What to Do in Groningen in September?
September marks the beginning of a new academic year, as well as a rich and diverse agenda of events. Keep your calendars open for the festivals and open days this month!
Before we begin, a quick shoutout to our sponsor, Signaal:
Looking for housing in the Netherlands?
Signaal helps you skip the endless scrolling by tracking new listings from trusted platforms and alerting you when something matches your needs, all in one easy-to-use app.
September 5–13 – Feest-en Lichtweek in Ten Boer
From September 5 to 13, Ten Boer celebrates its annual Feest-en Lichtweek with the theme “Alle landen van de wereld”. More than 50 streets, neighbourhoods, and houses will be decorated, while the program features the famous Taptoe, workshops, theater performances, music evenings, and bingo. An independent jury will judge the beautifully decorated streets, with winners revealed during the week and the ultimate prize announced at the closing event. The highlight is a spectacular laser show at the ice rink, a long-cherished wish finally coming true, making this vibrant festival a must for all ages.
September 5–7 – TABAC Classic GP at TT Circuit Assen
The TABAC Classic GP brings three days of motorsport history back to life at the legendary TT Circuit Assen, the “Cathedral of Speed.” From legendary Formula cars and Grand Prix bikes to classic touring and sports cars, the track will roar again with iconic racing machines. Alongside the high-speed action, visitors can explore an extensive static display, enjoy unique hospitality experiences, and on Saturday join the JMPB BromfieTTs: the largest moped event in the Netherlands, where enthusiasts even get the chance to ride on the track. With tributes to racing legends like Ayrton Senna and Team Lotus, this celebration of heritage promises an unforgettable weekend for fans of speed and history alike.
September 6–7 – Hullabaloo Festival at Stadspark Groningen
On September 6 and 7, Stadspark in Groningen transforms into the ultimate "music paradise" as the beloved Hullabaloo Festival returns, celebrated as het festival van het Noorden. Over two festive days, an eclectic lineup featuring international and homegrown stars spans Lost Frequencies, Sugababes, The Script, Kensington, Becky Hill, Goldband, Douwe Bob, Guus Meeuwis, and many more, across multiple stages, including the brand-new Boogie Balooze tribute stage. Whether you're into pop, hip‑hop, crossover acts, tribute bands, or discovering new talent, Hullabaloo delivers something for everyone in a vibrant park setting.
September 7 – Open Dag at Euroborg, Groningen
On Sunday, September 7, FC Groningen throws open the gates of Euroborg from 11:00 to 17:00 for its annual Open Dag, offering fans a day of green-and-white celebration at the "Pride of the North." Visitors of all ages can enjoy a lively program featuring outdoor games and creative activities, as well as snacks and drinks, and special offers at the club store. At 14:00, both the men’s and women’s first teams are presented in the stadium, followed by an open training session by the men’s squad. From 15:30 onward, players from both teams will mingle with fans across the venue for autograph sessions: making this a perfect opportunity to meet your football heroes, all with free admission.
September 13 – ReitdiepPOP in Groningen
ReitdiepPOP returns on Saturday, September 13, with a full day of live music along the waterfront. The program kicks off with young talents like Rommy Gabay and The Music Factory Collective, followed by the northern duo Brontsema & Staal and the soulful sounds of Robine. The evening builds to a grand finale with headliner Kelvin Allison, whose energetic mix of pop, soul, and R&B promises to keep the crowd moving late into the night. With its blend of local talent and vibrant performances, ReitdiepPOP once again proves to be a highlight in Groningen’s festival season.
September 12 – Campus Trail 2025 in Groningen
On Friday, September 12, the annual Campus Trail returns with a unique 4-mile fun run right through the buildings of Zernike Campus. Starting and finishing at the Energy Barn, the route features new buildings, live music, and entertainment, making it a festive experience for runners and spectators alike. Every finisher receives a medal, with refreshments and a celebratory borrel waiting at the end, and students benefit from a special discount on tickets. Whether you join as an individual or part of a company team, Campus Trail 2025 promises an unforgettable way to explore Groningen’s innovation campus on the move.
