TOPEKA (KSNT) – A local flower-filled event is back for spring 2026 in Topeka to deliver sweet smells and sights for Topeka area residents to enjoy.
The 30th annual Jerold Binkley Tulip Time is set to kick off in April this year. Shawnee County Parks and Recreation (SCP+R) reports that locals will get to enjoy 100,000 tulips in different areas across the county this year at Gage Park’s Doran Rock Garden, Lake Shawnee’s Ted Ensley Garden and Ward-Meade Park’s Botanical Gardens.
Volunteers are working around the clock to set things up for this year’s rendition of Tulips at Twilight. Each illuminated display is handmade and can be seen at Ward-Meade Park, also known as Old Prairie Town, in Topeka’s Potwin neighborhood.
Shawnee County Parks and Recreation reports that 100,000 tulips have been planted for the 2026 Tulip Time celebration. (KSNT Photo)
SCP+R said the recent weather changes did have an impact on this year’s preparations for Tulip Time. Parks and Rec spokeswoman Ashley Gilfillan said some daffodils did not make it due to weather issues, but she expects around 80% of the tulips to bloom.
“We did have a little bit of cold temperatures with some rigid wind, combined with the mild winter we had, which led them to bloom a little early,” said Ashley Gilfillan with Shawnee County Parks and Recreation. “So, it was a little touch and go for a while, but we are really confident we can put on a great event.”
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Tulip Time and Tulips at Twilight runs from April 10-26. Tulips at Twilight will feature live music at the botanical gardens every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You can learn more about Tulips at Twilight by clicking here.
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