Dahlia Festival | Discover Summer Flowers in the Dutch Countryside
August 9 @ 8:00 am – October 12 @ 5:00 pm
When tulip season ends, the Dutch countryside doesn’t go dull. From August to October, the Dahlia Festival brings vibrant colour back to the fields, gardens and villages of the Bollenstreek. This seasonal celebration focuses on dahlias, the signature summer flower of the region. With their bold shapes and bright colours, dahlias bloom deep into autumn, making this festival the perfect reason to visit Holland after spring.
Cycle Through Summer Blooms
The best way to experience the Dahlia Festival is by bike! Follow a scenic cycling route that takes you past two of the region’s floral highlights:
- Keukenhof Castle Gardens – historic parkland transformed by thousands of blooming dahlias
- Tulip Farm De Tulperij – a local favourite, reimagined in summer with flowering fields, photo spots and a cosy pluktuin (pick-your-own garden)
Along the way, you’ll cycle through quiet villages, country roads, and fields dotted with summer flowers. It’s the ideal mix of nature, colour and slow travel.
You can choose to cycle the flower route with your own (rental) bike or book a guided bike tour with local guide and rental bike.
- Cycle the flower route
- Book your guided bike tour with local guide and rental bike
Festival Events You Shouldn’t Miss
The Dahlia Festival period includes a full calendar of unique events across the Bollenstreek. Here’s what’s happening:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 8-10 August | Summer Flower Parade At The Beach – A coastal flower parade with decorated floats and music |
| 9 August | Bollenstreek in Bedrijf – Agricultural Open Day) – Visit local farms and meet flower growers behind the scenes |
| 30–31 August | Dahlia Mosaic Weekend – Streets and squares turn into colourful artworks made of dahlia petals |
| 13 September | Open Monuments Day – Explore historic churches, castles and buildings throughout the region |
| 3–4 October | Bollenstreek Flower Bulb Market – Shop for bulbs and garden ideas at the start of the planting season |
| 9–12 October | Bollenstreek Four Day Walk Event – A scenic walking event through dunes, flower villages and countryside |
Practical Information
- Location: Dahlia Festival activities are held at various locations in the Bollenstreek.
- Festival Period: August 9 – October 12, 2025
- Tip: Rent a bike and follow the dahlia route from Lisse
- Access: Most displays and gardens are free or low-cost
- Perfect for: Cyclists, nature lovers, photographers and families
