Festivals in Emmen: A list of the best festivals in Emmen
Emmen is bustling with festivals all year round. Do you love live music, street theater, sports, or good food? Then there’s always something going on. From cozy village festivals to major events in the heart of the city. We’ll take you on a tour of the best festivals in Emmen from April through September, so you’ll know exactly where to go this festival season.
Movement, Experience, Liberation: Festivals in April and May
Experience the best festivals in Emmen this spring. From sporting events to national holidays: you won’t want to miss these highlights. Will we see you there?
The 4 Mijl of Emmen
In early April, Emmen transforms into a festive sports venue. During the 4 Mijl van Emmen, hundreds of participants run through the city and the surrounding green spaces. But it’s not just about running. After the finish, the festival kicks off at Raadhuisplein. It’s a festive celebration with live music, food trucks, and DJs—for both athletes and spectators.
Date: the first Sunday in April (unless it falls on Easter, in which case it is the second Sunday)
For more information, click here
King’s Night and King’s Day in Emmen
Every year, Emmen celebrates King’s Night and King’s Day in style. On April 26 and 27, the city turns orange and there’s plenty to do—from pub crawls to kids’ discos! There are performances by bands and DJs, as well as flea markets. Of course, the cozy cafés throw open their doors and set up their outdoor patios. For two days, the city center is bursting with cheerful activity.
Date: King’s Night, April 26 & King’s Day, April 27
For more information, click here
Liberation Day in Emmen
Freedom and fun come together in Emmen on May 5. The Liberation Festival on Raadhuisplein is the place to be for live music, inspiring stories, and fun activities. Here, you can celebrate and listen, dance the night away, and reflect on the meaning of Liberation Day. Celebrate this festival with your friends, family, and fellow Emmen residents!
Date: May 5
Summer Festivals in Emmen: Music and More
Sunny days full of fun? These events in Emmen will make your summer a blast! From festivals by the water to street theater right in the heart of the city.
Barrel Food Truck Festival
This Pentecost weekend, Raadhuisplein will be filled with food trucks from the Netherlands and abroad. The Barrel Food Truck Festival will feature delicious food and live music for four days. Pull up a chair at a picnic table, sample international dishes, and enjoy yourself to the fullest.
Date: Pentecost Weekend—May 22–25, 2026
For more information, click here
Hello Festival
One of the best-known festivals in Emmen is the Hello Festival. Major national and international artists perform on the shores of the Grote Rietplas. The music, diversity, location, and welcoming atmosphere make this festival unique and a summer highlight in Drenthe.
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
For more information, click here
Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord Midsummer Festival
The Midsummer Festival, a genuine Drenthe village festival, is an absolute must-see. In June, you’ll find plenty of fun in Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord. During the day, there’s a market and activities for all ages. In the evening, you can dance by the water while live music plays from the stage.
Date: Friday, June 19, 2026—held annually on the third Friday of June
For more information, click here
Alles Kids in Drenthe
During Alles Kids, downtown Emmen turns into a huge playground. This festival is perfect for families with children! With inflatable play structures, creative workshops, street theater, and games, there’s plenty to do. Kids can play to their hearts’ content all day long, while parents relax at a sidewalk café and enjoy the lively atmosphere. This weekend full of fun for the whole family is one of the most cheerful festivals for kids in Drenthe.
Date: Saturday, June 20 & Sunday, June 21, 2026
Late Summer Full of Culture and Entertainment
Emmen is also buzzing with festivities in July, August, and September. Culture, street theater, and sporting events make for a joyful end to the summer. The festival calendar is packed with wonderful moments for young and old alike.
C’est la Vie Festival
During the C’est la Vie Festival in Emmen, the city center is filled with street theater, live music, and market stalls. There’s also a carnival! During the day, you can wander from one performance to the next, and in the evening, the party continues with music and a lively atmosphere in the square. It’s a great time to stroll around, watch, listen, and dance along. And best of all: admission is completely free.
Date: July 18 & 19, 2026, then annually in July
For more information, click here
Golden Arrow
Cycling and a festival atmosphere all in one? That’s the Gouden Pijl! At this traditional, high-energy festival, famous cyclists race through Emmen. There’s plenty of live music along the course, and you can grab the most delicious food from the food trucks. Whether you’re coming for the race or just for the fun, this is the place to be!
Date: annually in August
For more information, click here
Emmen Outdoor Festival
Music, art, dance, theater, and creative workshops… The Uitfestival transforms the entire city into one big stage and showcases what Emmen has to offer culturally. There are special areas just for kids and teens, where you’ll be amazed by everything there is to see. Let yourself be inspired and surprised at this free festival!
Date: annually in September
Frequently Asked Questions About Festivals in Emmen
When do most festivals take place in Emmen?
Most festivals in Emmen take place between April and September. The weather is often sunny and dry during that time! The festival season kicks off in April with the 4 Mijl van Emmen and King’s Day. This is followed by events such as the Liberation Festival, the Barrel Food Truck Festival, and the Hello Festival in June. In July and August, there are summer events such as C’est la Vie and the Gouden Pijl. In September, the Uitfestival wraps up the season.
Want to make sure you don’t miss a thing? Then check out the events calendar.
Are the festivals in Emmen suitable for children?
Absolutely! Many festivals in Emmen are also fun for kids. The Alles Kids festival in Drenthe is even designed specifically for young visitors. During this event, the city center turns into a huge playground with inflatable attractions, street theater, and workshops.
Other festivals, including the Midsummer Festival and C’est la Vie, also often feature children’s activities, markets, or performances that are suitable for the whole family.
Do you need to buy tickets for festivals in Emmen?
That varies by festival. A number of festivals in Emmen are completely free to attend, such as the C’est la Vie Festival, the Liberation Festival, and the Uitfestival. You can also enjoy the flea market and street performances during King’s Day without a ticket.
For larger events such as the Hello Festival , you’ll often need a ticket. You can easily order them online through the festivals’ websites.
Always check the festival’s website beforehand to find out what to expect and whether you need tickets.
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