Orange City Tulip Festival
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Dutch Dozen

The Dutch Dozen was formed in 1947, and continues to be a highlight of the festival each year. A group of 12 young ladies and 12 young men, all in high school, provide a colorful, light-hearted and melodious journey through Old Holland, with most of the choreographed singing in Dutch. Dutch Dozen members wear traditional Volendam costumes, and the ladies wear signature orange klompen, or wooden shoes.

An audience favorite is traditionally “Daar bij de Molen” (“There by the Windmill”), which is performed on a darkened stage with the aid of black lights shining on the orange klompen and hand-made sleeves in the shape of the blades of a windmill. A they sing, a pair of girls standing back-to-back move their extended arms up and down in opposite directions, creating the illusion of moving windmill blades. Pictured above.

You’ll also find the members of the Dutch Dozen performing with the senior Dutch Dancers during Straat Feest and riding De Schutter boat float during the Volksparade.

Days: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

Times: Shows performed daily at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, and 4 pm

Location: Town Hall, 125 Central Ave SE

Cost: $10 (at door or online)

Link Name/Link: Purchased ONLINE HERE, or tickets are included in the Value Books.

More Events and Attractions

All 30 /May 13 - Wed 4 /May 14 - Thu 23 /May 15 - Fri 24 /May 16 - Sat 28 /May 17 - Sun 2

The Volksparade

Tulip Talk in Windmill Park

Cruise-In Car Show

Fietsen Zangers

Windmill Park

Fly-In Breakfast

Stipwerk Luncheon

Stadscentrum

Petting Zoo

Pedicabs

Century Home

Dutch American Heritage Museum

Model Tractor Show

Carnival

Horse-Drawn Trolley Tours

Craft Show

Drum Line Performances

Straat Feest

Dutch Street Organ

ArtBurst

Vogel Old Mill

Antique Tractor Show

Night Show

Tulip Festival Road Race

Street Scrubbing

Tour de Tulips Bike Ride

Dutch Dozen

Children’s Art Exhibit

Wooden Shoe Carving

Community Worship Service

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Visit Us May 14-16, 2026

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Latest News

  • Queen’s Crowning Event Live StreamNovember 23, 2025 - 10:08 am
  • 2026 Tulip Court CandidatesSeptember 15, 2025 - 11:06 am

Contact Us

509 8th St SE
Orange City, IA 51041

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