For 25 years the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival has been delighted to welcome visitors from around the world to enjoy the brilliant colors of spring as hundreds of acres of tulips burst into bloom in a veritable rainbow of colors. Throughout the Skagit Valley Tulip fields are located southwest of Mount Vernon in a 15-mile radius. Between 400 and 700 acres of bulbs are planted and people journey via car, tour motor coach, and boat (The Victoria Clipper) to see the flowers in bloom. Annually 300,000 to 400,000 visitors flock to Skagit Valley and enjoy the sights and sounds of small-town America as they take in festival activities in the towns of Mount Vernon, La Conner, Sedro-Woolley, Burlington and Anacortes.

Tulip fans find that there is truly something for everybody as they poke around and explore the Skagit Valley.

Five wineries in the valley offer samples and events

Art shows abound, with everything from original paintings to photography, wearable art and pottery. Plus the art shows taking place during the festival offer classes and hands-on demonstrations

PACCAR opens its test and development center just one during the year at its Tulip Festival open house

Bike rides (20 and 40 mile rides) and fun runs (5 and 2 mile courses) are both scheduled during the festival

Parade lovers will enjoy the hometown parade in La Conner and dance to the music at the

Poulsbo RV Tulip Frolic

Salmon lovers will eat their fill at the Kiwanis Salmon Barbecue; each year Kiwanis volunteers serve over 12,000 meals at historic Hillcrest Lodge in Mount Vernon

Ag-related businesses bring out the welcome mat, allowing visitors to experience farm life as they can take a look at a working dairy farm, learn about alpacas and even tour a shellfish operation. Plus there are apple orchards and a local creamery on the slate during the festival.

Artisans in Skagit Valley Downtown Mount Vernon hosts an annual street fair each year with over 100 artisans from all over the western United States displaying their wares.

Quilters are treated to a yearly walk and show in Anacortes

Woodworking at its finest can be found in Sedro-Woolley at Woodfest

Meals on Wheels programs throughout the state participate in the Tour de Fleur as supporters tour the tulip fields and gather pledges for their organizations.