Spend the August Bank Holiday in the Netherlands
The bank holiday fast approaching, but don’t worry! There’s still plenty of time to book a last minute break and make the most of that precious extra day off. Here are our top events happening across the bank holiday in the Netherlands.
Nooderzon Performing Arts Festival – Groningen
15 – 25 August
This cutting-edge performing arts festival in Groningen welcomes up to 135,000 visitors over 11 days. Now in its 29th year, the festival takes place in Noorderplantsoen, a beautiful park, as well as across the city. The festival encompasses dance, theatre, music, visual arts and literature.
Guests can expect to see performances from artists from around the world, including shows from South Korea, Chile & Canada.
Outside of the festival, Groningen is known as ‘the world’s most bike-friendly city’. As the city is both bike and pedestrian friendly, it’s great for families with buggies to explore. Families can take a walking tour of beautiful Old Town Groningen and explore the market square, Martinitoren and City Hall.
Jordaan Festival – Amsterdam
23 – 26 August
The Jordaan Festival takes place in the colorouful folk district Jordaan, which gives the festival its name. Artists from across Amsterdam perform at the three day festival, which is known as one of Amsterdam’s most famous neighbourhood parties.
Performers sing the levensliederen – traditional Dutch folk songs known a ’songs of life’. The programme this summer features cabaret, opera, drum bands and mass sing-alongs, as well as plenty of entertainment for children.
Amsterdam is a buzzing city with plenty to do beyond the Jordaan Festival. Culture vultures can enjoy the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum. On warmer days, Vondelpark is a great place to head with a picnic.
Amsterdam Uitmarket
23 – 25 August
Another great Amsterdam event that is fun for the whole family is is one of the country’s most popular cultural events, with over 450,000 people visiting every year. Featuring more than 300 performances, from jazz to hip-hop to classical (and much more!) there is truly something for everyone.
Rembrandt & the Mauritshuis – The Hague
Ends 15 September
For the very first time in its history, the Mauritshuis is putting its entire collection of paintings by Rembrandt on display. Alongside displaying some of Rembrandt’s best work, the exhibition tells the story of how each of the paintings came to the museum collection. It will also include some counterfeit paintings, so visitors can try to spot the fake and discover what makes a Rembrandt a real Rembrandt!
On sunny days, the Japanese style flower garden in Clingendael Park is famous for its beauty and ambience and makes for a relaxing afternoon. Madurodam, the miniature village, also makes for a fun day out. With tiny windmills, canal houses, tulip fields and cheese markets, there is plenty of Dutch heritage to explore.
Mysteryland Festival – Haarlemmermeer Forest
23 – 26 August
As the oldest dance festival in Holland, Mysteryland attracts 60,000 dance music enthusiasts every year, who come together to dance to house, techno, drum & bass and more. The line-up this year features dance music heavyweights, including Diplo, Martin Garrix and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike. In between dancing, visitors can explore a vast market where they can pick up festival outfits, make up and merchandise, or grab a bite to eat at one of the festivals many food stalls.
After the festival, attendees can unwind in nearby Haarlem, famous for its cobbled streets and quaint houses.
To book a ferry crossing, visit www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry-to-holland