What to Do in Groningen in June?
With summer finally here and final exams fast approaching, celebrate the warm weather and your freed-up schedules with a diverse lineup of events. From festivals to career fairs, June will be busy.
6–9 June – Bourgondisch Bernoulli
During the Pentecost weekend, Bernoulliplein transforms into a laid-back outdoor food and music festival. From 6 to 9 June, Bourgondisch Bernoulli invites you to enjoy street food, drinks, and live music—from Latin beats to funk and soul. With games like table football and shuffleboard, it’s a fun hangout for friends and families alike. Entry is free, and you can come and go as you please—just leave your own snacks at home.
6–8 June – DKV Toernooi 2025
From 6 to 8 June, the annual DKV Toernooi returns to Groningen—hosted by student volleyball clubs Donitas, Kroton, and Veracles. With around 1,000 participants from across the Netherlands and beyond, the event combines volleyball at all levels (from recreational to top division) with outdoor and indoor matches, two big parties, a BBQ, and on-site camping at ACLO. Whether you come for the competition or the fun, this tournament is a staple of student sports culture.
7 June – Groningen 10s Rugby Tournament
On Saturday, 7 June, Rugby Club Groningen hosts the annual Groningen 10s, an international 10-a-side rugby tournament for both men’s and women’s teams. Held at Sportpark Esserberg, the event features a full day of rugby action, a lively atmosphere, and ends with a legendary themed afterparty—this year: The Tropical Tens. Expect music, entertainment, and the option to camp on-site with breakfast included. A great day for rugby fans and party lovers alike.
7–8 June – Rapalje Zomerfolk Festival
The Rapalje Zomerfolk Festival returns to the Drafbaan in Groningen’s Stadspark on 7 and 8 June 2025. Hosted by Celtic folk band Rapalje, this lively weekend features performances by Drops of Green, Harmony Glen, and a special show by Thomas Gabriel—grandson of Johnny Cash. Expect a blend of folk music, medieval market vibes, workshops, and family-friendly fun, including a kids' village and Irish dance sessions.
14 June – Glorious Fight Events ft. Enfusion
Get ready for a night of pure adrenaline as Glorious Fight Events teams up with Enfusion at Martiniplaza Groningen on 14 June 2025. Expect top-tier kickboxing with at least two World Title fights, including Soufyan El Atiaoui vs. Yousef Khalouta (80kg) and Nina van Dalum defending her -57kg title against Miranda Zondervan. Also on the card: a fierce A-Class clash between Angaar Afghan and Manuel Gomez. Doors open at 13:00—don’t miss this high-octane event!
14 June – Maakfestival Groningen
On Saturday 14 June, the Forum and Nieuwe Markt in Groningen will host the Maakfestival: a celebration of creativity and future-focused innovation. Expect an inspiring mix of tech, sustainability, art, and design, featuring projects from makers, engineers, scientists, and artists. Whether you're curious or hands-on, it's the perfect day to explore new ideas and creative possibilities.
14 June – ZomerReces @ Graanfabriek
Get ready for an indoor festival full of house and techno at ZomerReces in the Graanfabriek. On Saturday, June 14, this industrial venue turns into a playground for electronic music lovers, featuring names like Cuartero, De Sluwe Vos, Talismann, and Michel de Hey. With two stages and a stacked lineup, it’s set to be an intense day of dancing, lights, and great energy.
14–15 June – Nacht van de Vluchteling Groningen
For the first time, the Nacht van de Vluchteling (Night of the Refugee) will also take place in Groningen. From the evening of June 14 through the night into June 15, thousands of participants will walk 10, 20, or even 40 kilometres to raise awareness and funds for emergency aid projects by the Netherlands Refugee Foundation. Groningen joins cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam in this national event that combines physical challenge with solidarity. Whether you walk a short or long route, you’ll be part of a powerful message: standing up for people in crisis around the world.
14–19 June – Graduation Show 2025 (Minerva Art Academy)
From 14 to 19 June, Groningen’s city centre transforms into a vibrant art trail during the Graduation Show of the Minerva Art Academy. Over 160 graduating artists, designers, performers, and art educators—along with master’s students from the Frank Mohr Institute—present their final projects. Spread across multiple locations, including Minerva’s own buildings and cultural venues like Kunstpunt, Noorderlicht, and the historic Niemeyer tobacco factory, the exhibition showcases work that spans art, design, technology, and performance. The event highlights emerging talent and fosters collaboration across Groningen’s creative sector.
