Looking for the perfect way to celebrate spring in Melbourne? The Tesselaar Tulip Festival is here to brighten your calendar! This iconic Melbourne flower festival invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of over one million blooming tulips. Whether you're after a family-friendly day out, a fun dog-friendly event in Melbourne, or simply want to soak in the vibrant colours of the season, this festival has it all.

The Tesselaar Tulip Festival is more than just stunning flowers. Experience a mix of cultural performances, interactive kids' activities, and delicious food stalls. From school holiday fun with Elmo and Peppa Pig to live jazz and international food stalls, it's one of the must-visit spring events in Melbourne.

Tesselaar Tulip Festival Melbourne Spring

What to Expect at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival

The Tesselaar Tulip Festival offers plenty of family-friendly activities this spring and school holidays that both kids and your dog will love. There's something for everyone, from interactive performances to cultural displays and delicious food.

  • Cultural Performances: Experience live music, traditional Dutch dancing, and cultural showcases that immerse you in the festival's vibrant atmosphere.
  • School Holiday Fun for Kids: Your kids will enjoy live shows with Sesame Street's Elmo, Peppa Pig, face painting, and treasure hunts.
  • Dog-Friendly Fun: Take the opportunity to walk through the stunning tulip fields with your furry friend. The festival is not just a feast for the eyes—it's a whole sensory experience, offering your dog plenty to explore, from the fresh scents of blooming tulips to the vast space perfect for a stroll.
  • Gourmet Food Stalls: Indulge in a wide range of international and local flavours from food stalls that cater to the whole family.
  • Workshops & Crafts: Get hands-on with dance workshops, garden games, and craft sessions for kids and adults.

Turkish Performance a the Tesselaar Tulip Festival

Event Details:

  • Dates: 14th September to 13th October 2024
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Location: Tesselaar Tulip Farm, 357 Monbulk Road, Silvan, VIC 3795
  • Ticket Prices: Adults $35, Concessions $31, Children under 16 are FREE

Why You Should Visit the Tesselaar Tulip Festival

There are plenty of reasons to visit the Tesselaar Tulip Festival this spring, but the themed weekends make it truly special. Each weekend offers something unique, with a focus on culture, family fun, music, and, of course, breathtaking tulips.

Here's what's coming up:

  • Turkish Weekend (September 14-15th): Celebrate the origin of the tulip and enjoy Turkish culture. Experience captivating demonstrations of art, dance, music, and gourmet food.
  • Spring Fever Week (September 16-20th): Enjoy the beauty of the tulips without the school holiday crowds and take advantage of discounted off-peak tickets.
  • Dutch Weekend (September 21-22nd): Experience a mini-Holland with historical demonstrations, clog dancing, and more Dutch treats.
  • Children's Week (September 23-26th & 30th September – 4th October): Family-friendly fun with live shows from Elmo, Peppa Pig, fairy storytelling, and interactive wildlife displays.
  • Food, Wine, and Jazz Weekend (September 27-29th): Indulge in delicious food and wine from Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges while enjoying live jazz in the stunning fields of tulips.
  • Rock the Fields Weekend (October 5-6th): Dance along to live music from the '50s and '60s accompanied by funky food trucks.
  • Irish Weekend (October 12-13th): Enjoy Irish music, dancing, and a pint of Guinness as the tulips bloom for the final weekend.

School Holiday Activities for Kids at Tesselaar

For parents looking for family activities during the school holidays, the Tesselaar Tulip Festival is packed with options to keep kids entertained:

  • Sesame Street Live Shows: Elmo and Friends make a special appearance in Week One of the school holidays.
  • Peppa Pig: Don't miss Peppa Pig in Week Two—perfect for younger children.
  • Fairy Storytime: Gather the kids for whimsical fairy tales in the garden.
  • Interactive Wildlife Shows: Get up close and personal with Australia's wildlife, courtesy of Black Snake Productions.
  • More Kids Activities: A range of craft workshops is available for a small fee. Kids can sharpen their observation skills with our Treasure Hunt, join in fun Dutch and garden games, or hop aboard the Tulip Train for a ride

Kid enjoying activities for the school holidays at Tulip Festival

Bring Your Dog to the Tulip Festival

Looking for dog-friendly events in Melbourne this spring? The Tesselaar Tulip Festival welcomes well-behaved dogs on leads, making it an ideal dog-friendly day out. Dogs are sure to love the fields, which offer a sensory playground. Water for dogs will be available around the grounds, and remember to pick it up after your pooch.

Dog enjoying tulip festival

How to Get to the Tesselaar Tulip Festival

Nestled in the heart of Melbourne's Dandenong Ranges, the Tesselaar Tulip Farm is just an hour's drive from the city. The festival offers easy access from Melbourne with parking on-site.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Is the Tesselaar Tulip Festival dog-friendly?

Yes! The festival is a dog-friendly event in Melbourne. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Are tickets required for children?

Children under 16 can enter for free, making it a fantastic family-friendly activity.

What can I do at the festival besides viewing tulips?

Enjoy live shows and cultural performances and taste local foods. School holiday activities include wildlife shows, face painting, and craft workshops for kids.

Is there food available at the festival?

Yes, the festival features a wide range of food stalls offering international and local cuisine, perfect for enjoying with the whole family.