Free festivals in the Netherlands in 2026
Share on social media:
There are lots of festivals in the Netherlands that you can attend for free. You can enjoy music, food, activities and a great atmosphere. In this article, you will find out which festivals in the Netherlands are free. You will also find out where and when these festivals take place.
Many people go to festivals in the Netherlands
There are lots of festivals in the Netherlands. That is because many people love music, dance, culture and a good time.
Many people go to festivals to spend time with friends or family. You can also meet new people at festivals. At a festival, people enjoy music, food and a great atmosphere.
For many people, a festival is a chance to feel free for a while. They can relax and take their minds off work, school or other worries for a bit.
Festivals are also a great way to discover new artists. Sometimes you see well-known artists, but you also come across up-and-coming talent. That is what makes a festival so much fun and full of surprises.
Many festivals take place outdoors. People particularly enjoy them in the summer. The atmosphere is often cheerful, lively and fun.
Festivals in July 2026
Rijnweek in Rhenen
Rijnweek in Rhenen is a major summer festival running from Friday 3 July to Saturday 11 July. There is plenty to do during Rijnweek. You can listen to live music, visit the funfair and take part in various activities.
There are activities for all ages. For children, for example, there is Rijnkids. There are also special activities for older people and for people with disabilities.
Visit the
Big Rivers Festival in Dordrecht
The Big Rivers Festival is a major music festival running from Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July 2026. The festival takes place in the historic city centre of Dordrecht.
There is plenty going on in the city during the festival. You can enjoy music, markets, children’s activities and a lively atmosphere. There are also places where you can get something to eat and drink.
Visit the
North Sea Round Town in Rotterdam
North Sea Round Town is a music festival in Rotterdam running from Thursday 25 June to Sunday 12 July. There are more than 375 concerts at over 175 venues across the city. You can enjoy jazz, soul, funk, R&B, hip-hop and electronic music.
Many performances are free. Please note: some concerts do cost money. Visit the
City of Dance Festival in Middelburg
The City of Dance Festival is a major dance festival taking place in the south-west of the Netherlands on Friday 17 July and Saturday 18 July 2026. The festival is held on Oude Veerseweg in Middelburg.
There are five different areas on the festival site. You can listen to various genres of music there, such as house, techno, hardstyle, eclectic and party music.
Please note: not every day is free. So please visit the
Vierdaagsefeesten in Nijmegen
The Vierdaagsefeesten is one of the biggest festivals in the Netherlands. It is in Nijmegen from Saturday 18 July to Friday 24 July 2026.
The Vierdaagsefeesten last for seven days. There are more than 40 stages across the city and over 1,000 performances.
You can listen to music, dance and soak up the atmosphere in the city. The outdoor stages are free to attend.
Visit the
Valkhof Festival in Nijmegen
The Valkhof Festival is part of the wider Vierdaagsefeesten. The festival is taking place in Valkhof Park in Nijmegen.
At this festival, you can discover new music and new artists. The festival often chooses artists who may go on to become famous.
Visit the
Matrixx at the Park in Nijmegen
Matrixx at the Park is a dance festival in Nijmegen. The festival takes place in the Hunnerpark during the Vierdaagsefeesten, from Saturday 18 July to Friday 24 July.
Matrixx at the Park is known as a large open-air nightclub. You can dance, listen to music and soak up the atmosphere of the city. Check the
Festivals in August 2026
Conincx Pop in Elsloo
Conincx Pop is a pop festival held in Elsloo, in South Limburg. The festival has been running since 1983.
The 42nd edition of Conincx Pop will take place on Saturday 1 August 2026.
Conincx Pop is known for its relaxed and fun atmosphere. You can listen to pop music and other alternative genres there.
Visit the
Boeskool is Lös in Oldenzaal
Boeskool is Lös is a major summer festival in Oldenzaal, in Twente, running from Tuesday 4 August to Sunday 9 August.
During Boeskool, Lös transforms the centre of Oldenzaal into a huge festival site. There are stages with music, markets, a children’s flea market and places where you can get something to eat and drink.
The name Boeskool comes from the Twente dialect and means ‘cabbage’. It’s a humorous reference to the people of Oldenzaal. ‘Is lös’ roughly means: the party has started.
Visit the
Waterpop in Wateringen
Waterpop is a music festival in Wateringen taking place on Friday 7 August and Saturday 8 August. Waterpop is one of the oldest music festivals in the Netherlands.
You can listen to various genres of music there, such as pop, rock and electronic music. There is also street theatre, a festival market and activities for all ages.
Zomerparkfeest in Venlo
The Zomerparkfeest is a major cultural festival in Venlo, running from Thursday 13 August to Sunday 16 August.
During the festival, you can enjoy music, theatre, dance, film, literature and art. There are various stages hosting performances. You will see local artists, as well as well-known artists from the Netherlands and other countries.
Kasteeltuinconcerten in Helmond
The Kasteeltuinconcerten are a series of concerts held in the gardens of Helmond Castle from Friday 10 July to Friday 28 August. There is live music every Friday evening.
During the concerts, you can enjoy a variety of music genres. These include pop, rock, salsa and party music. There are performances on various stages.
It is the venue that makes the festival so special. You listen to music in the garden of an old castle, right in the heart of the city.
Visit the
Festivals in September 2026
Breda Barst in Breda
Breda Barst is a pop festival held in Breda since 1995, taking place on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September.
During the festival, you can listen to various genres of music, such as pop, rock, metal, punk, electronic music and dance.
As well as music, there is also a festival market. You’ll find food, drink and sometimes street theatre there. There is often a special programme for children: Mini Barst.
Visit the
Sloterplas Festival in Amsterdam
The Sloterplas Festival is a cultural family festival taking place in Amsterdam Nieuw-West on Sunday 20 September.
During the festival, you can enjoy music, street theatre, sporting activities and a market. There are also food trucks where you can buy food and drink.
The festival showcases the diversity of Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Local and international artists will be performing. There will also be activities for children, such as workshops, sport and theatre.
Tips before you go to a festival
Free usually means you do not have to buy a ticket to get in. However, food, drink and some extra activities may cost money. So always check the festival’s website first before you go. You will also find the programme there.