2026 ALBANY TULIP FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED
The 78th Annual Albany Tulip Festival
Saturday, May 9 & Sunday, May 10, 2026
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Washington Park, Albany NY
FREE
The City of Albany will host the 78th annual Albany Tulip Festival presented by KeyBank on Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10 in Washington Park. The Tulip Festival is Albany’s signature spring event, featuring annual traditions rooted in the City’s rich Dutch heritage. The event includes more than one hundred artisans selling handmade crafts and art, a wide selection of food vendors, a Kid Zone family destination, four live entertainment stages, and a newly expanded wellness area featuring 20+ vendors, free classes, and workshops. Attendees are also encouraged to sign up for Yogafest, hosted by The Hot Yoga Spot at the Main Parade Grounds on Sunday, May 10 at 9:00 AM. Visitors can experience more than 100,000 tulips in bloom throughout historic Washington Park, the 81-acre "crown jewel" of Albany.
As Albany continues turning the lights back on, the Tulip Festival remains a cornerstone of the City’s efforts to bring people together, support local businesses, and activate public spaces. Events like this showcase the vibrancy of Albany’s neighborhoods and create opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the City in new ways. Held annually on Mother’s Day weekend, the Tulip Festival has grown into one of the Northeast’s most beloved spring traditions. Featuring local vendors, small businesses, community organizations, and artists on every stage, the festival celebrates Albany’s history while continuing to invest in its future. As always, the event is free and open to the public.
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2026
TULIP QUEEN CORONATION CEREMONY
Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
11:30a.m. –The Mendelssohn Club (Lakehouse Stage)
A local institution for over a century, this acclaimed male chorus is the longest continuously performing arts group in the Capital Region.
11:45a.m. – Tulip Queen Procession (Begins at formal Tulip Beds by Moses Statue)
The 2025 Tulip Queen Abigail Williams, Mayor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs, the Dutch Settlers Society and UAlbany Marching Great Danes lead the 2026 Tulip Queen finalists to the Lakehouse Stage.
12:00p.m. - Tulip Queen Coronation (Lakehouse Stage)
Mayor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs and MC Chad O’Hara crown the 78th Albany Tulip Queen in this traditional highlight of Tulip Fest weekend.
MAIN STAGE
Washington Park Parade Grounds
1:30p.m. – THE E-BLOCK: The E-Block is a 4-piece R&B band originated in upstate New York, blending the acoustic warmth of singer-songwriter music with an ice-cold rhythm section informed by modern R&B. With a deep bag of influences and free-flowing style, The E-Block has earned a reputation as a unique live act in the New York scene and beyond.
3:00p.m. – GRACE BOWERS: Grace Bowers is a 19-year-old, award-winning guitarist, singer, songwriter and bandleader who is undisputedly on a meteoric rise. Bowers cut her teeth playing in dive bars, inspired by a variety of music genres from rock and punk to R&B and funk. She built a growing fanbase through posting videos of her playing guitar on social media during the pandemic. Grace has since become one of the most in-demand and celebrated young artists, and an inspiration to a whole new generation of women around the world.
4:30p.m. – JOYWAVE: Joywave are at an exciting point in their career. Not only have the act survived the pressures of their major-label debut and the dreaded sophomore slump, they’ve established themselves as the kind of band that you’re as likely to hear at a hip record store as you are at the grocery store.
WEXT LOCAL 518 STAGE
Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
Media Sponsor: Exit 97.7/106.1
1:00p.m. – KEEGAN JAMES: Keegan James is an Albany, NY-based queer pop artist who walks with sunshine and comedic realism on his shoulders. Navigating life and relationships in your 20’s is hard, but Keegan's music makes you feel less alone and motivated to keep moving forward! With a warm and expressive voice, he embodies the emotional depth of a modern-day Billy Joel along with the soulful spirit of Stevie Wonder. Keegan who was just featured in Metroland Magazine and appeared on season 24 of American Idol is releasing new music this summer that is sure to get people moving and smiling at your event.
2:15p.m. – THE SUGAR HOLD: The Sugar Hold doesn’t play any specific genre of music, their milieu isn’t from any specific decade, and they truly don’t have any agenda other than to have a goodtime. They’re pure rock ’n’ roll, the kind a lot of us believed didn’t - and couldn’t -exist anymore. But it does, right here in upstate New York. Based in Schenectady, NY, The Sugar Hold is made up of Mikey Baish on guitar and vocals, Dan Clark on lead guitar, Matt Malone on bass and vocals, Ryan McCalla on guitar and keyboards, and Jesse Winchester on drums. Often labeled as “surf-punk,” The Sugar Hold takes cues from bands like the Crickets, the Beach Boys, early Beatles, and the Clash—not by recreating their sound note for note, but by drawing from their spirit, style, and attitude. They blend the best of rock ’n’ roll across the decades and filter it through modern production to create something that feels both nostalgic and new.
3:30p.m – THE BELLE CURVES: The Belle Curves is the primary creative outlet for Troy-based singer-songwriter Delaney Hafener. With a fluid lineup, she combines a songwriting style rooted firmly in americana and folk-rock with a lush Brian Wilson approach to recording and vocal arrangement. The new album "Tides & Rain", co-produced with fellow Troy musician Evan Marré, will be out April 24.
