Summer in Groningen means music, culture and above all enjoyment. From relaxed picnics at the Smaak Festival to big names at Summerstage, the city buzzes. Discover the creative energy of Paradigm, dance in the Stadspark or taste worldly flavours in the Noorderplantsoen. The summer of 2025 promises to be unforgettable.
Summer city for children
There is also plenty to do for the kids during the Groningen summer. Free and for nothing, there is plenty to discover for children aged 4 to 12. From 20 July to 3 August, the Grote Markt will be transformed into a sports and creative Walhalla. Dance, box, race on tricycles and prance around like a real circus artist. Make cool art, float your own boat or experience one of the many other activities. The entire programme for young action fans can be found below.
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Rooftop sessions Forum
4 July, 12 & 13 September - NOK and the roof of Forum Groningen are once again the scene of the best rooftop party in the city and the surrounding area. Lots of hits and guilty pleasures will pass by. Under the Groningen sky, with the city at your feet, this is the party you don't want to miss!
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Art Market Westerhaven
20 & 27 July, 3 & 10 August - For four Sundays this summer, the Westerhaven area in Groningen turns into a charming French art market during 'Zomerstad op z'n Frans'. Visitors can enjoy an atmospheric market with 30 stalls full of art, crafts, music and French conviviality.
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Free Your Mind
26 July - This year too, Free Your Mind Festival returns to the Drafbaan in Groningen's Stadspark. All day long, you can enjoy a diverse line-up of international and national artists. Dance under the open sky, surrounded by nature and an energetic atmosphere.
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Happy Feelings
2 August- What once started as a sneaky house party by a bunch of happy teenagers has now grown into a big party that puts a smile on visitors' faces. At the Grain Factory, it goes wild with headliners like Turfy Gang and LAMMER. To get a happy feeling right?
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Vitalis Flea Market
3 & 17 August, 14 September - The market event consists of a flea market with exclusively antique and used items. Lots of vintage, brocante and curiosities. The fairground consists of traders with new goods. A complete programme for many hours of browsing fun.
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Groningen 4days
5 to 8 August - The Groningen 4daagse is a brand new walking event taking place for the first time this year. The Groningen 4daagse is more than a walking event, there will also be a fun fringe programme in the city.
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Record fair Groningen
7 August - Record lovers will enjoy the record fair on the Vismarkt, with almost 30 stalls full of LPs, singles and CDs brought in by the better exhibitors. Stroll around the square at your leisure and browse for musical gems.
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Paradigm Festival
9 and 10 August - Say Groningen and festivals, you say Paradigm. Dancing on solid techno, surrounded by the industrial decor of a former sugar factory. Paradigm is one of the most innovative electronic music festivals in the Netherlands.
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Keiweek
11 to 15 August - Every year, thousands of students are eager to start their student life. No better start than taking part in the biggest introduction week in Europe. Typical Groningen.
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Gronieken
13 August to 14 September - Music theatre about the possibly undiscovered history of Groningen. A compelling play with live music by a large orchestra and choir. After three previous massively attended editions of Zummerbühne, this new production promises good things.
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Noorderzon
14-24 August - Every year in August, Noorderplantsoen is the stage for Noorderzon. Eleven days of theatre, dance, music and visual arts, both on open-air stages and in intimate tents. Of course, the delicious food trucks are not to be missed either.
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Groningen Liberation
28 August - This holiday is also known as Bommen Berend. We celebrate that Groningen withstood the siege of the German bishop of Münster. At Zuiderhaven, there is a big fireworks show and there are stages and activities at several locations.
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Hullaballoo
6 and 7 September - The Stadspark bursts into life during Hullaballoo! From fat headliners such as The Script, Kensington and Goldband to emerging talent and local heroes: the line-up is as colourful as the festival itself. A perfect end to the festival summer.
