Capital City Fund

2026 Royal Tulip ball Logo

TULIP BALL 2026

This year, we are excited to celebrate the 78th Annual Royal Tulip Ball on Saturday, May 9, at the New York State Museum.

As the signature event of Albany’s cherished Tulip Festival weekend, the Royal Tulip Ball is a time-honored tradition celebrating the city’s rich history. For 78 years, Albany has hosted this vibrant three-day festival, featuring:

  • The annual street scrubbing
  • Live music, arts, and crafts in historic Washington Park
  • An elegant evening at the Royal Tulip Ball

Be part of this unforgettable celebration

Tulip Queen and Court

For more information on the Albany Tulip Queen, click here or visit AlbanyEvents.org

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship and donation opportunities for the 2026 Tulip Ball are available here.

 

 

Don’t miss the formal photo station at the Tulip Ball
After the Ball, your photos will be available for purchase. You can also find images for purchase from the 2017-2024 Tulip Balls. BROWSE IMAGES

 

Tulip Luncheon

Friday, May 8, 2026
1:00 - 3:30 PM


Hattie’s Culinary Lab Powered by SEAT Center
121 Madison Ave. Albany, NY 12202
Parking for this event will be on-street parking around the venue


*If you would like to cover the cost of a Community Member to attend the luncheon, please purchase a Tulip Queen Support Ticket*

 

Annual Tulip Queen Luncheon

The Annual Tulip Queen Luncheon serves as a farewell and expression of appreciation to the 2025 Albany Tulip Queen, Abigail Williams, and Court Members, LeeAshia Green, Alyssa Kamara, Theadora Welch and Cait Tizzone. Following the street scrubbing event on State Street, the celebration will take place to honor the outgoing Tulip Queen and Court, recognizing their achievements. 

Moreover, the event marks the introduction of the 2026 Tulip Court, welcoming them into their roles. In addition to the celebratory aspect, the luncheon also aims to contribute to the educational programs linked with the Tulip Court. These programs receive support through the Capital City Fund, which is a component fund under the United Way of the Greater Capital Region.

The venue for this celebration will be Hattie’s Culinary Lab Powered by SEAT Center at 121 Madison Ave. Albany, NY 12202. The event will begin at 1:00 and conclude at 3:30 pm. This is a non-alcoholic event. 

Parking for this event will be on-street parking around the venue. 

If you are interested in attending this year’s luncheon, please purchase tickets here.

*If you would like to cover the cost of a Community Member to attend the luncheon, please purchase a Tulip Queen Support Ticket*

For all questions regarding this event, please email: tulipball@albanyny.gov

Tulip Queen and her CourtCongratulations To Albany's Tulip Queen

Abigail Williams

And Her Court

Alyssa Kamara

Cait Tizzone

Theadora Welch

Sponsorship Opportunities

We would be honored to have your organization as an official sponsor of the Royal Tulip Ball

To guarantee your name or logo appears on event materials, please submit the form with payment by April 24, 2026.

Payment Options

The Capital City Fund, managed by United Way of the Greater Capital Region, is the proud benefactor of the Royal Tulip Ball.

To have your name included on the event invitation, please submit your sponsorship form with payment by April 24, 2026.

Pay Online

Submit your Royal Tulip Ball sponsorship/donation payment here.

Pay By Check:

Please make checks payable to "United Way of the Greater Capital Region - Capital City Fund" and mail with your sponsorship form to:

Capital City Fund 
C/O United Way GCR
P.O. Box 1988
Albany, NY 12207

Questions?

Email us at TulipBall@albanyny.gov

About the Capital City Fund

Established in 2014 by Mayor Kathy Sheehan, the Capital City Fund supports Albany-based nonprofit organizations in delivering innovative programs and services that enhance our community. Through grants, the fund helps strengthen community and cultural initiatives, arts programs, and educational opportunities that directly benefit residents.

The Capital City Fund also plays a vital role in honoring and supporting veterans, a cause deeply important to Mayor Sheehan. It provides funding for the Veterans and Memorial Day Parades, the Gold Star Families Luncheon, and the purchase of flags to honor Albany County veterans’ resting places each Memorial Day.

Additionally, the fund enables the annual Tulip Ball and supports the Albany Tulip Court in their year of community service and literacy advocacy.

How You Can Help

Proceeds from the Tulip Ball directly benefit the Capital City Fund, allowing it to continue its meaningful impact. Independent donations are also welcome year-round.

Join us in supporting this important cause to help Albany thrive while continuing to honor our veterans and invest in our community.

Make a Donation