Each spring, the Skagit Valley is transformed into a landscape of vibrant color and with it comes one of the region’s most cherished traditions: the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. More than just a seasonal event, it’s a celebration deeply woven into the fabric of the community, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the beauty locals have long held dear.
We spoke with Tara Cunningham, a Skagit Valley native, mom of two, and employee of Washington Lettuce & Vegetable Company. Tara shares what it’s like to grow up with the tulip fields practically in your backyard, how she makes the most of the festival with her family, and why this tradition still takes her breath away, year after year.
Explore Tara’s story and get her local advice for a memorable Tulip Festival experience.
Get To Know Tara & What the Festival Means to Her
For Tara, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival has always been part of life. Growing up in the valley, spring meant tulips, photos in the fields, and an annual weekend with her grandmother that became a cherished tradition. It wasn’t until she moved away that she fully realized just how unique it all was. Even while living in Seattle, she made the trip back regularly, sharing the experience with friends and showing them the beauty she grew up with.
Now, as a mother of two young boys, Tara carries that tradition forward. Each spring, she brings them to the fields for evening walks and photos — small, meaningful moments that echo the ones from her own childhood. “It’s really special,” she says. “You see them growing, year after year, in the same place where you once stood.” Spring may bring tulips, but to Tara, they signify something far greater. They’re a connection across generations, and a reminder that some traditions only grow more meaningful with time.
Find attractions for family-friendly fun in Skagit Valley.
To me, the Tulip Festival marks the start of spring. It’s when everyone shakes off the winter blues, and you literally see the season change, flowers blooming, tractors in the fields, and longer days. It sparks so much joy, and it’s so fun to share that with out-of-town friends and family, especially while enjoying the valley’s amazing local food and ingredients. You really get to experience the bounty of the valley!Tara Cunningham
Mom and Skagit Valley Native
What the Festival Teaches Us About the Land
Working at Washington Lettuce & Vegetable Company, a commercial produce broker that sells wholesale across the country, Tara sees firsthand just how vital agriculture is to the Skagit Valley. For her, the Tulip Festival isn’t just a celebration of beauty; it’s a window into the area’s hardworking farming community. “When people come from out of town, they see how much farmland we have,” she says. “It’s a working, busy, huge industry up here.” During tulip season, it’s common to see tractors moving between fields, especially as the festival often overlaps with local potato planting. It’s a powerful moment when visitors realize Skagit Valley grows far more than just tulips.
Beyond the blooms, the valley is home to a remarkable range of crops, something Tara feels is often overlooked. “There are so many amazing farm stands in the area,” she explains. “They do such a great job during the tulip festival of being stocked and showcasing what’s grown here. It’s pretty amazing the depth and breadth of commodities in such a small region.”
She also highlights the important economic role tulip farming plays in the community. “The tourism it brings benefits everyone,” she says. “Those visitors are eating out, staying overnight, shopping at small businesses. Tulip farming draws people here, but it also gives them the chance to discover how much more this valley has to offer.”
To explore more of the beauty behind the blooms, check out our Garden Series blogs for an in-depth look at all five of our wonderful tulip gardens.
Tara Knows Best: Skip the Crowds, Savor the Valley!
What’s Tara’s top tip for visiting the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival? “Go on a weekday!” As a local, she knows that’s when the crowds are at their smallest. But for her, the magic of tulip season goes far beyond the flowers. “I always encourage people to explore more than just Mount Vernon,” she says. “I love taking friends to Edison or La Conner. There are so many amazing restaurants that use fresh, local ingredients, and many even highlight specific farms they source from.” Each year, the festival becomes Tara’s invitation to slow down and enjoy the valley’s best, from farm-to-table meals to colorful fields and mountain vistas.
Want to follow in Tara’s footsteps? Check out our Attractions page for a list of some hidden gems and must-try eateries that highlight the best of Skagit Valley. It’s the perfect way to plan your festival adventure beyond the blooms!
Write Your Own Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Story
Make lasting memories that you’ll cherish for generations. Discover the unique charm of Skagit Valley, a place like no other.
Are you ready to craft your own Skagit Valley Tulip Festival story? Take it from Tara, the Tulip Festival is more than just flowers; it’s a countywide celebration of beauty, tradition, and local farming that your whole family will remember for years to come.
We’re here to help you along the way. Explore events, attractions, and our map to plan your trip.
Sign up for our newsletter, Tulip Festival Insider, for the latest news and resources.