4:45p.m. – 97OTIS: 97OTIS is the stage name of Orlondo Otis Hundley II, an independent rapper and poet from Schenectady, New York, known as The Electric City. Blending alternative hip-hop, boom bap, lofi, and poetic rap, he is fully self-produced and has released over 100 tracks since 2020. His work explores philosophy, social commentary, love, and power, often described as “hip-hop during the fall of Rome.” Beyond music, 97OTIS is a community organizer and public speaker, using art and storytelling to amplify independent voices locally and worldwide
SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2026
27th ANNUAL CAPITAL REGION’S BEST MOM
Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
11:00a.m. – 12:00p.m
Chad O’Hara and local officials recognize the Capital Region’s most outstanding moms.
MAIN STAGE
Washington Park Parade Grounds
THE HOT YOGA SPOT “YOGAFEST”
Washington Park Parade Grounds
9a.m. - 10a.m.
1:30p.m. – ALEX TORRES GROUP: Alex Torres is a multi-award winning musician performing internationally and nationally. Celebrating his 45th anniversary with his orchestra, the band continues to deliver sizzling tropical rhythms much to the dancers delight.
3:00p.m. – THE ILL FUNK ENSEMBLE: Widely regarded as one of the best bands in the Capitol Region, ILL FUNK brings the 90’s/00’s dance party wherever they perform. Recently seen nationally when they performed at the Saratoga Racetrack for the Belmont Stakes, the band has performed for hundreds of thousands of people over the years and has made a name for itself in being unique, professional and a crowd-pleaser.
4:30p.m. – MJ THE ILLUSION: MJ The Illusion is a one-of-a-kind music concert that will take you on a journey through the music, performances, and visuals of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Through this live performance experience, you’ll be immersed in the magic of Michael Jackson’s music, from his breakthrough album “Off the Wall” to his timeless hits like “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal” and of course “Billie Jean.”
WEXT LOCAL 518 STAGE
Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
Media Sponsor: Exit 97.7/106.1
1:00p.m. – PAINTBRUSH CHARLIE: Paintbrush Charlie is a pop-punk-adjacent trio based in Troy, NY delivering high-energy performances of punchy yet tender songs that hit you straight in your feelings.
2:15p.m. – MAGGIE DOHERTY: Maggie is a versatile, skilled and soulful singer moving easily between pop, country/folk, r&b, and rock & roll, fronting many different performance groups, wedding bands, acoustic duo/trios and her own solo act in both her native Capital Region and the Tri-State area. She grew up singing in a musical family and honed an ear for pitch, tone and harmony performing with her mother, uncle and aunts in loud bars on the Saratoga music circuit. She started and fronted her own acts in high school–at 17, performing Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin and Beatles covers for rowdy racetrack tourists in downtown Saratoga.
3:30p.m. – TOPS OF TREES: Tops of Trees is an original Rock & Soul ensemble hailing from upstate New York quickly making a name for themselves in the Capital Region. With a sound built upon a strong foundation of drum and bass, classic organ, blistering vocals, and an unshakeable horn section, the band continues to thrill audiences with high energy performances and a modern interpretation of soulful music steeped in early R&B, funk and blues. Releasing their inaugural EP, "The Tree House Sessions," in 2023, Tops of Trees hit the airwaves with WEXT, WEQX, and Unsigned 518. Their compelling songwriting resonated deeply with listeners, securing top spots on the WEXT local songs of the year, also earning them consecutive Capital Region Thomas Edison Award nominations (The Eddie’s) for “Jam Band of The Year” and "Funk Band of the Year."
4:45p.m. – THE KY MCCLINTON BAND: A powerful R&B, soul rock, and blues band that leaves you feeling relaxed and energetic, from originals to covers this band knows a huge variety. The leader of this band is none other than Ky McClinton himself. Ky brings his all to every stage and venue to make sure you leave satisfied and wanting more! Ky plays lead guitar and is also the lead vocalist of the group paired with Isaiah Allen [backup vocalist]. The two bring harmonies you just can't find anywhere else! Along with the rest of the band that know how to bring that soulful wholesome feeling to you live in real time!
KIDZONE
SATURDAY & SUNDAY CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
Enjoy pony rides, a rock-climbing wall, live entertainment, games and more fun for the whole family!
1:00p.m., 4:00p.m. – ANDY “THE MUSIC MAN”: a well-versed children's musician renowned for delighting audiences of all ages through sing-a-longs, dancing, play-acting and storytelling.
2:00p.m. – PARK PLAYHOUSE: Park Playhouse brings performers from their Playhouse Stage Company roster to present hit tunes from Footloose, Charlie & The Chocolate Factor, 13: The Musical, and other Broadway musicals!
2:45p.m., 4:45p.m. – MELVIN THE MAGNIFICENT: Melvin is a professional magician played by Joe Goode, his shows are action packed, interactive, and sure to bring huge laughs from the entire audience.
3:30p.m., 5:30p.m. – RUTH PELHAM: Ruth Pelham of the Music Mobile is a Capital Region musical treasure, exuberantly promoting her mission of building peaceful communities through original songs for all ages.
AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION WELLNESS STAGE
Free wellness classes, 20+ vendors & workshops for all ages, all weekend long!
11:00a.m. – HETTIE BARNHILL PRESENTS - Rhythm, Stretch & Vibes
12:00p.m. – TSEHAYA & CO. PRESENTS - "Our Paths: In The Beginning”
1:00p.m. – YMCA PRESENTS - Zumba
2:00p.m.- YMCA PRESENTS - AfroBeats
3:00p.m. – JAI YOGA SCHOOL PRESENTS -Yoga
4:00p.m. – SISTERS OF THE RISING MOON PRESENTS - Bellydancing