Pella Invites All to Learn Dutch Street Dancing for Tulip Time

Practices start Monday for the 91st annual festival in May.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

The Pella Historical Museums are inviting all 5th graders through adults to learn and participate in Dutch Street Dances as part of the 91st annual Tulip Time festival in Pella, Iowa. Practices will be held on Mondays and Thursdays, starting on March 9th, with performances scheduled for April 27-29 and May 4-5 on Franklin Street.

Why it matters

Tulip Time is a long-standing tradition in Pella, celebrating the town's Dutch heritage. The Dutch Street Dances are a central part of the festival's entertainment, drawing both local participants and visitors to experience the cultural performances.

The details

The Dutch Street Dance practices will be held at Jefferson Intermediate School from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, starting on March 9th. All street dancers, including alumni, will then practice the routines from April 27-29 and May 4-5 from 6:30-7:15 p.m. on Franklin Street in front of the Tulip Toren. Each dancer is responsible for providing their own wooden shoes. The Dutch Dancing will be featured as part of the main stage entertainment during the 3-day Tulip Time festival from May 7-9.

  • Practices start on Monday, March 9th.
  • Additional practices will be held April 27-29 and May 4-5 from 6:30-7:15 p.m.
  • The 91st annual Tulip Time festival runs from May 7-9.

The players

Pella Historical Museums

The organization inviting all 5th graders through adults to learn and participate in the Dutch Street Dances as part of the Tulip Time festival.

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The takeaway

The Dutch Street Dances are a beloved tradition that bring the community together to celebrate Pella's Dutch heritage during the annual Tulip Time festival. By inviting all ages to participate, the Pella Historical Museums are helping to preserve this cultural practice and engage the next generation of performers.