Dance Festivals and More: 8 Reasons to Visit the Netherlands in 2015

From the traditional stuff of festivals, like music and dancing, to one-of-a-kind events like the Living Statues Festival, the Netherlands has something for everyone this year. So what are you waiting for? Time to book your tickets!

Blues Festival Delft

The Blues Festival Delft is a free festival during which more than 50 blues bands perform live at more than 30 different locations in the city of Delft. It’s the perfect occasion to explore this quintessentially Dutch city’s cafes while discovering great music.

Throughout the city of Delft

On: February 19-22, 2015 (Note: the festival is advertised as running from February 19 until February 22, but the performances only take place on the 21st and 22nd.)

King’s Day (Amsterdam)

On King’s Day or Koningsdag the Netherlands turn completely orange in celebration of its king. The best place to participate in the festivities is Amsterdam. There you’ll find several markets with stands selling a wide variety of goods. Decorated boats adorn the canals and parties are held throughout the city.

Throughout the Netherlands

On: April 27, 2015

PINKPOP

PINKPOP is the oldest open-air pop and dance festival in the Netherlands. Last year 60,000 people – meaning a sold-out festival – came to see artists like the Arctic Monkeys, Basement Jaxx and Metallica. At the time of writing, 3 names for the 2015 edition have been announced already: Muse, Robbie Williams and Foo Fighters.

Megaland, Hofstraat 13-15, Landgraaf

On: June 12-14, 2015

Sensation

Sensation is an electronic dance festival organized in several countries around the world, including the Netherlands. The theme for Sensation Amsterdam 2015 is “Wicked Wonderland”, based on Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland”, and like every other year anyone attending is obliged to dress entirely in white. Better not spill your drink!

Amsterdam ArenA, ArenA Boulevard 1, Amsterdam

On: July 4, 2015

Four Days Marches Nijmegen

In 2014, more than 43,000 people from all over the world participated in the Four Days Marches Nijmegen, also known as the Walk of the World. During those 4 days, participants walk a total of 30, 40 or 50 km by following arrows and route maps through Nijmegen and the region around the city. There is a set minimum number of kilometers that needs to be completed each day, depending on the age and gender of the participant.

Nijmegen

On: July 21-22, 2015

Amsterdam Gay Pride (Amsterdam)

During the Amsterdam Gay Pride weekend, there are special gay club and street parties throughout the cities, as well as other events like the Drag Queen Olympics at the Westermarkt. Highlights of Amsterdam’s Gay Pride include the Canal Parade on the Saturday afternoon. During the canal boat parade, 75 decorated boats sail the Amstel River and the Canal Belt.

Amsterdam city center

On: July 31 – August 2, 2015

Lowlands

In recent years, Lowlands grew from a rock, pop and dance festival to a multi-disciplinary festival featuring theater, dance and debates, aside from the concerts. The program for 2015 has yet to be announced, but line-ups from the previous years included Skrillex, Kaiser Chiefs, Foo Fighters and Editors.

Spijkerweg 30, Walibi Holland, Biddinghuizen

On: August 21-23, 2015

World Living Statues Festival

During the World Living Statues Festival in Arnhem, visitors can admire Living Statues from all over the world in the town center. These statues compete for the World Championship, which coincides with the Festival. Prizes are awarded on the second day of the festival, after a large parade with all the participants.

Arnhem city center

On: September 26-7, 2015

Photo credits:

• Pinkpop: Flickr – Bert Janssen, Maastricht
• Sensation White: Flickr – Salomo Nunes
• World Living Statues Festival: Flickr – Basboerman