The 17th annual Lewes Tulip Celebration, jointly sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and Lewes in Bloom, will be blossoming April 1 – 19, 2026. This year’s celebration is dedicated to Warren Golde, Lewes in Bloom founder who recently stepped down. Warren and this event’s founder Ted Becker coordinated the planting of 5,000 tulips 18 years ago. The organizing committee is chaired by Lewes in Bloom Co-Chair Ed Zygmonski and includes the other two Lewes in Bloom co-chairs, a representative from City of Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission, Lewes Chamber of Commerce, Zwaanendael Museum and Historic Lewes. This year Lewes in Bloom funded the purchase of 33,000 tulips and spring bulbs that were planted in fall 2025 by 150 volunteer members of Lewes in Bloom. The timing of the tulips’ appearance is an inexact science and either milder or colder weather in advance of the event dates can increase the probability that the dates of the celebration may not exactly coincide with the tulips blooming! The event dates span three weekends.
The locations of the plantings will be identified on the map produced in association with the celebration. More than 100 varieties will be on display.
Tiptoe To The Tulips Map: The event organizers created the Tiptoe To The Tulips Map that will be available in late March at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center located in the historic Fisher-Martin House in Zwaanendael Park. The visitor center is open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Copies of the map will be available at brochure boxes throughout the historic commercial district. The map lists more a dozen locations where the bulbs were planted. It also has a schedule of activities associated with the Tulip Celebration:
Tulip Sale: On April 3, Lewes in Bloom will be selling tulips at the Bank Street Plaza on Second Street from 9:00 .m. to 3:00 p.m. (or until they sell out).
History in Bloom Walking Tours: Historic Lewes and Lewes in Bloom are partnering to offer walking tours on April 11 & 12 at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The tours will be led by a historic guide and will provide information on Lewes’ rich maritime history. A knowledgeable guide from Lewes in Bloom will be on the tour to point out the multiple tulip varieties found around Lewes. The tours begin at Historic Lewes’ main campus at 110 Shipcarpenter Street. The tour cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Purchase tickets at www.historiclewes.org/visit/tours/html.