WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tulip Day made its debut in Washington on Sunday, March 15, 2026, with visitors picking free bouquets from more than 150,000 tulips and celebrating the arrival of spring in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Hosted by Royal Anthos with support from the European Union, the event brought people together on the National Mall for a simple but memorable experience — walking through rows of tulips, choosing their favorites and sharing the moment with others.
Crowds gathered early, and once inside, the focus quickly shifted to the flowers. Each visitor was able to pick 10 tulips, building bouquets filled with bright reds, soft pinks, bold yellows and striped varieties. People compared picks, helped each other choose and paused for photos with the U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument in the background.
Despite cloudy skies, the atmosphere stayed upbeat throughout the day. What could have felt like just another event instead felt like a shared experience, with families, friends and visitors all enjoying the same simple tradition.
There were some early challenges with tickets as demand exceeded expectations, but those who attended said it was worth it. The turnout reflected just how much interest surrounded the first-year event.
While the flowers were grown in the United States, the bulbs were imported from Europe and supplied through European growers.
By the afternoon, many visitors left with bouquets in hand, and now those tulips are beginning to bloom in homes across the DMV.
Follow Tulip Day DC on Facebook to view photos and videos from the event and to stay updated on future announcements and whether the event will return next year.
Learn more at tulipday.eu.
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