What to Do in Groningen in August?
We're back with a list of events and activities the city of Groningen has to offer in the last month of summer!
01 August - Vinyl Record Fair Vismarkt
Visit the Platenbeurs at Vismarkt for great deals and rare finds in various music genres. Collectors can also sell their items. Entry is free!
03 August - Happy Feelings
Joep de Bruin turned a New Year's Eve party in his parents' living room into Happy Feelings, an event company hosting festivals and parties for over 50,000 attendees annually. Starting with local parties, Joep expanded to unique events that emphasize joy over mere headline acts. Now, Happy Feelings is eyeing international success, with successful events in cities like London, Barcelona, and Antwerp.
04 August - Car Boot Sale
CarBootSale returns to the former trotting track in Groningen, with free entry for all visitors! Parking is available for €4 right next to the market. Whole event starts from 10:00 AM. Stadspark transforms into a treasure trove of used goods—perfect for those looking to declutter. Reserve a spot if you wish to sell from your car boot!
10 - 11 August - Paradigm Festival - Electronic Music
Celebrated as one of the Netherlands' most innovative electronic music festivals, Paradigm is not just about world-renowned techno and house music. It’s a creative haven for non-conformists dedicated to transforming the traditional club and festival atmosphere into a uniquely immersive experience. Don’t miss out!
10 - 11 August - LVBHB - Heritage Vessel Rally
The LVBHB marks its 50th anniversary in 2024, starting with an event in The Hague and a seven-week "ErfgoedTour" across the Netherlands, from Middelburg to Flevoland. The tour, celebrating maritime heritage, includes local festivals at each of the 15 stops. The fleet will be in Groningen from August 10th to 12th. Supported by over 100 volunteers, festivities wrap up with a fall symposium and exhibition.
12 - 16 August - KEI-week
If you are a student in the Netherlands, then you already know what that is. KEI-week 2024 offers new students in Groningen a packed schedule to explore their new city. Highlights include the Grand Opening, a vibrant parade, Europe's largest karaoke night, and various cultural and sports events, culminating in a grand finale party on August 16. Activities range from the Eat & Greet, where students meet local associations, to open-air films and sports introductions. KEI-week is the perfect start to university life, offering a full spectrum of student activities.
21 August - Night in Museum Groningen
Museums across Groningen, including GRID Graphic Museum, Groninger Museum, Museum aan de A, Noorderlicht, Forum Groningen, Synagogue Groningen, and the University Museum, will stay open until 01:00 AM. The night offers a vibrant mix of art, culture, music, workshops, lectures, dance, and poetry. Past editions featured performances by well-known and local talents like Orange Skyline, S10, and Sophie Street, drawing thousands of visitors.
21 - 28 August - Groningens Ontzet 2024
This year's Groningens Ontzet festivities begin with the vibrant Kermis at Grote Markt, featuring attractions like roller coasters and boosters. With numerous activities planned, it's best to check out the full schedule on their official website for all the details!
22 August - 01 September - Noorderzon Festival of Performing Arts & Society
At the Noorderzon Festival, immerse yourself in a diverse array of performances including British theater maker Ant Hampton, the American duo Julia Mounsery and Peter Mills Weiss, and music from the Norwegian/Swedish trio Ævestaden, among others. This year's agenda is extensive enough to fill an entire article on its own. For a complete list of events and more details, I recommend visiting their website.
23 - 25 August - Groningen Sixes Lacrosse Tournament
This two-day men's and women's Sixes tournament promises plenty of summer fun and competitive lacrosse! Festivities begin on Friday with a welcome gathering at our pop-up campsite and drinks at our clubhouse. The games will take place on Saturday and Sunday, capped off with a BBQ on Saturday night. Don't miss out on the fun!
25 August - Adventure run
Join the Adventure Run Grunn on Sunday, August 25, 2024! This year’s focus is on adventure over fundraising, continuing our support for the AYA Jong & Kanker Foundation. Teams of 2-4 can tackle a 7 km course filled with diverse challenges like puzzle-solving, rock climbing, kayaking, and obstacle courses. Whether you're experienced or a beginner, there's fun and excitement for everyone. Challenge yourselves in this dynamic and sporty event!
25 August - Suikermarkt
Spend your Sunday browsing, peering, and shopping at the Suikermarkt on August 25! Dive into a festival atmosphere at EM2, featuring an impressive selection of vintage, retro, pre-loved items, curiosities, and handmade goods. Enjoy live music, face painting for kids, and fantastic food trucks. The charming venue will be filled with stalls and unique stands, offering a perfect blend of inspiration, tasty treats, drinks, and music.
25 August - 01 September - Deloitte - Veracket x Ramenlappers Open
This year's theme is "exOTic," offering tennis and padel events for all levels. Register for up to three events, including singles and doubles, through this link. Remember, both team members must sign up.
31 August - Timmerdorp Groningen - building forts out of pallets
Join Timmerdorp 2024, a unique building adventure for children. As the culmination of their creative construction efforts, they are throwing a grand party for everyone on Saturday, August 31st! Throughout August, kids will have the opportunity to build and explore a temporarily self-sufficient village, crafting everything from cabins to communal facilities. Don't miss the chance to celebrate at the end of a productive and fun-filled month!
31 August - Groningen Swim Challenge
For those of you who enjoy swimming, here's a meaningful way to do it: join the Groningen Swim Challenge. In 2024, they are swimming for the ninth time to fund cancer research at UMCG. This research aims to prevent cancer, enhance healing, and improve the quality of life for patients across all age groups. The research focuses on understanding cancer’s true nature, developing better diagnostics and therapies, and addressing post-recovery side effects. Dive into this noble cause and help make a difference.
