The best way to describe Groningen festivals in Holland is to say that they are all celebrations of the arts, both visual and performing.

Music Festivals

Noorderslag is one of the most popular music celebrations in Groningen. It is all about emphasizing Dutch pop music on an international level. Seven stages are set up in the center of the city for all of the groups to perform on. The entire event is covered by both the national and international media. If you are traveling to Groningen around the middle of January, Noorderslag is a really fun and popular festival to attend, and it really helps you get a closer look at Dutch culture and music.

Another entertaining music festival in the city is the Groningen Blues Festival which features a huge variety of blues music including classic blues, experimental blues, pub music, and blues concerts in the churches. This festival takes place at the beginning of May.

Noorderlicht

This Groningen festival celebrates photography in many different forms. It is the biggest photography festival in the Netherlands and features a collection of themed exhibitions meant to provoke conversations and emotions. The idea of the event is to bring people together through photos and art. Noorderlicht is not always in Groningen, it is held in Leeuwarden every other year, so be sure to find out where the festival is held before you plan your trip.

Noorderzon

For ten days in August, the people of Groningen celebrate the arts of theater, cabaret and music. Different groups and companies from each of the three categories perform on a gorgeous outdoor stage surrounded by picturesque trees, plants, and ponds.