What to do in October

And then it was autumn. Of course it’s great to curl up on the couch with a blanket and a good book, but there are also lots of things to do and experience this month! We went looking for the best outings for October.

Leidens Ontzet – October 1 to 3

This year it has been 450 years since the liberation of Leiden and that should be celebrated. During Leidens Ontzet, the city celebrates its liberation from Spanish occupation during the Eighty Years’ War. There was a great famine and that ended when a little boy found a pan of stew in the enemy camp and the Water Beggars gave herring and white bread to the inhabitants. This food still takes center stage, but there is more! There is a 3 October parade, a fair, a market, street theater and a lot of fun. Would you like to celebrate Leidens Ontzet? You can, but keep in mind that Leiden is more difficult to reach during these festivities.

Children’s book week – October 2 to 13

During Children’s Book Week you will not only receive a beautiful children’s book gift with the purchase of €13.50 worth of children’s books, there are also all kinds of fun activities. For example, schools respond to the theme (the theme of 2024 is Lekker Eigenwijs) and there are all kinds of activities to do at children’s bookstores and libraries.

Museum Night The Hague – October 12

On Saturday, October 12, many museums open their doors again for the evening! During Museum Night you are welcome to visit selected museums between 19:00 and 01:00. There are different routes and clusters to visit and entertainment such as music, street art and you name it. For tickets and information, visit the website.

Light projections at the Dutch Open Air Museum – Oct. 18 to Nov. 3

The Netherlands Open Air Museum in Arnhem has something special this fall: using light projections to tell the story of World War II. In addition to impressive light projections, the stories are also supported by illuminated paths and sound effects. This is because during the war, the National Open Air Museum was inhabited by evacuated Arnhem residents. For more information and tickets, visit the website.

Japanese Garden Clingendeal – Oct 19 to Nov 3

The Japanese Garden in Clingendeal, The Hague, is open only eight weeks a year because of its fragility. In the fall, the garden is open to the public for two weeks and very worthwhile. Come enjoy the garden’s beautiful autumn colors during these months, such as the brightly colored maples.

The Great Shine – Oct. 24 through Nov. 10

Once again this year, the Grote Schijn will be held in the Kralingse Bos in Rotterdam. Enjoy beautiful light projections and music while walking through the forest. The Grote Schijn is truly a magical experience! Feel free to eat a snack on the catering square beforehand. There are tickets with time slots and so-called flexitickets. You can then arrive on your selected day at any time, provided during opening hours.

Comedy Night at Strandpaviljoen a/d PLAS – October 25

Fancy a fun night out? Strandpaviljoen a/d PLAS in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel organizes a fun and hilarious Comedy Night on October 25! This evening experienced comedians alternate the stage with up-and-coming talent. Comedy Night starts at 20:00 and would you like to come and have a bite to eat beforehand? Don’t wait too long to make a reservation because the number of seats is limited!

Terror Nights – October 26

October is also the month of Halloween so a spooky outing should not be missing from the list. At Terror Nights in Standaardbuiten, Brabant, there are no less than 4 haunted houses, 150 actors, music and a large catering square. Unlike the name suggests, Terror Nights is suitable for everyone. In fact, a lot of humor is used and it never gets really scary. For example, the haunted houses have stars so you can decide whether you dare to go in or not. Look for tickets and info on the website.

Wine tasting at Museum de Griffioen in Delft – Oct. 27

Museum de Griffioen is a hidden gem in Delft. This Medical Pharmaceutical Museum can be found at Koornmarkt number 66 in Delft and is only open on the first Sunday of the month. But on Oct. 27 they are organizing a cozy wine tasting with a guided tour of the museum together with Misset Wijnen from Delfgauw. The wine tasting is from 15:00 to 18:00.

Alkmaar Light Festival – 31 October to 3 November

You can tell by all the light festivals that autumn has really started. Because in Alkmaar they also have a real Light Festival! There are different starting points, so you decide where to start your route. Besides video and light art, there is also music and theater. The route goes through the historic city center but also across the water!

Credits photos: www.canva.com