September 12–13 – Bierfestival050 in Groningen
On September 12 and 13, the Graansilo terrein on Griffeweg once again transforms into Bierfestival050, the place to taste the best beers from local and national breweries. With a free festival glass, food stands, and even a two-course dinner option at Graansilo Eten & Drinken, the festival offers the perfect mix of good beer and good food. Visitors can not only sample a wide range of brews but also meet the brewers themselves and hear the stories behind their creations. Celebrating Groningen’s rich beer tradition dating back to the 17th century, Bierfestival050 is the perfect occasion to raise a glass together in true northern style.
September 13 – Suikerbrij Festival in Groningen
On Saturday, September 13, the third edition of the Suikerbrij Festival takes over the Suikerterrein with a free, all-day program for young and old. After attracting 15,000 visitors last year, the festival returns bigger than ever with workshops, markets, kids’ activities, live music, theater, art, and cultural performances across multiple stages. Highlights include hip hop showcases, world music, theater acts, a green tasting experience, hands-on workshops from building boomhuts to making insect hotels, and the official opening of the BouwHub050 featuring a performance by WatAans!. With its mix of creativity, sustainability, and community spirit, Suikerbrij Festival has quickly become one of Groningen’s most vibrant celebrations.
September 14 – Cleanup Action with Lionsclubs in Groningen
On Sunday, September 14, Lionsclubs members and waterschap Noorderzijlvest join forces in Groningen for a major cleanup action ahead of World Cleanup Day. Volunteers will gather along canals, rivers, and lakes to remove litter and plastics, helping to protect water quality and local wildlife. Similar actions are taking place across the Netherlands, coordinated by Lionsclubs together with regional water authorities. Everyone is welcome to join in and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.
September 14 – TKP Tocht van Groningen
On Sunday, September 14, the 13th edition of the TKP Tocht van Groningen invites cyclists to explore the province's scenic grandeur on three beautiful routes of 80 km, 110 km, or 160 km, all starting and ending at Suikerlaan 15 in Groningen. The carefully planned routes wind through iconic open landscapes, charming villages, protective dikes, and serene waterways, with multiple refreshment posts ensuring riders are supported throughout. Riders typically set off between 08:30 and 11:00, and the ride concludes with a festive post-ride experience including a pasta meal, live music, and a well-earned borrel at the Stadslab Festival-Terras. Entry costs around €22.50, and cyclists of all levels are encouraged to sign up and experience the best of Groningen on wheels.
September 18–27 – Van Hoes in Ten Boer
This September, the centuries-old Kloosterkerk in Ten Boer becomes the stage for Van Hoes, a musical theater production about the changing countryside and the search for belonging. Made together with local residents, the performance blends theater, rap, choir, and live music by Muziekvereniging Volharding under Niels Assink’s direction. At the heart of the story are mother Anna and her son Bolt, torn between staying in their village and leaving for new opportunities, a tale that resonates with many communities facing change. Directed by Jos van Kan with music by Wiebe Gotink, Van Hoes is performed on September 18, 19, 20, 26, and 27, offering audiences a mix of local stories, powerful acting, and original music.
September 27 – Fier de Wijert in Groningen
On Saturday, September 27, the Hendrik de Vries Plantsoen in De Wijert becomes the stage for Fier de Wijert, a festive neighbourhood event held on National Burendag. From 15:00 onward, residents, organisations, and local businesses come together for a vibrant program of movement activities, workshops, an information market, and cultural performances. Highlights include a lion and dragon dance opening, demonstrations, karaoke, children’s activities, and live music from Popkoor VET and Quicksilver Radicals. With its focus on meeting, moving, informing, and connecting, Fier de Wijert celebrates community spirit and showcases the strength and creativity of the neighbourhood.
September 28 – Burendag Vrijmarkt in Vinkhuizen
On Sunday, September 28, Vinkhuizen celebrates Burendag with a lively vrijmarkt at the Kiosk Diamantpark from 11:00 to 16:00. Residents are invited to sell their own items on a spot of up to four meters, while visitors can browse the stalls, enjoy snacks like hamburgers, hotdogs, and tosti’s, and relax on the terrace with music. For children there’s plenty of fun too, with a mini train ride and face painting adding to the festive atmosphere. Now in its third edition, the Burendag Vrijmarkt has become a cozy neighborhood tradition where everyone is welcome.
