Keukenhof events 2026 – overview (dates)
This page focuses on the best Keukenhof events in 2026. If you’re looking for general planning tips (best time to visit, travel from Amsterdam, visiting with kids, and how long to stay), read the Keukenhof Essential Guide.
Here’s a quick overview of the most important Keukenhof events in 2026.
| Event | Date(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flower Parade (Bloemencorso) | April 18, 2026 | Busiest day of the season. Expect road closures, heavy traffic, and limited parking around Lisse/Noordwijk/Hillegom. If you want to combine Keukenhof + the parade on the same day, plan extra travel time and book early. |
| Celebration Weekend (Season Opening) | March 21–22, 2026 | Live music across the park under the theme “Dutch Sounds”. |
| Holland Heritage Weekend | March 27–29, 2026 | Dutch culture highlights like traditional costumes, cheese carrying demonstrations, and historical performances. |
| Romantic Weekend | May 2–3, 2026 | Live classical music throughout the gardens. |
Indoor flower shows & exhibitions (throughout the season)
Indoor pavilion shows run throughout the full Keukenhof season (March 19 – May 10, 2026) and are especially worth visiting early in the season when outdoor tulips aren’t fully blooming yet.
Flower Parade – The Most Famous Keukenhof Event
Date: April 18, 2026
The world-famous Flower Parade travels from Noordwijk to Haarlem and is the only major flower parade in the world made entirely of fresh spring flowers.
Event Details
- Start: Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 9:00 AM
- End: Around 10:00 PM in Haarlem
- Edition: 79th anniversary
Many visitors book their trip to the Netherlands specifically for this event. Tickets sell out early — often already in early March.
Important Information
⚠️ Be prepared for:
- Roads are closed
- Heavy traffic is expected
- Parking in Noordwijk, Lisse, or Hillegom is almost impossible
Best Way to Experience the Parade
That is why a tour from Amsterdam is the best option. These tours often combine Keukenhof + the Flower Parade.
Book Flower Parade + Keukenhof Tour
Flower Shows & Exhibitions at Keukenhof
Keukenhof hosts multiple indoor and outdoor exhibitions across three main pavilions:
- Juliana Pavilion
- Beatrix Pavilion
- Willem-Alexander Pavilion
Visitors can experience amazing indoor flower shows and explore the lush outdoor gardens. A free park map is available at the entrance.
Anthurium & Orchid Show
One of the most famous permanent exhibitions, located in the Juliana Pavilion, running throughout the entire season.
Why Indoor Shows Matter
Indoor exhibitions are especially important early in the season when outdoor tulips are not fully blooming. Lilies are also featured in some of the indoor shows. Since the cold spring of 2021, flowers are always displayed in the Willem-Alexander Pavilion.
Special Event Weekends at Keukenhof 2026
Celebration Weekend (Season Opening)
March 21–22
The season opening is celebrated with live music under the theme "Dutch Sounds", featuring orchestras and bands throughout the park.
Holland Heritage Weekend
March 27–29, 2026
Experience Dutch culture with:
- Traditional costumes
- Cheese carrying demonstrations
- Historical performances
Easter Weekend
One of the busiest weekends due to Dutch public holidays. Expect traffic and arrive early.
Children's Characters Events
Miffy: April 15
Fien & Teun: April 27 – May 1
Romantic Weekend
May 2–3
Enjoy live classical music throughout the gardens, creating a magical atmosphere for couples.
Live Lounge Music
During the final week, enjoy DJs and live music throughout the park.
Activities in the Surrounding Bulb Region
Below you will find the Top 4 events and experiences, including insider tips that most visitors don't know about. These can be combined with Keukenhof events for a full day experience.
1. Tulip Experience Amsterdam
We highly recommend visiting Tulip Experience Amsterdam, especially in combination with a tour from Amsterdam. The bus takes you directly to the location — no parking stress, everything arranged for you.
Choose the option that fits your travel style:
- Keukenhof + Tulip Experience combi ticket (entry + transfer + coffee/tea)
- Tulip Experience Amsterdam entry-only ticket.
2. Keukenhof + Tulip Barn Combination (Special Tip ⭐)
Here's how to do it:
- Take the shuttle bus from Amsterdam to Keukenhof early in the morning (around 8:00 AM)
- Stay in the park until around 11:00–12:00
- Enjoy lunch
- Walk to Tulip Barn (less than 15 minutes)
Tulip Barn feels like walking through beautiful tulip fields, offering a scenic and unique way to combine both experiences. Shuttle buses return to Amsterdam every 15 minutes until 7:00 PM.
Get your Tulip Barn tickets here
3. Self-Drive Tulip Fields Tour
Perfect for couples who want independence:
- Visit Keukenhof first
- Walk to Renzy and rent a self-drive electric car for two people
- For around €89 for two hours, drive past many tulip fields using a built-in navigation route
A map is provided as part of the navigation system to help you easily explore the tulip fields.
Want to explore the tulip fields at your own pace?
4. Guided Bicycle Tour Through the Bulb Region
Perfect for cycling lovers:
- Take the shuttle bus from Amsterdam to Keukenhof
- Walk (10 minutes) to Tulip Bicycle Tours
- Join a small group (max. 8 people) with a guide
- Cycle through the fields and tulip excursions
Want to explore the tulip fields in an authentic Dutch way?
Tulip Barn Holland
Located in Hillegom and designed for families and children. One of the top 3 tulip festivals of 2026.
Tulip Experience Amsterdam
Learn about tulip history before entering the largest walk-through tulip field in the Netherlands.
Plan Your Keukenhof Event Experience
Keukenhof offers far more than just beautiful gardens. With special event weekends, the world-famous Flower Parade, indoor exhibitions, and countless activities in the surrounding region, there's something for everyone.
Key Takeaways:
- Book early for popular events like the Flower Parade (April 18)
- Visit after April 10 for the best tulip displays
- Combine Keukenhof with surrounding attractions for the full experience
- Choose quiet weekdays (Monday/Friday) to avoid crowds
- Arrive early in the morning for the best experience
The 2026 season runs from March 19 to May 10 — don't miss this spectacular celebration of Dutch spring flowers!
Book Your Keukenhof Experience Now
