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Ultimate Weekend Guide: Top Events, Outings & Festivals in the Netherlands – May 12-14, 2017

Discover the best weekend events, outings, and festivals for May 12-14, 2017. Whether you're planning for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, we've curated family-friendly options—many free—for all ages. From Mother's Day celebrations to cultural festivals, there's something for everyone.

Mother's Day: Sunday, May 14, 2017

Mother's Day falls on Sunday, May 14, 2017—the ideal time to pamper Mom with a thoughtful gift or memorable outing. Still searching for ideas? Check my blog on the top 10 Mother's Day gifts and tips tailored for men. Below, find plenty of event suggestions for a delightful day with family.

National Mill Day

National Mill Day takes place on Saturday, May 13, and Sunday, May 14, 2017. This year's theme, 'Come into the Mill,' invites visitors of all ages to explore local mills with engaging activities and a free windmill activity book for kids.

When: Saturday, May 13 & Sunday, May 14, 2017

Where: Various locations across the Netherlands (see website)

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Admission: Free

Opera Days Rotterdam

The 12th edition of Operadagen Rotterdam runs from Friday, May 12, to May 21, 2017. Enjoy a diverse program featuring international stars and emerging talents across 100+ productions, appealing to opera fans and newcomers alike.

When: Friday, May 12 – Sunday, May 21, 2017

Where: Various indoor and outdoor venues in Rotterdam

Time: See website

Admission: See website

Mega Flea Market Spijkenisse

Saturday, May 13, 2017, brings the Mega Flea Market in Spijkenisse, packed with second-hand treasures. Held indoors at a school, with coffee, tea, and smoked sausage sandwiches available.

When: Saturday, May 13, 2017

Where: School building
Anne Frankstraat 26a, Spijkenisse

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Admission: Free

Mother's Day Spring Market

Shop for last-minute Mother's Day gifts at the Spring Market on Saturday, May 13, 2017. Enjoy mom-and-kid activities, live 60s/70s music, and a Herman Brood tribute cover artist.

Festival Tweetakt

Family-friendly Festival Tweetakt at Fort Ruigenhoek on Saturday, May 13, and Sunday, May 14, 2017. Participate in interactive visual arts, music, dance, and theater.

When: Saturday, May 13 & Sunday, May 14, 2017

Where: Fort Ruigenhoek
Ruigenhoeksedijk 125, De Bilt

Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Admission: €8.00
€5.00 (ages 4-17)
Free (0-3 years)

Seabed Run

Join the Seabed Run in Lelydorp on Saturday, May 13, 2017. Choose 5km, 10km, 15km, or a 1km youth option.

When: Saturday, May 13, 2017

Where: Sports Center De Koploper
Badweg 21, Lelydorp

Time: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Admission: Free

Truck & Tractor Pulling Stroe

Thrilling Truck & Tractor Pulling in Stroe on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, 2017. Trucks on Friday evenings; tractors on Saturday afternoons—perfect for engine enthusiasts.

When: Friday, May 12 & Saturday, May 13, 2017

Where: Megapullstore
Malenveld 5, Stroe

Time: Friday from 7:00 PM
Saturday from 2:00 PM

Admission: €20.00
€10.00 (tractor) / €5.00 (truck) for children 6-12
Free (up to 6 years)

Goedgemutst Weekend Vorden

Celebrate craftsmanship at Goedgemutst Weekend Vorden on Saturday, May 13, and Sunday, May 14, 2017. Watch artisans at work: papermaking, glassblowing, jewelry forging, and more—ideal family outing.

When: Saturday, May 13 & Sunday, May 14, 2017

Where: Frida Pelgrum
Hamminkweg 4, Vorden

Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Admission: Free

Tour of Nijmegen

The Tour of Nijmegen on Sunday, May 14, 2017, themed 'Ode to Belgium.' Distances: 75km, 120km, 160km; plus a kids' Fat Tire Race. Great mix of cycling and community fun.

When: Sunday, May 14, 2017

Where: Radboud Sports Centre
Heyendaalseweg 141, Nijmegen

Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Admission: €13.00 – €18.00

Hootchie Cow Festival

Hootchie Cow Festival on Saturday, May 13, and Sunday, May 14, 2017: food trucks, music, cabaret, lectures, theater, and kids' activities—a full family experience.

When: Saturday, May 13 & Sunday, May 14, 2017

Where: Hofhuusterrein
Leemscherweg 24, Varsseveld

Time: Saturday 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Admission: €15.00 (passe-partout: €22.50)

Euro Festival

Eurofestival features 22 orchestras from youth to student levels on Saturday, May 13, and Sunday, May 14, 2017—enjoy orchestral music with the family.

When: Saturday, May 13 & Sunday, May 14, 2017

Where: Cultural Center Don Bosco
Mgr. Savelbergweg 100, Heel (Limburg)

Time: See website

Admission: €3.00 (12+ years)

Slow Live! Festival Eindhoven

Slow Live! Festival in Eindhoven from Friday, May 12, to Sunday, May 14, 2017. Music, food trucks, pop-up restaurant, kids' area, carousel, and bouncy castle—fun for all.

When: Friday, May 12 – Sunday, May 14, 2017

Where: Stadswandelpark Eindhoven
Alberdingh Thijmlaan 2, Eindhoven

Time: Friday 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Saturday 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Admission: Free

What are your plans? Share your favorite tips for May 12-14 events in the comments below!