The most enjoyable Summer Festivals in Groningen

As soon as the sun comes out again, Groningen fills up with music, food trucks, dance floors, and fun events. It’s safe to say that people in Groningen love festivals. This summer, there are plenty of festivals to look forward to, ranging from major events to intimate music and cultural festivals. We’ve put together a list of this summer’s most enjoyable festivals so you don’t have to miss a single one. Wij hebben voor jou de leukste festivals van deze zomer op een rijtje gezet, zodat jij er geen één hoeft te missen.

Festivals in June

Starting in June, the sun will make more frequent appearances, the evenings will grow longer, and there are plenty of fun events on the schedule. Here’s how you can kick off the summer at the Graanfabriek with ZomerReces. If you love house, techno, and an energetic club atmosphere, this festival is definitely worth a visit!

Photo: Reces

The festival calendar is packed again for the last weekend of June, and on June 26, a new edition of Flonk Friday will take place at Stadslab. It’s a fun Friday afternoon festival that’s about more than just drinks. You’ll enjoy energetic bands, talented solo artists, and DJs.

The Kemistry Festival will be held at the same venue the following day. A day filled with sunshine, house music, and energetic vibes, featuring a lineup that includes Sam Rose, Lövestad, Einmusik, and more house artists. Also on June 27, the The Bruut! Festival takes place. With Frenna headlining this year and three stages, you and your friends are in for the ultimate festival night. From urban and hip-hop to dancehall, shatta, house, future beats, and afrobeats, you won’t want to miss this festival.

For two weekends this summer, the Forum rooftop will serve as the setting for the Rooftop Sessions. From early evening through the balmy night, you can enjoy amazing DJ lineups, the best views of the city, and the tastiest cocktails in Groningen. The Rooftop Sessions will take place on June 26, 27, and 28, as well as on August 14 and 15.

Photo: Bruut festival

Festivals in July

The summer vacation kicks off in July with the Smaak Festival. From Thursday, July 2, through Sunday, July 5, you can enjoy food trucks, live music, a glass of fine wine, and a relaxed festival atmosphere for all ages in the beautiful Noorderplantsoen. While the kids have fun with various activities, you can discover new flavors and enjoy a wonderful weekend in the park.

On July 3, Vrijval is hosting its first outdoor festival at DOT. Feel the sun on your face, enjoy great artists, and dance to the best house music. Soak up the lively festival atmosphere by the water and dance until the late hours with Vrijval.

Photo: Ravi Steneker

Free Your Mind is a concept among festivalgoers, and this summer the festival returns to Groningen for its third outdoor edition! A perfect summer day to let loose to the best music from today’s top house and techno artists. Think: Vieze Asbak, Mental Theo, Ben Böhmer, Enrico Sangiuliano, Hannah Laing, and many more.

Festivals in August

There are plenty of festivals on the schedule for August as well. On August 1, the Graanfabriek will be rocking with house, hard house, and disco music during Happy Feelings. With summery beats and a lively festival atmosphere, this will be the place to celebrate summer together.

Of course, the Paradigm Festival is a must-see this summer, and it’s more than just a music event; it’s an experience, a community, and a celebration of creativity and innovation in the world of electronic music. The festival is one of the leading electronic music festivals in the Netherlands. On August 8 and 9, the venue will transform into a world of techno, art, and immersive experiences—an unmissable event on every music lover’s festival calendar.

Kei Week is another must-see on this list—an orientation week for all new students in Groningen, and the week when the city really comes alive. Even if you’re not a student, you can enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere from August 10 to 14, including the closing festival and all the bars and clubs..

On August 15, an open-air event will be held at Stadslab. Expect a unique mix of techno and house music set against the natural backdrop of the venue. In short, a lively atmosphere for an unforgettable night out with your friends.

Noorderzon, held from August 20 through 30, is an annual arts and culture festival that brings the city to life. Featuring theater, music, literature, and visual arts by both established and emerging artists, it offers a surprising program. In addition, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy good food and drinks, with a variety of culinary options available on the festival grounds. Come by and be amazed by the diversity and energy of this unique festival in the heart of Groningen.

Photo: Stella Dekker (Marketing Groningen)

The Groningen ontzet Festival, held annually on August 28, commemorates the liberation of Groningen in 1672 and is celebrated with a lively city festival. Throughout the city, you’ll find a diverse program featuring music, culture, and activities for all ages.

On Saturday, June 29, Kaap Hoorn Beach Club will be transformed into the ultimate open-air spot for fans of house music, grooves, and good vibes. From golden hour to the final track, you won’t want to miss Groovers Open Air.

Photo: Groovers

Festivals in September

Hullabaloo is returning to the Stadspark again this year. This two-day festival is a vibrant paradise of music and experiences, featuring a mix of national and international artists, multiple stages, and nothing but festival vibes. With a lineup featuring Lewis Capaldi, Martin Garrix, Frenna, Antoon, and Sam Hofman, along with many more artists, it’s going to be an unforgettable weekend.

Photo: Ole Rethans

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the minimum age for the festivals?
  Hullabaloo, Groningens Ontzet, Noorderzon, and the Smaak Festival are open to all ages. Most other events have a minimum age requirement of 16 or 18; please check the event’s website for specific age restrictions.
• Are there any free festivals in Groningen?
  Yes, Groningens Ontzet, Noorderzon, and the Smaakfestival are free to attend; for the others, you need to buy a ticket.
• What should I bring to a festival?
  Be sure to bring a valid ID, a charged phone (with your ticket), sunscreen for sunny days, and a power bank is also a good idea.

Now that you’ve discovered all these festivals, we’re sure you’re all set for this summer in Groningen. From large multi-day festivals to lively city festivals, there’s something for everyone, and there’s always something going on somewhere. Curious about more events in Groningen? Then check out our events calendar.