The Lewes Chamber of Commerce and Lewes in Bloom will host the 17th annual Lewes Tulip Celebration from April 1–19, featuring thousands of tulips, public plantings and community activities throughout the historic coastal town. (Photo courtesy of Lewes Chamber of Commerce.)

The Lewes Tulip Celebration will return this spring, bringing thousands of tulips and a slate of community activities to the historic coastal town from April 1 through April 19.

Now in its 17th year, the event is jointly sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and Lewes in Bloom and highlights the town’s Dutch heritage through public plantings, walking tours and seasonal programming.

Organizers note that the exact timing of blooms can vary depending on weather conditions, meaning peak color may not always align precisely with the scheduled dates.

More than 33,000 tulips and 5,000 additional spring bulbs have been planted across more than 20 locations throughout Lewes. A “Tiptoe To The Tulips” map, which identifies planting sites and event details, will be available in late March at the Lewes Chamber Visitor Center in the Fisher-Martin House at Zwaanendael Park, as well as at brochure boxes throughout the historic commercial district.

The visitor center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Several activities are planned during the three-week celebration. Lewes in Bloom will host a tulip sale on April 3 at Bank Street Plaza on Second Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or until sold out.

Historic and botanical education will be featured through guided walking tours scheduled for April 11 and April 12 at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The tours are a collaboration between Historic Lewes and Lewes in Bloom and will explore the town’s maritime history while highlighting the variety of tulips planted throughout the community.

Tours will begin at Historic Lewes’ main campus at 110 Shipcarpenter St. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under and can be purchased through Historic Lewes.

Additional information about the celebration is available by contacting the Lewes Chamber of Commerce at 302-645-8073.

Sara Uzer

Sara Uzer is a journalist from Sussex County with more than 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and community advocate.  She started her career in Washington, DC and has lived in Sussex County for the past five years.