Our nation’s capital is gearing up for spring. National Tulip Day is set for March 15, 2026. On Tulip Day the National Mall is expected to be decorated with around 150,000 tulips. All these tulips are being graciously donated by the Netherlands.
Tulip Day is held annually in San Francisco, but this year the tradition is blooming on the East coast. The Dutch have donated up to 150,000 tulips, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence. The tulip display has been designed to even display a 250. Jan Guldemond is the head designer this year, known for his work in Keukenhof gardens in the Netherlands, where he’s designed displays for over 30 years.
The event is officially funded by the Royal Anthos which is the Netherlands’ DC embassy. Businesses throughout DC have contributed to the fluorescent display. The event even has official support from the European Union. Guests who have purchased tickets are allowed to pick up to ten tulips per person.
Unfortunately tickets sold out within 24 hours but various sites have tickets for resale. Although many may not be able to attend Tulip Day, Washington DC offers a variety of flower displays throughout the spring season.
The famous Japanese cherry blossoms are expected to reach peak bloom between March 29 and April 1. The blossoms are free to the public with displays on the Tidal Basin and East Potomac Park. The opening ceremony is March 21 at the Warner Theatre with performances from both Japanese and American productions.
From March 19 to 22, 30 floral installations by top designers will be on display at the Anderson House with tickets on sale right now.
The US’ state flowers are on display at the US Botanical Garden from April to October. This event is specially curated for the US’ 250th anniversary, with the official flowers from each state and territory on display. Entry is free and only available for six months.
The saucer magolia’s peak bloom is around mid-March. The flowers can be found all over the district but tourists and locals alike enjoy views at the Enid, A Haupt garden behind the Smithsonian Castle. The Jefferson Memorial is also credited with having picture-perfect blooms scattered around its perimeter.
March’s Tulip Day event on the National Mall brought a strong turnout, with hundreds of people gathering throughout the day to celebrate the start of spring, according to WTOP News.
In total, the event drew an estimated 12,500 visitors, transforming the Mall into a tulip garden filled with around 150,000 blooms. Attendees were invited to select up to ten tulips each, with many visitors expressing excitement about taking flowers home to put on display.
The event attracted a mix of families, tourists and local residents. Overall, the celebration successfully turned the National Mall into a vibrant symbol of spring and strengthened US and Dutch relations.
