Groningens Ontzet 2026

Friday 28 August is the big day: the Day of the Relief of Groningen! Throughout the city centre, history comes to life and there’s plenty to do for young and old alike. The day gets off to an early start. From 07:45, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back into 1672, with soldiers, civilians and craftsmen walking through the city centre as re-enactors. At 09:00, the Bell Ringers’ Guild will ring the bells of the Martinitoren. Shortly afterwards, a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the bust of our hero Carl von Rabenhaupt on Waagplein, commemorating the Relief of Groningen.

Between 10.00 and 11.00, city carillonneur Maurits Bunt will play the carillon of the Martinitoren, so that you can hear in every street that the festivities have begun. And the festivities can be heard outside the city centre too: throughout the day, Joris ten Have’s barrel organ brings music to residents of care homes in the city, Haren and Ten Boer. From 11.00, the action gets underway on the water. The Groningen Dragon Boat Races kick off at Het Pomphuis on Kleine der A, with a sunny terrace and a DJ setting the mood. Would you rather listen to a speaker? From 11.30 am in the Academiegebouw , Arjen Lubach will share his views on freedom, society and current affairs. Admission is free, but be sure to arrive on time, as once it’s full, it’s full.

In the afternoon, there’s a lively atmosphere everywhere. Near de Akerk , you’ll find the Ontzet Terras with live music. On the Hoge der A , you can stroll past the stalls of the Ontzettende Markt, and at Westerhaven there’s a charming arts market, featuring a performance by the Tolbert shanty choir between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm. Guide Puutje will take you on a walk at 10.00 or 14.00, exploring the stories of Bommen Berend. Children can head to the Kids’ Festival on the Reitemakersrijge, and in the A-theatre, the Bommen Berend Youth Theatre will be performing the story of Zwaantje and Tammo, who fall in love with the enemy.

As the evening draws in, the festivities move to Poelestraat, Poeleplein and the Nieuwe Markt. From 3.00 pm, the street party gets into full swing with outdoor cafés, DJs and a salsa workshop with Juan Carlos. Brass bands Post Its and Eveneband will parade through the city centre, whilst the Groote Maaltijd is served in de Akerk . This traditional communal dinner refers to the story of the cannonball that disrupted Bommen Berend’s meal. The day will also draw to a spectacular close at the Zuiderhaven. First with a performance by Groningen singer Kevin Paré, followed by a spectacular flyboard show on the water. At 10.30 pm, as is traditional, fireworks light up the sky above the Zuiderhaven. A colourful finale to a day full of history, socialising and fun!