Union Square in San Francisco rippled with vibrant hues as 80,000 tulips sprung up overnight for Tulip Day, an annual event that heralded the start of the city's "Union Square in Bloom" campaign. Those who rose early were rewarded with the opportunity to handpick their bouquets from the sprawling temporary garden, with an eight-tulip limit per person. According to KTVU, the day was meant for fun, and many, like Vicky Randleman from Pinole, who eagerly arrived first, felt just that.

Amid the allure of spring and floral beauty, Mayor Daniel Lurie took to social media to express gratitude to the organizers.

It was Tulip Day in Union Square today! 🌷Thank you to @UnionSquareSF , the Dutch Consulate, @sfoewd , and @RecParkSF for putting together this amazing event that brings thousands of people to the heart of our city. pic.twitter.com/wvyKCa1E3c

— Daniel Lurie 丹尼爾·羅偉 (@DanielLurie) March 22, 2025

The event attracted not only locals but also those from further afield, like Sacramento's Michael Delgadillo, who remarked on the communal atmosphere that Tulip Day brings. Valentina Alvarez from San Jose shared in a KTVU interview the unique experience of building her bouquet. The event also triggered a surge in local business, as b. Patisserie, a nearby award-winning bakery, doubled its pastry production in anticipation of the increased foot traffic.

SF's annual rite of spring wasn't just for the locals - the city's connection with a wider international community was also honored. Forming a friendship bridge between Holland and the United States, the event also harked back to International Women's Day. "As we celebrate International Women’s Day this year, the bloom of springs reminds us of the strength, resilience and contributions of women in our communities and around the world," said Theo Peters, the Dutch consul-general in San Francisco, in a statement before the event, as per the San Francisco Chronicle.