Spring and Summer Festivals in the Netherlands

Have you ever wanted to experience the beauty of the Netherlands during spring or summer? Well, one of the best ways to do that is to take part in the myriad festivals that take place during those times of the year! The Netherlands celebrates a host of festivals from May through August that range from music and dance to food and theatre. Here, we list 25 of the most popular festivals and events that you can attend during spring and summer in the Netherlands.

1. Salsa Festival Groningen

One of the largest and most popular salsa festivals in the Netherlands, the Salsa Festival Groningen is held in the middle of August each year. If you're looking for Latin grooves combined with vibrant Dutch spirit, then you won't want to miss it! Thousands of visitors attend each year, with the program featuring a band on stage and salsa classes.

2. PinkPop

Held in Landgraaf after Whit Sunday, PinkPop is one of the most well-known music festivals in the Netherlands. It is an outdoor rock festival that attracts approximately 50,000 people every year, although if you're planning to attend, make sure you buy your tickets early – they tend to sell out very quickly.

3. Nijmeegse Vierdaagse

Organized in Nijmegen in early July, the Nijmeegse Vierdaagse is one of the largest walking events in Europe. It attracts around 45,000 participants of all ages, who complete up to 30, 40, 50 or 60 kilometers between 2nd to 5th of July. Even if you don't complete the full course, you can still be part of the celebrations and watch parades and festivities.

4. Grachtenfestival Amsterdam

The Grachtenfestival or The Amsterdam Canal Festival is, as the name suggests, held in Amsterdam and is usually the largest classical music open-air event in the country. It is usually held in mid-August and brings in about 250,000 listeners, making it one of the biggest classical music festivals in Europe.

5. Amsterdam Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival is a must-attend event if you're looking to immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty created by hundreds of light installations. Held from late-December through early January each year, the visual extravaganza is a beacon of hope and joy in the darkness of the winter.

6. Lakenfeesten

Lakenfeesten or The Cloth Festival is held in the first week of August in Leiden. A tradition kept alive since 1526, the festival is a celebration of the city’s colorful history. The festivities include street theatre, processions, reenactments, markets, music and dance. Although the highlight remains the re-enactment of a historic event from 1575 called the ‘Hooglied’.
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7. Lowlands

Lowlands is one of the largest music festivals in the Netherlands and it takes place in Biddinghuizen in the third week of August. Over the years, it's attracted some of the biggest acts in the music industry. However, aside from music, the festival features sessions and lectures on various topics related to culture, science and politics, films, debates and much much more.

8. The Hague Jazz

The Hague Jazz is one of the best jazz festivals in the Netherlands and it takes place in the middle of July. It attracts artists from all over the world, from smooth jazz and sixties jazz to pop and fusion musicians. It shows that two communities – North and South – can come together and celebrate each other through the language of music.

9. Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival Groningen

Are you looking for an unusual, offbeat Festival? Then check out the Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival in Groningen. It takes place in mid-August and features a selection of performances, concerts, circus shows and much more. One performance is held every day, and they’re all unique, creative and stunning.

10. Parkpop

Parkpop is a huge open-air music festival taking place in early June in the Meijelsche Bereik. It's one of the most visited music events in the Netherlands and it features a wide range of different musical acts including hip hop, dance, jazz, roots and rock.

11. De Parade Theater Festival

De Parade is a theatre festival held in Utrecht from the 2nd of June to the 24th of June each year. It celebrates the traditional and the modern, custom and trend and shows different plays every day. As part of the festivities, there’s also a festive market where you can get souvenirs, books, jewelry and much more.

12. Biddinghuizen Beach Festival

Also known as ‘Beach Festival’, this festival is held in Biddinghuizen in the middle of May. It is one of the biggest international beach festivals in the Netherlands and it features more than 30 international DJs playing every day. If you’re looking for an event to let your hair down and make some great memories, then this is the place to be!

13. Rotterdam Unlimited

Rotterdam Unlimited is one of the most popular music festivals in the Netherlands. It takes place in the middle of June and is known for its diverse genres, from EDM to hip hop, from alternative to rock and much more. It's held at the Rotterdam Ahoy complex and is usually attended by thousands of excited music lovers.
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14. Into The Great Wide Open

Planning your summer getaway to Netherlands? Make sure you don't miss Into The Great Wide Open, a very popular music festival held in Vlieland. This intimate music festival focuses on alternative rock, hip hop, indie, electro and pop music and is everything you need for an unforgettable summer adventure.

15. A Day at the Park

An example of Amsterdam's amazing clubbing scene, A Day at the Park is a three-day event held in early June. On Friday, it's the ‘300+’ day, which is focused on those aged 25 and up, while Saturday and Sunday are dedicated to EDM. A Day at the Park is held in the Amsterdamse Bos and is a great way to spend a weekend.

16. Amsterdam Roots Festival

Held in the middle of June, Amsterdam Roots Festival is one of the biggest multicultural events in the Netherlands. It aims to bring together different cultures through music, art, talks and food and it is followed by visitors from all over the world. You can check out world famous DJs, listen to lectures given by some of the most inspiring voices, take part in a workshop and much more.

17. Vechtse Rennes

One of the quirkiest festivals in the Netherlands, Vechtse Rennes takes place in Utrecht in early June. It's a celebration of the freaky, creative and innovative and includes music, art and performances. The event takes place on the waters of the Vecht and as the sun sets, all eyes to fall on the beautiful banks.

18. Amsterdam Pride

Held in Amsterdam in the last week of July and first week of August, Amsterdam Pride is one of the biggest LGBT events in Europe. The festivities include a range of cultural events such as film screenings, theatre performances and street parties, as well as the iconic Pride Parade which usually atttracts over 500,000 visitors.

19. North Sea Jazz Festival

The renowned North Sea Jazz Festival is held every year in Rotterdam from 12th to 14th of July, and it’s a must-attend event for jazz lovers. It’s attended by around 70,000 people every year, and features a wide range of acts covering funk, soul, house, hip hop and more.

20. Festival op 't Platteland

Festival op 't Platteland, which takes place in Arnhem in early June, is an annual event that celebrates farmers, music and culture. It feels like a carnival and includes special attractions like donkey-racing, baby show and cow-milking, as well as live music and food.

21. Dutch Design Week

Dutch Design Week is an annual event that brings together Holland’s best designers, architects and innovators. It's held in Eindhoven in mid-October and showcases the latest trends in design, ranging from fashion to furniture, from art to technology.

22. Hellendoorn Rally

The Hellendoorn Rally is a two-day rally event held in the Overijssel city of Hellendoorn in early July. It's one of the most popular rally events in the country and draws in thousands of visitors from all over the world. You can watch exciting car races, listen to loud music and grab some grub from the food stalls.

23. Openluchttheater Valkenburg

Openluchttheater Valkenburg is one of the most beloved outdoor theatre festivals in the Netherlands, and it takes place in Valkenburg in early July. It features a range of different theatre performances every day, along with music and dance shows, film screenings and much more.

24. Ronde Tafel Omroep

Held in the Rotterdam Ahoy complex in mid-June, the Ronde Tafel Omroep is one of the most vibrant and exciting festivals in the country. It’s known for its lively atmosphere, with people from all walks of life coming together to celebrate art, culture and music.

25. Dincklage Open Air

Dincklage Open Air is a three-day festival that takes place in a tiny village in the Netherlands in early June. Dincklage is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and to enjoy some great music, art and culture. The festival features art installations, workshops, theatre performances, debates and more.

There you have it – our round-up of 25 feel-good festivals that you can attend during spring and summer in the Netherlands. Do you have any memorable experiences from these events? Let us know in the comments below!