Car Wash Volksparade, part of Holland's Tulip Time Festival, features a lively procession through downtown. Residents and guests will dress in Dutch costumes to join bands and floats to celebrate the city's heritage. The parade emphasizes community participation, tradition, and the vibrant spirit of Dutch culture. 

May 9, 2026 @ 2:00 - 4:00pm

Video coverage of the parades is provided by the City of Holland.

Watch past parades at: CityOfHolland