Immerse yourself in Turkish culture
The tulip originated in Türkiye and they were host to the world’s first Tulip Festival more than 400 years ago. The love for the Tulip and the tradition remains strong today. The Tesselaar Tulip Festival Turkish Weekend is a showcase of Turkish culture among the tulips. It is a colourful and exciting weekend.
This year Celebrates 100 years of the Republic of Türkiye.
Your presence will be the crowning jewel of our celebration. Let us come together at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival Turkish Weekend to honour our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to an even brighter future.
Festival will once again feature demonstrations of art, dance, music and gourmet food. Visitors will have the opportunity to celebrate, learn, and savour Turkish hospitality, culture, and heritage.
Proudly presented in association with the Australian Turkish Cultural Platform.
Turkish Entertainment (2023 line up 2024 TBA)
Enjoy some amazing music on stage including classical and modern Turkish bands. The weekend entertainment is organised by Fatih Karakas.
The Australian Turkish Mehter Band (Marching Band) one of the oldest traditional marching bands in the world. Belly Dancer performs traditional dancing Saturday and Sunday.
SATURDAY
10:15am Bihter and Mete Duo - Traditional folk music
11:15am Bihter and Mete Duo - Traditional folk music
12:15pm Bellydancing - Oryantal sytle
1:00pm Zeybek Dance - Turkish folk dancing
1:30pm Ada Vapuru - Turkish pop from the 60's to the 00's
2:30pm Bellydancing - Oryantal sytle
3:15pm Ada Vapuru Turkish pop from the 60's to the 00's
SUNDAY
10:15am Bihter and Mete Duo - Traditional folk music
11:20am Bellydancing - Oryantal sytle
12:05pm Bihter and Mete Duo - Traditional folk music
1:10pm Bellydancing - Oryantal sytle
1:40pm Zeybek Dance - Turkish folk dancing
2:00pm Mehter Marching Band - A traditional marching band
2:45pm Ada Vapuru - Turkish pop from the 60's to the 00's
3:30pm Ada Vapuru - Turkish pop from the 60's to the 00's
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. It is fun and who knows, you may like what you hear!
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 out treasure hunt, have your face painted. Try your luck with our garden games.
