Afternoon Activities at the Festival — What to know!

Wondering how, when and where to see the best afternoon activities at the festival? Here’s the inside scoop for the afternoon parade–and the events before the parade you won’t want to miss!

Downtown Orange City comes alive each afternoon with the following events:

  • 1:00 p.m. Straatfeest (street festival) begins! This takes place in the Reserved Bleacher Seating sections only. 
  • 2:00 p.m. Approximate time street scrubbing takes place.
  • 2:15 p.m. Volksparade (parade) starts!

The Mode Show is part of Straatfeest. (Image courtesy of Lauren McDonald Film + Photo.)

Straatfeest

Straatfeest, or “street festival” is a cherished event at Tulip Festival and takes place daily at 1:00 p.m. At Straatfeest, you can experience the Mode Show, a type of fashion show, showcasing historically accurate Dutch costumes.

Dutch Dancers of all ages entertain prior to the parade. (Image courtesy Lauren McDonald Film + Photo.)

Following the Mode Show, Dutch dancers in klompen (wooden shoes) are sure to entertain you!

Street scrubbers prepare the streets for the parade.

After the dancing, stay in your seat while you witness a Dutch tradition–our street inspectors check the streets for cleanliness in anticipation of the Tulip Queen’s arrival in the Volksparade (parade). Boys and men throw buckets of water while girls and ladies follow with brooms, ensuring the streets are spotless for our Queen and her Court.

Straatfeest and Volksparade FAQ

What time does Straatfeest start?

Straatfeest begins at 1:00 p.m. Your reserved seating ticket is good for Straatfeest and the Volksparade, so be sure to be in your seat before 1:00 p.m.!

Where can I see Straatfeest?

The complete Straatfeest program takes place in the Reserved Seating sections only.

What time does the actual Volksparade (parade) start?

Our afternoon parade starts at 2:15 p.m., right after the street scrubbers.

Do I have to buy reserved seating for the parade?

You do not have to buy reserved bleacher seating for the parade, but it is highly recommended. You are free to bring your own lawn chair and enjoy the parade along our parade route. As a reminder, if you bring your own lawn chair and sit outside the Reserved Bleacher Seating areas, you will not see Straatfeest.

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