Grasnapolsky Festival 2026

Grasnapolsky is the festival where acts start before they sell out the big venues. Froukje, Goldband, Tamino, S10, Bazart: they played here at an early stage of their careers. The festival presents around 50 emerging musicians, theatre-makers, poets and visual artists every year. Visitors explore in the setting of exceptional heritage. From intimate sessions to major concerts, from installations to expeditions. For the music industry, a performance at Grasnapolsky acts as a stamp of quality: this act is ready for the next stap. Grasnapolsky has always opted for special heritage. From 2014 to 2018, the festival took place at broadcast station Radio Kootwijk in the Veluwe. In 2019, it followed the move to Scheemda, to strokartonfabriek De Toekomst. After another search, the festival now finds a new home at the EMG and Zakkenloods.

Every year, Grasnapolsky chooses a theme. In 2023, for instance, the festival focused on the theme 'Alles Om Je Heen', which was eponymous to Lucky Fonz III's song. In 2024, the theme was 'Land to Stay', focusing on the connection with East Groningen soil, heritage and local art. In 2025, they chose a year of transition. Grass took time to reflect on where they had come from and where they wanted to go. They looked for a new place. Looked at how they can be future-proof. This year's theme is: 'Everything will always be different'. It is a fact, a law of nature. The world around you changes, you change, everything moves. For Grasnapolsky 2026, that is not just a theme, it is exactly what is happening. From East Groningen to the city. From winter festival to spring. From less easily accessible to a ten-minute bike ride from the train station. From expensive shuttle buses to free bike parking. From high ticket prices to lower prices with extra discounts for young people.

Going to Groningen city literally makes the festival more accessible. The venue is an eight-minute bike ride from Groningen Central station. No more shuttle buses, no extra travel time, no extra costs. For Groningers, there is the option of sleeping at home. The festival takes place during the Ascension weekend (14, 15 & 16 May). A weekend when people already have the Thursday off, allowing you to go home on Sunday without having to take an extra day off. A time when the festival can finally go outside. The festival will also be more accessible financially: ticket prices have been reduced, with an extra cheap rate for young people up to 25 years old.

For years, Grasnapolsky told stories in places with a rich past, from de Graanrepubliek in Scheemda to industrial locations along the waterfront. For 2026, the festival will move to the Suikerterrein in Groningen, an area perhaps even better suited to the quirky atmosphere of Gras. Due to circumstances, the festival cannot take place at its original location this year. But as you would expect from Grasnapolsky, there is no sitting still. Things have moved quickly, resulting in a new venue with at least as much character. Where sugar used to be produced, there is now space for experimentation, culture and new energy. The site feels raw and open, with industrial buildings, hidden corners and places asking to be discovered. Between concrete, steel and emptiness, Grasnapolsky gets all the space it needs to build its world. From intimate performances to larger stages, inside and outside flow effortlessly together here. The move also brings something positive: the Suikerterrein has a larger capacity. That means more tickets will be available, and therefore more people will have the chance to experience this special weekend.

Alexander Moto - Alice Olsthoorn - Badminton - Badtime - Bricknasty - Brògeal - Dear Omen - DJ st. Paul - Eva van Manen - Figgie - Fit - Gespuys - GLINTSAL - Gonze B imbo - Halfpastseven - HEADS WILL ROLL - Hiqpy - Dog Breeder - Honey I'm Home - KABOUTERTJE PUTLUCHT - Kaya - Little Kova - Ko Kliko - L'orne - M2K - MAHA - MAIN. - MAYA MARIA - Moonloops - Sewing Machine - Naga Kirana - NEWÃRK - NOCHELANGE - Öhne Umlaut - Ontaard - Ratboys - Rens & Jaïr - segadeath - SERVICE - The ETTERS - tjels - Tom Forever - Velocity Made Good - XXJULÍA - Yong Yello

The Art Canteen - SUPERDRUM (Touki Delphine)