ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FLOWER FESTIVAL (BLOEMENCORSO) DAY AT KEUKENHOF

If you want to experience the Dutch flower season at its most iconic, there is one day that stands above all others: Flower Festival Day, better known as the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek (Flower Parade of the Bulb Region). This is the day when spring doesn’t just bloom in the fields and gardens, it literally moves through the region in the form of giant, flower-covered floats, marching bands, and a celebration that attracts visitors from all over the world. 

What is the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek?

The Bloemencorso Bollenstreek is a large-scale spring parade featuring richly decorated floats covered in spring flowers. The parade travels a 42-kilometre route from Noordwijk to Haarlem, passing through several villages in the famous Duin- en Bollenstreek. 

It is a deeply rooted tradition: the event has been held annually since 1947, and in 2021 it was added to the Inventory of Intangible Heritage of the Netherlands, which highlights its cultural value and long-standing place in Dutch society. 

The Flower Festival Day date for 2026

In 2026, the Bloemencorso takes place on:

Saturday 18 April 2026 

This is the single busiest day of the Keukenhof season and also the most unforgettable if you plan it well.

Why this day is so special at Keukenhof

On Flower Festival Day, you can combine two world-famous spring highlights in one trip:

1. Keukenhof Gardens (for the displays, pavilions, and millions of bulbs)

2. The Flower Parade (for the moving floats and the “festival energy” in the region)

And here’s the best part: the parade passes right by Keukenhof, along the specially named Keukenhof Boulevard, next to parking area P1 near the park’s main entrance. 

According to the official parade route schedule, the Flower Parade passes Keukenhof at 15:44 (3:44 PM). 

So yes: you can spend the morning inside the gardens, then step outside to watch one of the biggest spring events in the Netherlands roll by and then continue your Keukenhof visit afterwards.

Important warning: crowds, road closures and accessibility

Flower Festival Day is magical, but it comes with one big challenge: it’s extremely busy.

Keukenhof itself clearly warns that the Bollenstreek and Keukenhof will be very crowded on this day, and recommends choosing another day if you want to avoid traffic delays and road closures. 

If you do want to visit Keukenhof on 18 April 2026, Keukenhof strongly advises:

• Arrive before 11:00 AM. 

• After that time, several roads in the region are closed for the parade. 

• Keukenhof’s main parking area P1 becomes inaccessible, and between late morning and late afternoon you may not be able to enter or leave P1 whether you travel by car or public transport. 

So the number one rule for Flower Festival Day is simple:

If you’re going, go early — and plan to stay put for a while.

The best way to plan your day at Keukenhof + Flower Parade

Here’s a practical “festival day” rhythm that works well for many visitors:

Morning (08:00–11:30): Enjoy Keukenhof before peak crowds

Start your day right when the park opens. Early hours are your best friend on this date. Use the calm morning to:

• visit your must-see gardens and pavilions

• take your best photos while it’s still relatively quiet

• grab coffee and do a first relaxed walk through the highlights

Midday (11:30–14:30): Slow down, refuel, and prepare

This is when crowds tend to build. Use this time for:

• lunch (earlier is usually better than later)

• indoor flower shows (great when it’s busy outside)

• resting your feet, checking your route, and planning where you want to stand for the parade

Parade moment (around 15:44): Step out to Keukenhof Boulevard

When it’s almost time, walk toward the area near the main entrance and Keukenhof Boulevard (next to parking P1). This is where you can watch the parade pass by Keukenhof. 

Tip: arrive at your viewing spot early if you want a front-row place. People often line up along the route well before the floats arrive.

Late afternoon / early evening: Return to Keukenhof to finish your visit

After the parade passes, you can go back into the gardens for:

• quieter paths (many visitors leave right after the parade)

• a second round of your favourite spots

• golden-hour light if the weather plays along

What to expect during the Flower Parade

The Bloemencorso is not one small float and done, it’s a full procession with:

• large flower-covered floats

• multiple flower-decorated vehicles

• music and marching bands along the route

• a real festival atmosphere in the villages it passes through 

It’s colourful, loud in the best way, and packed with “how did they even build that?” moments.

What to bring on Flower Festival Day

This day is easier (and more enjoyable) if you come prepared:

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk more than you think)

• Layers + rain protection (April weather can shift fast)

• Water + snacks (queues can be long)

• Power bank (photos + video drain your phone fast)

• Something to sit on if you’ll wait along the route (small foldable mat or light blanket)

And one underrated tip:
Bring patience and a flexible mindset. This is not the “quiet Keukenhof day.” This is the “once-in-a-lifetime spring festival” day.

Want more than just Saturday? Make it a full Flower Parade weekend

Flower Festival Day is part of a longer celebration in the region. In 2026, there are multiple parade-related moments:

• 15–17 April 2026: build-up days (when volunteers decorate floats)

• 17 April 2026: evening parade in Noordwijkerhout

• 18 April 2026: the main parade from Noordwijk to Haarlem

• 19 April 2026: floats on display in Haarlem 

If you love photography, the Haarlem display day is a fantastic alternative: the floats stand still, and you can walk around them to see details up close. 

DTN advice: should you visit Keukenhof on Flower Festival Day?

Here’s our honest take:

Choose Flower Festival Day if…

• you want the most iconic spring experience possible

• you love lively events and don’t mind crowds

• you’re happy to plan ahead and arrive early

• you want Keukenhof + the parade in one day

Choose another day if…

• you want a calm, relaxed Keukenhof experience

• you dislike traffic, waiting, and busy footpaths

• you want more freedom to come and go by car

Keukenhof itself recommends another day if you want to avoid traffic delays and road closures — and we completely understand why.
But if you do go on 18 April 2026 and you plan it smartly, you’ll experience something that feels like the Netherlands at peak spring: flowers everywhere, celebration in the air, and memories that stick.

Flower Festival Day isn’t just a visit. It’s an event.