15 June – Speedman Triathlon 2025 (Ruskenveen, Groningen)
The Speedman Triathlon, organised by GVAV Triathlon, celebrates its 40th edition on Sunday, 15 June. Taking place in the scenic Ruskenveen area, the event features a car-free bike route and offers both 1/8 and quarter-distance options for recreational athletes. In addition to individual races, the event also serves as a host for the Dutch team competition. Whether you're a first-time triathlete or an experienced competitor, Speedman promises a well-organized, accessible event in a beautiful setting just outside Groningen.
19 June – De Banenmarkt Groningen 2025
On Thursday 19 June, the Vismarkt in Groningen transforms into a bustling open-air career fair: De Banenmarkt 2025. Whether you're looking for your first job, considering a career switch, or exploring internships or side jobs, this event is your gateway to opportunity. Meet face-to-face with over 80 employers from sectors like healthcare, tech, ICT, education, and public services—no CV required. With activities like speed networking, career advice, and interactive “flight tours,” this is your chance to explore over 25,000 vacancies and training options in one place. Open from 11:00 to 17:00, and free to attend.
19 June – New Energy Forum 2025 (Groningen)
The fifth edition of the New Energy Forum takes place on Thursday 19 June at the ENTRANCE site in Groningen. This vibrant event is tailored for future-focused professionals, students, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and researchers passionate about the energy transition, sustainable mobility, and a liveable future. With a theme of “2025 = ACTION!”, the forum shifts from planning to doing — expect engaging workshops, sharp debates, live demonstrations, and dynamic networking opportunities. Whether you're seeking inspiration, collaboration, or career direction in the mobility or energy sectors, this free festival-style event offers the perfect setting to get hands-on and make a real impact.
20 June – Cycling 4 Climate: Ride for a Sustainable Future
On Friday, June 20, the 5th edition of Cycling 4 Climate will take place—a nationwide cycling event aimed at raising awareness for the climate crisis. This year, one of the main finish locations is Groningen, where riders will cross the final line at the Stadslab on the Suikerterrein. Cyclists will cover routes ranging from 40 to a challenging 375 kilometers, with inspiring stops along the way that highlight sustainable initiatives. In Groningen, participants will be welcomed with a plant-based pasta meal. The event merges physical challenge with climate action, driven by the message: “Time is our greatest opponent.”
20-21 June – Pride Groningen 2025: Celebrate Diversity in the Heart of the City
Pride Groningen returns on Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21, transforming the city centre into a vibrant celebration of diversity, inclusion, and equality. The event features a festive Pride Walk, a colourful information market, live performances by both national and local artists, and themed afterparties across town. With choirs, kids’ activities, exhibitions, and open-air stages, Pride Groningen offers a welcoming program for all ages and identities. The 2025 edition promises an even broader range of events, aiming to spark awareness, joy, and solidarity within and beyond the LGBTQI+ community.
22 June – Tiny Festival in Groningen: Celebrating 5 Years of Tiny Living
On Sunday, June 22, the Tiny Houses Westpark community in Groningen invites visitors to its Tiny Festival, celebrating five years of sustainable and minimalistic living. The festival is all about exploring alternative lifestyles through a rich program of tours, talks, and green innovations. Attendees can visit real tiny homes and hear personal stories from residents about downsizing, using space efficiently, and building community. Inspiring speakers will dive into topics like degrowth, ecological living, and shared mobility, while the Innovation Labs present future-focused solutions like biobased building, home batteries, and self-harvest gardens. The day also features live music from local artists, cozy fire pits, and food trucks serving up sustainable treats — all set in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
25 June – Dinner in the Sky: Italian Edition in Groningen
On June 25, Groningen hosts a special edition of Dinner in the Sky, themed around the flavors and charm of Italy. In collaboration with De Pizzabakkers Groningen, guests begin the experience with a warm welcome featuring prosecco and Italian bites. The highlight is a sky-high dining session where participants enjoy a curated Italian tasting menu and wine selection while taking in panoramic views from above. The event ends with a relaxed social drink back on the ground, offering a memorable blend of fine food, atmosphere, and adventure.
27 June – FLONK Friday Festival at Stadslab
On Friday, June 27, the FLONK Friday Festival promises an unforgettable evening at Stadslab in Groningen. This event blends the laid-back vibes of a Friday afternoon drink ("vrijmibo") with a vibrant festival atmosphere. Expect a mix of music, dancing, socializing, and good drinks, all in a relaxed and energetic setting. FLONK events are known for creating a unique start to the weekend where Groningen’s young professionals and creatives come together to celebrate.
