Holland prepares for another Fall Fest
NETHERLANDS — Another year, another fun-filled fall celebration.
Amuse:Seven of the lakeshore’s best places for fall fun
Amuse:Tasty, spooky Halloween events coming to Holland and Zeeland in October
Holland’s annual Fall Fest will return to the lakeshore Friday-Saturday, Oct. 7-8. The two-day festival is packed with activities, including professional pumpkin carving, pumpkin painting, community tulip planting, an artisan market, street performers and downtown’s regular farmers market.
The festivities kick off Friday with the planting of 75,000 of Holland’s famous tulip bulbs at Window on the Waterfront. The bulbs are planted in October so they’ll bloom in time for the 2023 Tulip Time Festival in May. All volunteers, who can participate in 10 am-noon and 1-3 pm sessions, will be treated to coffee from Biggby. Gardening gloves are recommended, but all other tools and instructions will be provided.
Subscribe:Learn more about our latest subscription offers!
Tulip planting will also take place 8-10 am and 10 am-noon Saturday.
Both days will see Tulip Time’s second annual Fall Fest Artisan Market at Windmill Island Gardens from 10 am-5 pm The market features nearly 80 local artisans and crafters selling their wares as part of a juried show with jewelry, home decor, artwork, clothing, specialty foods and more. Entry is $5 per person, which includes access to the gardens and attractions at Windmill Island.
Both days will also see carvings from eight of the nation’s best professionals, including Food Network alumni. They’ll appear in downtown Holland from 3-7 pm Friday, spending the afternoon and evening carving jack-o-lanterns along Eighth Street. In the evening, the lanterns will be lit and will remain on display until 10 pm
Carving will continue Saturday, when professionals will appear at the Holland Farmers Market between 10 am-2 pm — creating 3D sculptures on-site. Children can paint their own pumpkins for $1 each, with all painting supplies provided by Fris Supply Shop. The market will be open 8 am-2 pm and stocked with pumpkins, gourds, mums and corn shocks — along with apples, potatoes, carrots, baked goods, farm-raised meat, honey, maple syrup and a variety of other foods and beverages .
The carvers will return to Eighth Street from noon-7 pm Saturday, and the pumpkins will again be lit until 10 pm for viewing. Holland’s street performers will also return for Fall Fest, entertaining for free on Eighth Street from noon-4 pm Saturday. Expect musicians, face painters, balloon twisters and more.
For more information, visit hollandfallfest.com.
— Contact reporter Cassandra Lybrink at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @CassLybrink.