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Family Friendly Events—May

While many of us will participate in all things tulips, there are still other events taking place. Take a look at some of the non-tulip events for the month of May.


Dutch Life on Display

Through May 7
9am–5pm
Van Raalte Farm Park, Holland

The first quarter of this month will feature a brilliant display of Dutch heritage at the Van Raalte Estate, just a few miles down the road from downtown. Here, you’ll find a curated collection of artifacts, such as actual clothing shipped in from the Netherlands. So, if you’ve ever wanted to step foot into the historic home or are interested in settler heritage, you’ll want to stop by. The admission prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. For more information, please visit the event listing here


Drone Show & Fireworks

May 9
5:30 pm–11pm
Kollen Park & Heinz Waterfront Walkway, Holland

This free-to-attend event will culminate the tulip festivities with bright fireworks, delicious food trucks, a drone show, and live music. Be sure to bring a blanket or chair to view this spectacular show. The fireworks will promptly begin at dusk. For more information, please visit this link


Holland Farmers Market

May 13 | Wednesdays & Saturdays
8am–2pm
Terra Square Farmers Market, Hudsonville

It's that time of year again—the beloved farmers market is back. Wander the open-air marketplace filled with over 75 unique vendors at the annual Downtown Holland Farmers Market. This recurring event has been a popular site to taste and experience the diverse city culture. Find fresh produce, homemade jams and jellies, charcuterie meats and cheeses, and vibrant flower arrangements. The market also features different activities to entertain the kiddos such as planting your own flower pot, creating your own coffee filter butterfly, and sidewalk chalk. Visit their website for more details.


The Kite Festival at Grand Haven

May 16 – 17 
12 pm–2 pm
Grand Haven State Park

While it might be a tad too early to take a dip in the lake, it is the perfect weather to fly a kite. And this is exactly what will be taking place at Grand Haven State Park this month. For two days, watch as professional kite fliers perform synchronized routines (yes, this is a real thing). You’ll see an array of kites from bright colors to animals to other shapes and sizes. You can even bring your own! 


Spring Peddlers’ Market & Little Peddlers 

May 23
9am–3pm
21 South Elm Street, Zeeland

This open-air style market will feature one-of-a-kind vendors who peddle their wares of vintage decor, furniture, architectural salvages, farm-to-table delicacies, handmade specialties, repurposed antiques, and more. There will even be live music! There will also be a children’s version of the event called Little Peddlers. This will all be located in the social district downtown. Please visit this link for more information. 


Holland Memorial Day Parade

May 25
Begins at 9:30 am
8th Street, Central Avenue, Columbia Avenue, and 16th Street 

While much of this parade is still in the works, book your calendar to spend this Memorial Day in Holland. The parade will begin promptly at 9:30am and will travel throughout some of the main roads downtown. Be sure to bring a blanket or chair to secure your spot on the curb. There will be an 11am service taking place at the cemetery nearby to remember those who served our nation. 


Zeeland Memorial Day Parade

May 25
9am–11:00pm
21 South Elm Street, Zeeland

If you hope to make more than one parade, there are options. The Zeeland Memorial Day Parade will begin at 9am and will travel through the downtown area. If you are interested, a solemn ceremony will be held at the Zeeland Cemetery on 200 Lincoln Ave. to remember those who fought for our nation. 


Tulip Dig

May 30
Starts at 9am
Multiple Locations

To wrap up the tulip season, various local parks—such as Centennial Park, Windmill Island Gardens, and Window on the Waterfront—will host their annual tulip dig event. This event allows you the chance to dig up tulip bulbs to plant in your very own garden. You will have to bring your own bucket, digging tool of choice, gloves, and $10 to participate. There is no pre-registration needed, so just show up prepared. And once the tulip bulbs are gone… there won’t be more to dig up. So be there on time. 

About the author:

Sierra Ozolins is a West Michigan native, currently a student at Hope College. As an athlete, she is passionate about fitness—from running to weightlifting. With a interest for politics and lifestyle, she is intrigued how local culture, community, and everyday events shape the world around her—often with an iced coffee in hand and her dog by her side.

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