Immerse yourself in Turkish culture
The tulip was first cultivated in Türkiye over four centuries ago and they were the first to host a Tulip Festival, celebrating this beloved flower. The love for the tulip remains strong today. The Tesselaar Tulip Festival Turkish Weekend is a colourful showcase of Turkish culture and heritage amidst a sea of tulips.
Festival will once again feature captivating demonstrations of art, dance, music and gourmet food. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to celebrate, learn, and savour Turkish hospitality, culture, and heritage in an immersive setting. Join us as we journey into Turkish hospitality in the enchantment of the tulips.
Proudly presented in association with the Australian Turkish Cultural Platform we invite you to delve into the enchanting world of tulips and Turkish traditions.
Turkish Entertainment 2025
Enjoy some amazing music on stage including classical and modern Turkish bands. The weekend entertainment is organised by Fatih Karakas.
SATURDAY
10:15am Kismet Project - let by soulful vocalist Onur Kurt. A captivating blend of Turkish music weaving together classical, folk, psychedelic and gypsy.
11:15am Kismet Project - let by soulful vocalist Onur Kurt. A captivating blend of Turkish music weaving together classical, folk, psychedelic and gypsy.
12:00pm Belly Dancing - Oryantal sytle
12:45pm Aytay Band - a powerful ensemble led by Aslan Sharif. Showcasing the rich rhythms and dance of Azerbaijani Turkish music, a vibrant combinaiton of tradition and modern flair.
1:40pm ADENA Dance Ensemble - bringing the vibrant spirit of Azerbaijani Turkish culture to life through the art of dance. Dazzling choreography and passionate performances, a celebration of rhythm, grace and unity that speaks to the heart.
2:20pm Istanbul Entertainment - a dynamic trio, bringing the vibrant sounds of modern and traditional Turkish music to make you dance! Featuring Reha Aytac on vocals, Cüneyt Çakmak on kanun, and Salih Önerli on keyboard.
3:00pm Belly Dancing - Oryantal sytle
3:35pm Istanbul Entertainment - a dynamic trio, bringing the vibrant sounds of modern and traditional Turkish music to make you dance! Featuring Reha Aytac on vocals, Cüneyt Çakmak on kanun, and Salih Önerli on keyboard.
SUNDAY
10:15am Kismet Project - let by soulful vocalist Onur Kurt. A captivating blend of Turkish music weaving together classical, folk, psychedelic and gypsy.
11:15am Kismet Project - let by soulful vocalist Onur Kurt. A captivating blend of Turkish music weaving together classical, folk, psychedelic and gypsy.
12:00pm Belly Dancing - Oryantal sytle
12:45pm Aytay Band - a powerful ensemble led by Aslan Sharif. Showcasing the rich rhythms and dance of Azerbaijani Turkish music, a vibrant combinaiton of tradition and modern flair.
1:25pm ADENA Dance Ensemble - bringing the vibrant spirit of Azerbaijani Turkish culture to life through the art of dance. Dazzling choreography and passionate performances, a celebration of rhythm, grace and unity that speaks to the heart.
2:00pm Mehter Marching Band - The Australian Turkish Mehter Band (Marching Band) is one of the oldest traditional marching bands in the world.
2:45pm Istanbul Entertainment - a dynamic trio, bringing the vibrant sounds of modern and traditional Turkish music to make you dance! Featuring Reha Aytac on vocals, Cüneyt Çakmak on kanun, and Salih Önerli on keyboard.
3:30pm Belly Dancing - Oryantal sytle
4:00pm Istanbul Entertainment - a dynamic trio, bringing the vibrant sounds of modern and traditional Turkish music to make you dance! Featuring Reha Aytac on vocals, Cüneyt Çakmak on kanun, and Salih Önerli on keyboard.
There is also a touch of Dutch with Our Clog Dancing Workshop at 11:00 and 1:30pm, see how it is done and give it a whirl. Plus our Historic Cheese Market performance at Noon and 2:30pm, where you see amazing spectacle of how Dutch cheeses were bought and sold. The Findlay Dutch Fairground Organ will be playing.
Turkish Cuisine
Enjoy the aromas and tastes of rich Traditional Turkish cuisine, including Gozleme, meat dishes, Adana Kebab, traditional turnip juice, desserts such as baklava, Turkish delights and much more. Sip a cup of Turkish coffee and after you have finished, turn the cup upside down and have an reader tell you your fortune with Mujgan Ozturk. It is fun and who knows, you may like what you hear! Turkish coffee combines special preparation and brewing techniques with a rich communal traditional culture, it is usually drunk in coffee houses where people meet to talk, read and share news.
Turkish Art and Cultural Workshops
Turkish Marbling (Ebru) with Ezgi Sert, Ezgi takes pride in this unique artform, adhering to centuries old techniques that date back to the Ottoman Empire. Create stunning ephemeral patterns that reflect artistic skill and cultural heritage. Colours are layered onto a watery surface then transformed with brushes. A wonderful activity for all ages.
Turkish Ceramic Painting Workshops see the magic of Turkish art unfold with live demonstrations and interactive workshops. Create your own work of art to take home. Art Master Class Studios
Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshops join in on the unique experience of mosaic art and create your own lamp to take home.
Fees apply for these classes.
Discover millions of spring flowers
While you are there, you can discover more than a million spring flowering bulbs on show, including almost a million Tulips. As you stroll around the historic gardens you can indulge in traditional Dutch foods and other treats. Visit our Clog Shop, see the world’s largest Clog, find treasures in the souvenir and market stalls. See beautiful garden displays, visit our fairy garden (story telling at 11:15, 12:30, 1:45 and 3:00), play some old fashioned Dutch games and see historical displays. Photo opportunities abound with Dutch frescos, Windmills, flowers and staff in traditional Dutch and Turkish costumes. Test your powers of observation with our treasure hunt, have your face painted. Try your luck with our garden games.
