About Our Event
78th Annual Royal Tulip Ball
Saturday, May 9, 2026
New York State Museum
222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12230
6:00 p.m. Cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres
7:15 p.m. Plated dinner, silent auction, and introduction of the 2026 Tulip Court, followed by dessert and dancing.
Attire: Black Tie Preferred
About The Event:
The Tulip Ball is the highlight of the widely-anticipated Tulip Festival weekend. For 78 years, Albany has hosted this three-day event to celebrate our rich history and tradition, which includes the annual street scrubbing and a music, arts, and crafts festival attended by thousands in historic Washington Park.
About The Capital City Fund:
The Capital City Fund powers the Tulip Ball and the Tulip Court’s community outreach. It also upholds Mayor Applyrs’ commitment to our Veterans by funding Memorial and Veterans Day Parades, the Gold Star Families luncheon, and Memorial Day tributes. Additionally, the Fund provides grants to Albany nonprofits for arts, culture, and education. Your support of the Tulip Ball directly sustains these vital civic and community programs.
Need help bidding?
Feature a How to Bid Video
Bidding on our silent auction is crazy simple! Watch the video below for instructions on how to get started bidding.
Online bidding is NOW open and is available for all participants!
Donate an Auction Item
Donate an Auction Item
Have the perfect item for our silent auction? Submit the details here and our team will reach out to coordinate further details.
All donations are 100% tax-deductible.