18 Best Festivals in Netherlands To Enjoy As Tourists

Tired of the same old European vacations of exploring museums and markets? It’s time to try something unique. The Netherlands is the best place to party safely and let loose as tourists. The nation that truly knows how to uit je dak gaan (go crazy)!

From painting the town orange on King’s Day to losing yourself in the beats of Pinkpop and Lowlands, the Dutch calendar is a year-long celebration. Get ready to cycle, sing, and have a blast as we discover the 18 most happening festivals in the Netherlands where you can truly party with the Dutch!

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Table of Content ▲

Amsterdam Tulip Festival
Holland Arts Festival (Holland Festival)
King’s Day (Koningsdag)
Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)
Amsterdam Roots Festival
De Parade Theater Festival
International Fireworks Festival, Scheveningen
Amsterdam Light Festival
Pinkpop Festival
North Sea Jazz Festival
LowLands
Tilburgse Kermis (Tilburg Fun Fair)
St. Nicholas Day (Sinterklaas)
Amsterdam Gay Pride (Pride Amsterdam)
Carnaval
National Restaurant Week
Bloemencorso Zundert Flower Festival
FAQs

Amsterdam Tulip Festival

Tulip festival

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The Amsterdam Tulip Festival is one of the most interesting festivals in the Netherlands. The city turns into a vibrant gallery of color to celebrate the arrival of spring and the Netherlands’ iconic flower, the Tulip. Over 800,000 tulips bloom across public spaces, museums, and hidden gardens, encouraging people to explore the city’s beauty.

Location: 85+ locations such as public gardens, museums, and squares throughout Amsterdam. The most famous destination is the Keukenhof tulip garden.
Date & Time: March to April
Highlights: Over 800,000 blooming tulips, self-guided flower routes, city bike rides to explore the tulips, and special tulip exhibitions at museums
Specialties: A unique, city-wide art display that allows you to see tulips without traveling to the major garden parks.
Pro Tip: Use the official festival map or app to find the smaller, hidden installations located in residential courtyards.

Holland Arts Festival (Holland Festival)

Lights at the festival

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The Holland Festival is the oldest and largest performing arts festival in the Netherlands. It is one of the biggest international cultural festivals in the Netherlands. You can expect performances of groundbreaking innovative international theater, dance, opera, and music. It is known for showcasing challenging and innovative works by leading global artists.

Location: Various theatres, venues, and cultural spaces in Amsterdam
Date & Time: June (Tentative dates—3 to 29 June)
Highlights: Premieres of international opera and dance; innovative theatre productions; challenging contemporary music performances
Specialties: The festival’s ability to bring diverse and cutting-edge international performing arts to a Dutch audience.
Pro Tip: Book tickets well in advance, as popular international shows sell out quickly.

King’s Day (Koningsdag)

Kings day netherlands

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King’s Day is the national celebration of the reigning monarch’s birthday. The entire country is transformed into one giant orange-soaked street party. The best place to experience the festival is Amsterdam; it is the epicenter of enjoyment and features massive flea markets, street vendors, spontaneous music, and canal boat parties.

Location: Nationwide, with the biggest parties in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague
Date & Time: April 27 (or April 26 if the 27th is a Sunday)
Highlights: Free-for-all nationwide street markets (vrijmarkt); canal cruises; everyone wearing orange; open-air concerts
Specialties: The vrijmarkt, where anyone can set up a stall without a permit, and the overwhelming atmosphere of national camaraderie. Everyone is dressed in orange because it is the national color of the House of Orange-Nassau.
Pro Tip: Carry cash for the street markets and wear comfortable shoes; most public transport is crowded or rerouted.

Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)

Traditional festivals in Netherlands

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Liberation Day marks the end of the German occupation of the Netherlands during World War II. The country comes together to celebrate freedom and democracy. It features large-scale outdoor music festivals (Freedom Festivals) and convoys of military vehicles. solemn ceremonies, and educational programs.

Location: Nationwide, with 14 major Freedom Festivals across the country (e.g., Amsterdam, Haarlem, The Hague)
Date & Time: May 5
Highlights: Free outdoor music festivals featuring major Dutch and international acts; ceremonies honoring veterans, and the National Freedom Relay
Specialties: The unique blend of remembrance ceremonies in the morning and massive freedom parties in the afternoon.
Pro Tip: Check the lineup for the nearest Freedom Festival, as the headliners are often flown between locations by helicopter.

Amsterdam Roots Festival

The Amsterdam Roots Festival is a vibrant celebration of global music and culture. It focuses on non-Western and global sounds, including African, Latin American, and Asian music traditions. It also features diverse ethnic food and world culture markets.

Location: Main stage in the Oosterpark, Amsterdam, with events at various smaller venues
Date & Time: July
Highlights: Eclectic world music concerts; food market with ethnic cuisine; workshops and cultural activities
Specialties: Its focus on connecting Amsterdam to the rest of the world through music and its family-friendly atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Arrive hungry! The food stalls offer a delicious, authentic tour of global cuisine.

