Spring is now fully here and it’s officially tulip season both here in NYC and all of Upstate NY!
And while we love strolling through the city to spot our local cherry blossoms and other blooms, sometimes a quick escape north is exactly what we need to ring in the warmer weather.
Just a short and scenic train ride away from Manhattan lies the ultimate spring day trip, and very few people rarely even talk about it.
Albany is gearing up to host its iconic annual Tulip Festival and it is an absolute must-do for flower lovers looking to get out of the city.
The 78th annual Albany Tulip Festival takes over the historic Washington Park for one weekend only on Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, 2026.
This massive 81-acre oasis transforms into a vibrant wonderland of color, drawing thousands of visitors to celebrate the city’s rich Dutch heritage.
Here’s everything you need to know about planning a trip for this year.
Everything you need to know about the Albany Tulip Festival
You will be completely mesmerized by the sheer volume of florals blooming throughout the park.
The festival boasts more than 180,000 tulips showcasing 150 different varieties.
It is basically an endless sea of pinks, yellows, purples, and vibrant reds popping up around the park’s beautiful monuments and lake.
The blooms alone are worth the trip but the festival is also packed with incredible local culture and entertainment.
Visitors can expect a packed schedule of events running from 11 am to 6 pm on both days.
And the best part? It’s totally free to enjoy!
Here is what you can look forward to during the festival weekend:
- Massive artisan market: Browse through nearly 100 local artisans selling beautiful handmade crafts, artwork, and unique goods.
- Live entertainment: Enjoy world-class live music and performances spread across multiple stages, including the traditional Tulip Queen Coronation ceremony.
- Delicious food: Come hungry because there will be plenty of local food vendors serving up incredible bites throughout the park.
- The KidZone: Perfect for families looking for fun activities, games, and kid-friendly shows.
How to get to the Albany Tulip Festival from NYC
Getting to this upstate floral paradise is incredibly easy and surprisingly affordable.
You can hop right on an Amtrak train at Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station and head straight up to the Albany-Rensselaer station. The ride takes just about two and a half hours.
You will get to sit back and relax while taking in stunning, uninterrupted views of the Hudson River Valley along the way.
Tickets can be found for as low as $47 each way when booked in advance, making it a super budget-friendly weekend escape.
Once you arrive at the station, Washington Park is just a quick cab or rideshare away.
Mark your calendars and grab your train tickets now before they sell out.
This gorgeous spring event only happens once a year and you definitely do not want to miss peak bloom!
🌷 For more information about the 2026 Albany Tulip Festival, head here!
