Fun fall festivals

As you might expect, most festivals are held in the summer. But did you know that there are a lot of fun fall festivals to visit in the fall? From music festivals and cozy Oktoberfests, to culinary markets and creative events. We searched for you to find out which fun autumn festivals the Netherlands has to offer this year.

Music festivals

Autumn brings a special energy that is perfect for music festivals. Whether you love electronic beats, indie rock or just the cultural buzz of a big city, these festivals offer the perfect soundtrack for the season.

HRFST Festival (Oct. 4, Fort Vechten in Bunnik) is a festival in a historic location. The 19th century fort provides an atmospheric backdrop for this intimate festival that celebrates the transition to autumn. The combination of history and contemporary music makes this a special event.

For electronic music lovers, Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) (Oct. 22-26) is of course the place to be. For five days, this world-renowned festival transforms Amsterdam into the electronic music capital of the world. With clubs, conferences and street performances throughout the city, it is an unforgettable experience for professionals and music lovers alike.

Those looking for alternative sounds will find their fill at Left of the Dial (Oct. 23-25, Rotterdam). This festival brings the best indie and alternative acts to the Maas city and is known for its discoveries of new talents and its cozy, accessible atmosphere.

Oktoberfest

It is impossible to imagine Dutch autumn without Oktoberfest. This Bavarian tradition has taken root here and provides cozy beer festivals all over the country with lederhosen, dirndls and, of course, lots of beer and bratwurst.

While the official Oktoberfest takes place in Munich (Sept. 20-Oct. 5), the Netherlands has developed its own wonderful variants. Oktoberfest Sittard (Oct. 10-15) presents itself as the largest Oktoberfest in the Benelux and attracts thousands of visitors annually with its authentic Bavarian atmosphere.

In Amsterdam, you can attend Oktoberfest Amsterdam at the Olympic Stadium (Sept. 26-27), while Oktoberfest Breda (Oct. 17) offers a more intimate version.

Other fun options include Oktoberfest Waalwijk (Oct. 3-5) with lots of Schlager hits, Zwoltoberfest in Zwolle (Oct. 4), and Oktubberfest in Laren (Oct. 17-18) for a more village-like, intimate experience. And don’t forget Oktoberfest Arcen (Oct. 17-18) at the Hertog Jan Proeverij and the Matrixx Oktoberfest in Elst (Oct. 11).

Food festivals

Autumn is the season of harvest, and we like to celebrate it with culinary festivals and markets that showcase the richness of the season. From local produce to international delicacies – these events are a feast for your taste buds.

The Taste of Deventer (Nov. 6-9, Lebuinus Church) offers a unique combination of historic architecture and culinary delights. This festival introduces you to the best flavors of the region in a beautiful gothic setting.

The Pluk & Oogstfeest in Mill (Oct. 5) is a free food festival that perfectly captures the autumn atmosphere. Here you can meet local farmers, taste their produce and enjoy children’s activities – ideal for the whole family.

The Rotterdam Harvest Market brings fresh, local produce to Rotterdam every Saturday in October and November. It’s a great way to enjoy seasonal ingredients and local specialties every week.

For those who enjoy markets with a story, there are the Proud Markets – on different dates in Rozendaal (Oct. 18-19), Vaassen (Oct. 25-26), Wijk bij Duurstede (Nov. 16) and Laag Zuthem (Nov. 29-30). These markets combine artisan products with a cozy, local atmosphere.

Other festivals

Autumn also brings forth some special themed festivals that focus on specific products or concepts, perfect for lovers of certain flavors or lifestyle concepts.

The International Whisky Festival (Nov. 14-16, The Hague) is a whisky lover’s paradise. For three days you can taste the best whiskies from around the world and learn from experts in the trade.

For wine lovers, there is the Night of Wine (November 7-9, Utrecht), where you can enjoy a carefully selected selection of wines in a cozy, evening atmosphere.

The FeelGood Markets in Eindhoven (Oct. 19 and every^3rd Sunday of the month thereafter) focus on sustainable and fair products. These markets suit the conscious consumer perfectly and offer not only delicious food but also artisanal products with a story.

Proef de Kunst (Oct. 18-19, Terherne) uniquely combines art, crafts and food. This festival shows how creativity and culinary art can reinforce each other.

Family-friendly festivals

Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities for families with children. The Autumn Festival BillyBird Hemelrijk (Oct. 13-18) combines the coziness of an autumn festival with the attractions and activities BillyBird is known for.

The Winter Fair Hardenberg (October 31-November 2) offers a varied program with an extensive food section, perfect for a day out with the whole family.

Plan your visits well in advance, as many of these fall festivals are popular and can sell out. Whether you like music, beer, good food, or just plain fun – there is always a festival to suit you. So this fall, you certainly won’t have to be bored!

Credits photos: Canva.com