De Parade Theater Festival

De Parade is a nomadic, traveling theater festival housed entirely in brightly decorated tents and caravans. It offers a mix of short, eclectic performances such as cabaret, theater, dance performances, and live music along with carousels and outdoor dining.

Location: Travels to four major Dutch cities: Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Amsterdam
Date & Time: Summer (late June through August)
Highlights: Unique, short performances (around 30 minutes) held in tents; vintage fairground atmosphere; the “Silent Disco”
Specialties: The carnival atmosphere and the opportunity to catch dozens of different shows in a single evening.
Pro Tip: Buy a Stamkaart (Frequent Visitor Pass) if you plan to visit multiple times, and try the late-night Silent Disco.

International Fireworks Festival, Scheveningen

International fireworks festival is a global sensation and one of the most exciting seasonal festivals in the Netherlands. This spectacular annual competition draws firework teams from around the world to compete for the title of best display. Visitors gather on the beach and promenade to watch the stunning pyrotechnic choreography over the North Sea.

Location:Scheveningen Beach, The Hague
Date & Time: Two weekends in August (usually Friday and Saturday nights)
Highlights: Two separate 15-minute firework shows per night; competition between international teams; lively beach atmosphere
Specialties: The sheer scale and artistry of the synchronized, competitive fireworks displays over the water.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach or pier, and take public transport, as parking is very difficult.

Amsterdam Light Festival

Parades in Netherlands

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The Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the winter darkness with spectacular light art installations placed along and over the city’s famous canals. Artists from around the globe design sculptures that can be viewed from canal boats or on foot. Tickets start at 29 euros, so you can admire the artwork from open boats or canal cruises. You can opt for bike tours or walking as well.

Location: Along the Amsterdam canals and surrounding areas
Date & Time: December to January
Highlights: Internationally renowned light art installations; special canal cruise routes (Water Colors); walking routes (Illuminade)
Specialties: The unique way the light art interacts with the historic architecture and reflections on the water.
Pro Tip: Viewing the art from a canal cruise boat offers the most comprehensive and immersive experience of the water route.

Pinkpop Festival

Pinkpop is one of the oldest and most famous annual pop and rock music festivals in the world, routinely attracting massive international headliners and hundreds of thousands of fans over its three-day run. Artists like Foo Fighters, The Cure, and Twenty One Pilots are expected to take center stage.

Location:Landgraaf (Limburg), near the city of Heerlen
Date & Time: 19, 20 and 21st June
Highlights: Three days of major international rock, pop, and indie headliners; massive stage production; lively camping atmosphere
Specialties: Its long history, high-quality international lineup, and reputation as a bucket-list event for European music fans.
Pro Tip: If camping, arrive early to secure a good spot. Non-campers can easily reach the site via shuttle buses from local train stations.

North Sea Jazz Festival

If you are a fan of classic music and jazz, then this festival in the Netherlands is a must for you. Considered one of the most prestigious jazz events globally, the North Sea Jazz Festival offers a vast, eclectic program featuring not just jazz but also blues, funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop. It hosts hundreds of artists across multiple stages in a single venue.

Location:Ahoy Arena, Rotterdam
Date & Time: July
Highlights: Hundreds of performances across 15+ stages over three days; world-class headliners from diverse genres; late-night jam sessions
Specialties: The incredible density of talent and the ability to walk between stages to see legends and emerging artists side-by-side.
Pro Tip: Study the schedule carefully beforehand. The venue is huge, and you will have to make tough choices between simultaneous acts.

LowLands

Music festivals in Netherlands

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LowLands is a massive, multi-faceted culture and music festival that blends major musical acts with theater, film, comedy, literature, and visual arts. It’s known for its diverse programming and vibrant camping community. It is one of the most exciting music festivals in the Netherlands, where you can experience camping with music and traditional food.

Location:Biddinghuizen (Flevoland)
Date & Time: August
Highlights: A mix of major rock, electronic, and hip-hop acts; theatre and comedy tents; film screenings; art installations
Specialties: Its unique blend of music and highbrow culture, creating a truly immersive “temporary city” experience.
Pro Tip: Don’t just stick to the main stages; explore the smaller tents to find surprising performances, talks, and comedy shows.

Tilburgse Kermis (Tilburg Fun Fair)

Carnivals in Netherlands

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The Tilburgse Kermis is the largest funfair/carnival event in the Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) region, attracting millions of visitors with hundreds of rides, attractions, and food stalls stretching through the city center. You can expect a giant parade, a theater fair, markets, fireworks, and music.

Location: City center of Tilburg
Date & Time: Late July (10 days)
Highlights: Hundreds of thrilling rides and attractions, massive street food stalls, and special themed days
Specialties: The sheer size and length of the fair and the dedicated “Pink Monday” (Roze Maandag), where the fair becomes a massive celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
Pro Tip: Visit on “Pink Monday” for the most festive and uniquely Tilburg atmosphere, and be prepared for huge crowds.

