The best festivals in the Netherlands in 2024

The Netherlands knows how to throw a party. Each year, the country hosts an impressive amount of festivals that celebrate all that life has to offer. Whether you’re into art, food, or music, there’s an event for every taste and every vibe.

Get a whirlwind tour of events you don’t want to miss by reading the following highlights:

The Netherlands festivals: party like there’s no tomorrow

Dutch Carnival, multiple cities

Move over Brazil, the Dutch are in town for Carnival (Carnaval). 

For three days in February, the Netherlands hosts one of the largest and liveliest carnival festivals in Europe. The party gets especially wild in cities across the east and south of the country, including Breda, Den Bosch, Eindhoven, Maastricht, Nijmegen, and Tilburg.

From the raucous parades to the spirited street parties, Dutch Carnival promises an unforgettable experience where the only rule is to let loose and embrace the joyous chaos.

Dutch Carnival 2024 takes place in multiple cities from 9 to 13 February

King’s Day, multiple cities

On 27 April, the entire country wears orange to celebrate King’s Day (i.e., King Willem-Alexander’s birthday). Everywhere you look, you’ll see orange clothes, orange accessories, orange hair, and thousands of orange and Dutch flags to boot.

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Celebrations are held across the Netherlands, from traditional flea markets and family-friendly games to city-wide street parties and gigantic music festivals. Join more than half a million locals and tourists cascading into the center of Amsterdam for an unmissable event of orange madness, bands on stages, non-stop drinking, and public urination.

That is, if you are still standing from the day before, as for most party-goers, the celebrations start the night before on Koningsnacht.

King’s Day takes place throughout the Netherlands on 27 April

Liberation Day, multiple cities

Remember that time Nazis occupied half of Europe? Flags fly high on 5 May as the Netherlands ignites with a blaze of patriotism and jubilation.

Similarly to King’s Day, Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) features a frenzy of celebrations all over the Netherlands, from traditional flea markets and parades with former Allied Soldiers to city-wide street parties and gigantic music festivals (bevrijdingsfestivals).

Liberation Day takes place in multiple cities each year on 5 May

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Amsterdam Pride, Amsterdam

Lighting up the heart of the capital every summer, Amsterdam Pride is a dazzling celebration of diversity, love, and acceptance. From colorful parades to gigantic parties, the event creates an atmosphere of joy and inclusivity, inviting over a million people to come together and embrace their authentic selves.

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Of course, you can’t miss out on the Pride Street Parties from Friday to Sunday. However, if you have to choose only one event to go to, you must attend Saturday’s Canal Parade. The world’s only floating Gay Pride will have over 80 outrageously decorated boats cruising the canals – celebrating the freedom to be LQBTQIA+.

Pride 2024 takes place in Amsterdam from 27 July to 4 August

Festivals in the Netherlands where you can take in the culture

Oerol Festival, Terschelling

Oerol is known as one of the most unique arts festivals in the Netherlands, and one you wouldn’t want to miss.

During 10 days in June, the Dutch island of Terschelling transforms into a beautiful cacophony of art and theater. From intimate storytelling performances to sprawling outdoor art installations, Oerol invites attendees to immerse themselves in art, culture, and the raw beauty of the island. 

This undeniably popular festival is an unforgettable experience where nature and creativity collide, one that leaves a lasting impression on all who attend.

Oerol Festival takes place on Terschelling from 7 to 16 June

NN North Sea Jazz, Rotterdam

Join over 65,000 music lovers at the NN North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, a non-stop thrill ride of musical mastery and genre-blending brilliance. 

With its vibrant atmosphere and diverse audience, the festival unites attendees from around the world in a joint celebration of their shared passion.

From the soulful sounds of jazz legends to the infectious beats of up-and-coming talents, the festival’s stellar lineup promises an unforgettable journey through the soundscape of contemporary music.

Although tickets are pricy, this once-in-a-lifetime event is one of the absolute highlights of the world’s jazz calendar.

The 2024 North Sea Jazz Festival takes place in Rotterdam from 12 to 14 July

Kwaku Summer Festival, Amsterdam

Sparking up Amsterdam’s southeast district every summer, Kwaku Summer Festival is a magical explosion of culture, music, and culinary delights. Rooted in Afro-Caribbean traditions, this vibrant event celebrates the multicultural fabric of the Netherlands with a colorful array of music performances, food stalls, and family-friendly activities.

If you are Indo or appreciate Malukan culture, you’ll want to go on Saturday, 27 July. That day is official Malukan Day, when various artists, bands, cultural dance groups, and food stands showcase Khas Maluku (typical Malukans). And, of course, it wouldn’t be the Netherlands if there wasn’t an afterparty!

Kwaku 2024 takes place in Amsterdam from 13 July to 4 August

Solar Weekend Festival, Roermond

Each year, hundreds of artists and creatives flock to Solar Weekend, known as one of the most creative festivals in the Netherlands. The event offers a mix of alternative sports, quirky games, impressive art installations, and lively theater performances. Musically, it covers everything from live acts to top DJs in the House, Techno, and hip-hop scenes.

Attendees looking to take in the full experience can spend all four days at the festival’s campsite, which features three stages, a 72-hour Silent Disco, and an epic water pistol fight with thousands of participants.

