Downtown Boulder’s annual celebration of spring blooms moves to its rain date, May 3, with the Tulip Fairy welcoming the community to enjoy performances, interactive experiences, and whimsical fun.
Boulder, CO [4/24/2026] - Due to Mother Nature providing us with much needed moisture that is perfect for everything but pint-sized fairies and elves, downtown Boulder’s Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival will now take place on its scheduled rain date, Sunday, May 3 from 1 - 5 PM on the Pearl Street Mall. Originally planned for April 26, the beloved spring tradition will move to the following weekend, bringing a full day of performances and activities to enjoy.
This free, family-friendly tradition marks the arrival of spring as the Tulip Fairy and a procession of fairies and elves to celebrate the tulips across the Pearl Street Mall. The festival is timed to coincide with the annual bloom of more than 15,000 tulips, creating a vibrant backdrop for an afternoon of live entertainment and hands-on activities. However, this year with the early blooms, the celebration will be more of a fond farewell to the beautiful tulips!
The performance stage, located on the 1300 block, will feature live music and entertainment throughout the afternoon. Guests can also enjoy mini Tulip Fairy parades at 1:45, 2:45, and 3:45 PM, led by the Tulip Fairy Queen and joined by Boulder Ballet, who will guide each parade around the Pearl Street Mall followed by short, interactive dance moments.
The 2026 performance schedule includes:
1:00 - 1:45 PM | TBA
1:45 - 2:00 PM | Tulip Fairy Parade with the Tulip Fairy Queen & Boulder Ballet
2:00 - 2:45 PM | Bear Cub Brigade
2:45 - 3:00 PM | Tulip Fairy Parade with the Tulip Fairy Queen & Boulder Ballet
3:00 - 3:45 PM | Jenn Cleary
3:45 - 4:00 PM | Tulip Fairy Parade with the Tulip Fairy Queen & Boulder Ballet
4:00 - 5:00 PM | Jeff & Paige - Waking the Bear
Festivalgoers can explore a wide range of activities hosted by local businesses, nonprofits, and community groups. Highlights include a Teddy Bear Doctor’s Visit with Kaiser Permanente, foam sword dueling with Renaissance Adventures, a giant hamster wheel snow cone experience from Big Wheel Beverages, a mermaid meet-and-greet from Ocean First, aerial performances, arts and crafts, nature-based activities, and more. While many activities are free, select vendors will offer paid experiences such as face painting.
“While we always look forward to celebrating on our original date, we’re excited to bring the community together on May 3 for a beautiful spring day on the Pearl Street Mall,” said Anna Salim, VP Operations & Programming. “With Colorado’s spring weather, we’re excited to have the flexibility of a rain date so the community can fully enjoy everything the event has to offer.”
The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department plants and maintains more than 15,000 tulips on the Pearl Street Mall each year, importing a variety of colors and species from Holland to create a unique display every spring.
Please note: This is a human/fairy/elf event only. Attendees are kindly asked to leave pets at home. On Saturdays & Sunday, free parking is available in all City of Boulder garages.
The Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival is produced by Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives (DBCI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating inclusive, community-driven experiences through arts and culture in downtown Boulder, and is made possible with support from sponsors Aurora Organic Dairy, Kaiser Permanente, City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks, City of Boulder, Lifetime Home Remodeling, Daily Camera, and Eldorado Natural Spring Water.
For more information:
General public: 303-449-3774 | events@downtownboulder.org
Press: Tana Benitez, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
303-449-3774 | tana@downtownboulder.org
About Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives:
Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives (DBCI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to fostering vibrant community experiences through arts, culture, and innovation in downtown Boulder. DBCI operates alongside the Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District under the Downtown Boulder Partnership umbrella.