St. Nicholas Day (Sinterklaas)

Sinterklaas

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Sinterklaas is the traditional Dutch celebration equivalent to Christmas, centered on the arrival of Saint Nicholas by steamboat, followed by parades and weeks of gift-giving and poetry. It is a major family event and one of the most traditional festivals in the Netherlands.

Location: Nationwide, with the main official national arrival ceremony rotating to a different city each year and large parades in all major towns.
Date & Time: Arrival in mid-November; main gift-giving evening is December 5
Highlights: The colorful arrival parade (Intocht van Sinterklaas); children leaving shoes out for small presents; the gift-giving evening (Pakjesavond)
Specialties: The tradition of humorous, personalized poems written for the gift recipient (surprise) and the consumption of pepernoten (small spiced cookies).
Pro Tip: Watch the national arrival parade on TV or in person; if you’re invited to a Pakjesavond, be prepared to write a poem!

Amsterdam Gay Pride (Pride Amsterdam)

Gay Pride

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Pride Amsterdam is famous worldwide for its unique and spectacular Canal Parade, where decorated boats cruise the Prinsengracht. It’s a massive, vibrant celebration of diversity and the LGBTQ+ community. It is an artistic and political expression parade where people celebrate diversity and the right to equality.

Location: Primarily Amsterdam canals and city center
Date & Time: Late July/Early August
Highlights: The world-famous Canal Parade; street parties in the Reguliersdwarsstraat and other areas; film and sports events
Specialties: The iconic Canal Parade, where boats are the floats, and the joyous, inclusive atmosphere that permeates the city.
Pro Tip: Claim a spot along the Prinsengracht canals very early on the day of the Canal Parade, or rent a boat spot for a truly immersive view.

Carnaval

Carnaval is the wild, three-day folk festival celebrated predominantly in the historically Catholic provinces of the south (Brabant and Limburg) before Lent. Cities temporarily change their names, mayors symbolically hand over power, and people wear elaborate, often humorous, costumes.

Location: Southern provinces, especially Maastricht, Breda, Tilburg, and Eindhoven
Date & Time: Three days leading up to Ash Wednesday (February/March)
Highlights: Massive, satirical parades (optocht); locals dressing in colorful, creative costumes; the temporary name change of the city
Specialties: The local customs, the heavy consumption of beer, and the high-energy, infectious party atmosphere of the South.
Pro Tip: To participate fully, you must wear a costume and travel to one of the main cities in the South (like Maastricht or Den Bosch).

National Restaurant Week

National Restaurant Week is an event where hundreds of top-quality restaurants across the Netherlands offer fixed-price, multi-course menus at a heavily discounted rate. It’s an opportunity for everyone, especially foodies, to experience fine dining without spending a bomb on your meals. Michelin-starred restaurants like Joelia, `t Ganzenest, and Sense Restaurant in Vught participate in this massive event.

Location: Hundreds of participating restaurants nationwide, including major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht
Date & Time: Two separate weeks, usually held in spring and autumn
Highlights: Deeply discounted multi-course dinners and lunches at top-tier restaurants; the chance to try new cuisines
Specialties: The democratization of fine dining, making highly rated and Michelin-starred venues accessible to a wider audience.
Pro Tip: Book your preferred restaurant the moment reservations open, as the most popular venues sell out within hours.

Bloemencorso Zundert Flower Festival

The Bloemencorso Zundert is the world’s largest dahlia flower parade, held in the city of Zundert. It features massive, intricate floats built out of millions of dahlias. The flower sculptures are often inspired by the famous artist Van Gogh, and the town competes to create the most artistic and impressive sculpture. The tickets start at 15 euros for adults, and it is a fun way to experience dutch parades.

Location:Zundert, Netherlands (the birthplace of Vincent Van Gogh)
Date & Time: September
Highlights: Gigantic parade floats made solely of dahlia flowers; intense local competition, and the scale and artistry of the designs
Specialties: You can expect to see some of the creative floats made out of flowers and party with the locals.
Pro Tip: The parade begins in the morning, but the floats are often parked for viewing in the afternoon, offering a chance to see them up close.

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FAQs

What festivals are popular in the Netherlands?

Some of the most popular festivals in the Netherlands are the Tulip festival in Amsterdam, Saint Nicholas Day, Liberation Day, Kings Day, the Pinkpop music festival, and many more.

Which are the best festivals & events celebrated in the Netherlands?

The best Dutch festivals include the massive orange-themed King’s Day and Liberation Day; there is also the vibrant Pride Amsterdam with its famous Canal Parade and iconic music festivals like Pinkpop and North Sea Jazz.

What is the best time to visit the Netherlands?

The best time to visit the Netherlands is April-May, which is ideal for tulips and mild weather. If you wish to add some specific festivals in the Netherlands, you can plan your trip based on their dates.

What is the most celebrated holiday in the Netherlands?

One of the most celebrated days in the Netherlands is King’s day. The entire county comes together to celebrate the King by wearing orange. It is also referred to as the orange festival, with music performances, flea markets, and canal parties held in honor of the House of Orange-Nassau.