Tulip Time & Bunco Fundraiser in Topeka | March 2026

Spring has arrived in northeast Kansas, marked by the return of the annual Tulip Time festival in Topeka. The event is scheduled to run from April 10 to April 26, 2026, bringing hundreds of thousands of tulips and other spring flowers to full bloom across several key locations in the capital city. The announcement was confirmed in reports published on March 31, 2026, signaling the start of the colorful spring tradition for the region.

According to coverage by WIBW, the festival features a widespread display of flora designed to beautify the city’s parks and gardens. Denise Petet with Friends of Warde-Meade and Ashley Gilfillan with Shawnee County Parks and Recreation appeared on Eye on NE Kansas to share details regarding what is in store for visitors during the event. The organizers indicate that the blooms will be visible at multiple sites, ensuring that residents and tourists can access the displays across different areas of Topeka.

Primary Viewing Locations

The festival utilizes three main locations to host the extensive flower displays. Visitors can view the blooms at the Ted Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee, which serves as one of the primary hubs for the event. Another key site is Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade, which also houses the Ward-Meade Park’s Botanical Gardens. The third designated location for the festival is the Gage Park Doran Rock Garden. These venues collectively host the hundreds of thousands of tulips that define the season in the area.

Visit Topeka describes the variety of flowers available for viewing as ranging from cheerful yellow and passionate red to pure pink and wild two-toned beauties. The organization notes that the capital city’s parks and gardens are the intended destinations for those looking to take in the spring season. The scale of the planting is significant, with tens of thousands of tulips and other spring flowers in bloom specifically noted at the Lake Shawnee location.

Tulips at Twilight Event

A special component of the festival, known as Tulips at Twilight, is set to return to Old Prairie Town. This evening event features special illuminated displays among the flowers. According to WIBW, the Twilight event is scheduled to operate from 7 p.m. To 10 p.m. On Wednesdays through Sundays during the festival period. This schedule allows visitors to experience the gardens after dark, highlighting the flowers with artificial lighting.

Visit Topeka provides additional details regarding the atmosphere of the Twilight event. The organization states that more than 40,000 multi-colored tulips will be illuminated by candlelight. In addition to the floral displays, there will be over 90 lighted displays including larger-than-life flowers. Visitors can also access light food, sweets, and warm drinks by the fire during these evening hours. The event has been expanded for more enjoyment compared to previous iterations.

Admission and Donations

There are varying reports regarding the cost of admission for the different aspects of the festival. For the Tulips at Twilight event at Old Prairie Town, WIBW reports that admission is priced at $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and kids aged 6 to 18. Visit Topeka lists a suggested donation of $5.00 for the event, noting that children 5 and under are free. Proceeds from these donations are designated to benefit the Friends of Ward-Meade.

For the Tulip Festival at the Lake, Visit Topeka indicates a suggested donation of $5 per person over age 5. This location also features craft vendors for visitors to browse while strolling through the gardens. The donation structure is designed to support the ongoing maintenance and beautification efforts around the Topeka parks. Any donations collected are used to continue these beautification efforts, ensuring the parks remain viable venues for future seasons.

Organizational Support

The event is supported by local organizations dedicated to park maintenance and community engagement. The Friends of Ward-Meade is a primary beneficiary of the proceeds generated during the Twilight event. This group works to support the historic site and its botanical gardens. Shawnee County Parks and Recreation is also involved in the coordination of the event, representing the municipal interest in maintaining public green spaces.

The festival serves as a significant cultural marker for the region each April. Visit Topeka notes that the city comes alive with the blooms each spring, making the parks and gardens a central point of activity. The 2026 iteration continues this tradition, following the established schedule of mid-April through late April. The coordination between private friends groups and county recreation departments highlights the collaborative effort required to maintain such large-scale floral displays.

Documentation of the event includes video coverage and online listings provided by local media and tourism boards. The information was disseminated widely on March 31, 2026, giving residents advance notice prior to the April 10 start date. Visitors are encouraged to check the specific locations for the most accessible viewing options based on their proximity within Topeka. The combination of day viewing and evening illuminated displays offers multiple ways to experience the seasonal change.