Getaway: Free Skagit Valley Tulip Festival April 1-30

The annual Skagit Valley tulip festival runs April 1-30 and is one of the destination events for the Pacific Northwest. Skagit Valley is located on I-5, about 60 miles north of Seattle. For over three decades, every spring hundreds of thousands of people from every state across the United States and from around the world come to enjoy the celebration of spring as millions of tulips burst into bloom.

The festival is designed as a driving tour for the visitor as there is no one “site” that you go to for your visit. This is because the farmers in Skagit Valley raise tulips as an agricultural crop. Therefore, hundreds of acres of blooming flowers are scattered across farms throughout the valley. Both RoozenGaarde and Tulip Town also have displays of tulips in gardens for visitors to view and photograph.

The tulip festival is not just about tulips; there are also daffodils, irises, and hyacinths. As with all things governed by Mother Nature, the tulips bloom according to their own schedule sometime during the festival. The beauty of the flowers truly transcends differences, bringing together cultures, ages, and diverse lifestyles to marvel at nature’s creation. Check the Bloom Map to see what is blooming during your visit.

In addition to the flowers, festival visitors enjoy taking in one of the many events and activities that happen only during April. Check their list of events to see what is happening on the days you plan to visit.

Finally, there are also many other activities to enjoy in the area, such as art galleries and museums, breweries and wineries, farms and nurseries, tours (on land or in the air), plenty of food options, and much more.

So pile the family into the car and head north for a relaxing drive and breathtaking views!