Grasnapolsky Festival 2026

For five years, they told the story of de Graanrepubliek in Scheemda. Now they follow the route the grain itself made: via the Eemskanaal to the city, to the harbour, where it was unloaded and stored in the EMG. From de Graanrepubliek to the end of the journey. Large industrial rooms with concrete funnels on the ceiling, remnants of old silico cells. Dark basements where machines ran. Platforms and mezzanines with unexpected angles. Right next door, the Sack Shed, white with green window frames, lighter inside. For one weekend, they will be given a new function. Music, art, theatre, people. Heritage that stands empty but asks to be discovered. With character, with story, with space inside and out.

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 completely indoors to partly outdoors. From less easily accessible to eight-minute bikes 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.

Grasnapolsky is a weekend of music, art and expeditions at a special location. A festival that offers both indie and electronic music, trying to find a healthy balance between better-known artists and new discoveries. Grasnapolsky always takes place at an undiscovered location in the Netherlands and establishes a connection with its surroundings. Telling the story of the location, currently EMG & Zakkenloods in Stadshavens Groningen, runs like a thread through the festival. Nothing is obvious at Grasnapolsky and adventure is a given.