Looking for the best ways to celebrate Liberation Day on May 5, 2017? As seasoned event enthusiasts with years of experience covering Dutch holidays, we've curated top recommendations for free outings, liberation festivals, and family-friendly activities nationwide. Find inspiration for an unforgettable day honoring freedom.
Friday, May 5, 2017, marks Liberation Day with festivals at 14 major locations and many smaller ones across the Netherlands. Standouts include Bevrijdingsfestival The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Amsterdam.
Each event features a diverse lineup tailored for wide audiences, ideal for families. Enjoy music, performances, and shared moments reflecting on freedom's true value.
On May 5, 2017, De Luifelbaan in Leiden hosts the lively 5 May Braderie with stalls for all ages, plus kids' fun like bungee trampolines and bouncy castles.
When: Liberation Day, May 5
Where: W.C. De Luifelbaan, Vijf Meiplein, Leiden
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: Free
Bevrijdingspop Haarlem, the Netherlands' oldest liberation festival, runs Thursday, May 4, and Friday, May 5, 2017. It starts with a Commemorative Concert on May 4, followed by the liberation fire lighting and live music on May 5.
When: Thursday, May 4, and Friday, May 5
Where: Haarlemmerhout, Dreef, Haarlem
Time: Thursday 8:15 PM – 9:30 PM (concert); Friday 11:30 AM – midnight
Skip the festivals? Head to Drachten Koerst on May 5, 2017, for thrilling horse races blending tradition, excitement, and family fun as steeds thunder by.
When: Friday, May 5, 2017
Where: Frisian Congress Centre, Op Rijndijk 3, Drachten
Time: 2:00 PM
Admission: €2.00
Lepeltje Lepeltje food festival kicks off in Apeldoorn on May 5, running through May 7, 2017. Sample global flavors, enjoy live music, kids' activities, and a flea market—perfect for families.
When: Friday, May 5 to Sunday, May 7, 2017
Where: Beekpark, Apeldoorn
Time: Friday/Saturday 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Sunday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Admission: Free
Foodies rejoice: Big Taste Groningen's food truck festival runs May 5–7, 2017, offering diverse cuisines from Asian fusion to ice cream, plus live music—a delightful family outing.
When: Friday, May 5 to Sunday, May 7, 2017
Where: Damsterplein 1, Groningen
Time: Friday 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Saturday/Sunday 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Admission: Free
Fill your Liberation weekend at Pasar Festival Djempol Geleen (May 5–7, 2017) with exotic food, tropical dances, music, kids' activities, and an Eastern market.
When: Friday, May 5 to Sunday, May 7, 2017
Where: Laco Glanerbrook, Kummenaedestraat 45, Geleen
Time: Friday 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Saturday 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Admission: Free
Got more Liberation Day 2017 tips? Share in the comments below!