Solar Festival 2024 takes place in Maasplassen Roermond on 1 and 4 August

Dance the night (and day) away at these Dutch festivals

Everyone has heard about ADE, Awakenings, DGTL, Down The Rabbit Hole, Lowlands, Mysteryland, and Pinkpop. But have you ever experienced these incredible music festivals in the Netherlands?

London Calling (Spring edition), Amsterdam

In Amsterdam’s gritty underbelly, London Calling crashes onto the stage like a sonic storm, bringing punk’s raw, unapologetic spirit to the forefront.

During three days in May (and again sometime in October), the iconic stages of Paradiso become a battleground for a riotous revolution, where the spirit of punk reigns supreme and conformity is left in the dust.

Featuring electrifying performances from up-and-coming punk, indie, and alternative bands and artists, London Calling music festival is a defiant anthem against the mainstream.

London Calling (Spring edition) 2024 takes place in Amsterdam from 17 to 19 May

Paradigm, Groningen

Paradigm isn’t your typical techno music festival – it’s a playground for rule-breakers, a haven for those seeking something beyond the ordinary. While it certainly hosts some of the biggest names in dance and house, you won’t just find stages and speakers. The festival grounds feature immersive art installations, unexpected performances, and a grungy underground vibe that’s electric with possibility.

Paradigm encourages attendees to let loose, explore, and embrace the unexpected. In a world where conformity reigns, it offers a refreshing escape – a chance to lose yourself in the music, the art, and the magic of the moment.

The 2024 event takes place in Groningen on 10 and 11 August

Paperclip Festival, Eersel

A relentless frenzy of hardcore techno, Paperclip Festival brings an electrifying atmosphere that reverberates through the night. The high-octane celebration of raw beats and untamed energy takes place on the magical E3 Beach in Eersel, drawing house and (trans) techno fans all over the Netherlands.

Paperclip is one of those music festivals that pulses with unyielding intensity. It features top-tier DJs and blistering sets that push the limits of sound and sensation, and ignite the dance floor from noon to midnight.

Paperclip Festival 2024 takes place in Eersel on 31 August

Draaimolen, Tilburg

Surrounded by trees, Tilburg’s Draaimolen Festival feels like a serene oasis in a jungle of commercial events.

Held for two days in September, this modern electro-music festival offers artists to showcase their passion projects. Attendees can expect an otherworldly experience, filled with nature, art installations, and sweaty raves, all in symbiosis with nature.

Draaimolen 2024 takes place in Tilburg on 6 and 7 September

Festivals in the Netherlands where foodies get their fill

Rolling Kitchens, Amsterdam

Each spring, Amsterdam’s Westergasfabriek transforms into a dynamic family-friendly wonderland with dozens of food trucks to tantalize your taste buds. The open-air feast that is the Rolling Kitchens (Rollende Keukens) offers an eclectic mix of global flavors, from sizzling Argentinian BBQ to zesty Thai street food.

With no entrance fee and a wallet-friendly menu, attendees can indulge in a culinary adventure without breaking the bank. And, it wouldn’t be a proper festival, of course, without some vibrant live performances to provide the perfect soundtrack to your dining experience.

The 2024 Rolling Kitchens event takes place in Amsterdam from 8 to 12 May

Barrel Food Truck Fest, Emmen

Bursting with originality and flavor, Barrel Food Truck Fest hosts a collection of food trucks and mobile kitchens to bring you a culinary adventure.

Whether you’re craving a savory snack or a sweet treat, each dish is crafted with love and served up with a side of cool vibes and community spirit. From sizzling hot dogs and indulgent burgers to refreshing smoothies and decadent churros, this street food festival in the northeast of the Netherlands offers flavors that tantalize every taste bud.

Barrel Food Truck Fest 2024 takes place in Emmen from 17 to 20 May

Food festival Lepeltje Lepeltje, Utrecht

This Summer, you can indulge in the full spectrum of flavors at Lepeltje Lepeltje Utrecht. Featuring a host of mobile kitchens, each boasting its own specialty, this food festival offers an array of bites at affordable prices.

Go on a culinary adventure as live bands create the party atmosphere and DJs set the stage for afternoon drinks.

The festival isn’t just for adults, however. The park has some special entertainment in store for the little ones, including a spin on the Ferris wheel. Plus, visitors of all ages can explore the Beautiful Things Market, brimming with vintage treasures, handmade goods, and unique finds waiting to be discovered.

Lepeltje Lepeltje Utrecht 2024 takes place in Park Lepelenburg from 28 to 30 June

Keti Koti, Amsterdam

Commemorating the abolition of slavery in the former Dutch colonies, Keti Koti – or Broken Chains in Surinamese – is a powerful testament to freedom and resilience. The 1 July remembrance in Amsterdam unites people from all over the Netherlands to reflect on the enduring legacy of colonialization and honor the strength of generations past and present.

But if you were expecting a grim affair, you’d be wrong.

Keti Koti Festival also celebrates freedom and inclusivity through a sensory explosion of Afro-Caribbean music, art, and traditional delicacies.

From spicy jerk chicken and broodjes pom to savory samosas and fried bara, the Keti Koti food trucks will take you on an irresistible culinary journey, where each bite pays a delicious homage to the diverse cuisines of the Surinamese and Antillean cultures.

Keti Koti 2024 takes place in Amsterdam on 1 July

Useful resources

• Festivalfans – website with a clear overview of music festivals in the Netherlands
• 3voor12.VPRO – website with 50 great Dutch festivals
• IAmsterdam – official city website with festivals and events in and around Amsterdam