Family Encyclopedia >> Travel

Top Weekend Events in the Netherlands: Festivals, Outings & Family Activities (19-21 May 2017)

Explore our curated guide to the best weekend events from 19-21 May 2017 across the Netherlands. Whether you're planning for Friday 19th, Saturday 20th, or Sunday 21st, find engaging (often free) festivals, outings, and activities suitable for families, kids, and adults alike. Our handpicked selection ensures something for everyone.

Construction Day

Saturday, 20 May 2017, marks Construction Day—an ideal family outing. Peek behind the scenes at major and minor construction sites nationwide. Most locations feature kid-friendly activities, making it perfect for all ages.

When: Saturday, 20 May 2017

Where: Various locations throughout the Netherlands (check website)

Time: 10:00–16:00 (varies; confirm on website)

Admission: Free

Fête de la Nature

Join the Fête de la Nature on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May 2017 at spots across the Netherlands. This nature festival offers diverse experiences like plant swaps, primeval lunches, barefoot paths, and bat hunts—plus much more. A top pick for family adventures.

When: Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 May 2017

Where: Various locations in the Netherlands (see website)

Time: Varies (check website)

Admission: Varies (see website)

Night of the Tip

On Saturday 20 May 2017, the Night of the Tip lights up 14 locations nationwide. This student-led fundraiser supports sustainable projects through music, games, and activities.

When: Saturday 20 May 2017

Where: See website

Time: From 12:00

Admission: Free

Fit Expo

The Fit Expo takes over Ahoy on 20-21 May 2017, showcasing sports gear, training, beauty, and wellness. Enjoy workshops, clinics, competitions, lectures, and demos for body and mind.

When: Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 May 2017

Where: Ahoy, Ahoyweg 10, Rotterdam

Time: Sat 12:00–21:00; Sun 10:00–18:00

Admission: €17.50; €7.00 (5-12 yrs); Free (under 5)

Opera Days Rotterdam

The 12th Operadagen Rotterdam runs 12-21 May 2017, featuring over 100 productions from global stars to emerging talents. Appeals to opera fans and newcomers alike.

When: 12-21 May 2017

Where: Various Rotterdam locations (indoor/outdoor)

Time: See website

Admission: See website

Knitting and Crochet Days

Discover yarns, wools, and supplies at Rijswijk's Knitting and Crochet Days on 19-20 May 2017. Enjoy workshops, free lectures, and a kids' crochet/knit session on Saturday.

When: Fri 19 & Sat 20 May 2017

Where: The Bread Factory, Volmerlaan 12, Rijswijk

Time: 10:00–17:00

Admission: €9 (1 day)/€17 (both); Free (kids under 12 w/ adult)

Festival Design Quarter The Hague

From 19-21 May 2017, wander 50 creative spots in The Hague's Designkwartier. Interact with designs, shop, and chat with makers.

When: Fri 19-Sun 21 May 2017

Where: Piet Heinstraat 123, The Hague

Time: 11:00–18:00

Admission: Free

Loswal Festival Diemen

Diemen's Loswal Festival (19-21 May 2017) offers water-based fun: demos, fair, art market, kids' activities, and live music.

When: Fri 19-Sun 21 May 2017

Where: Venserkade, Diemen

Time: Fri 16:00–00:30; Sat 10:00–00:30; Sun 10:00–17:00

Admission: Free

Kleverpark Festival Haarlem

Haarlem's Kleverpark Festival on 20 May 2017 blends food, fashion, workshops, music, flea market, and kids' activities—family perfection.

When: Sat 20 May 2017

Where: Kleverpark Shopping Center, Kleverparkweg, Haarlem

Time: 10:00–17:00

Admission: Free (kids €6)

Jump

Utrecht's Spring theater festival (18 May-27 May 2017) showcases international modern theater in theaters and unique venues.

When: Thu 18 May-Sat 27 May 2017

Where: Various locations (see website)

Time: Varies (see website)

Admission: Varies by performance

Bon Appetito

Savor food, drinks, trucks, stalls, workshops, tastings, music, and kids' programs at Bon Appetito (19-21 May 2017).

When: Fri 19-Sun 21 May 2017

Where: Beekeepers Park Houten, Keercamp 17, Houten

Time: Fri 17:00–24:00; Sat/Sun 14:00–24:00/20:00

Admission: Free

Flavorites

Flavourites Utrecht (20-21 May 2017) highlights webshops, designers, roller skating, and workshops in a vibrant lineup.

When: Sat 20 & Sun 21 May 2017

Where: Werkspoor Cathedral, Tractionweg 14, Utrecht

Time: 10:00–18:00

Admission: €12.50; Free (under 12)

Day of the Harness Horse

Utrecht's largest driving event on 20 May 2017 features demos and workshops across harness sports branches.

When: Sat 20 May 2017

Where: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yalelaan, Utrecht

Time: 08:30–17:30

Admission: Free

Flevo Funfields

Family sports fun at Flevo Funfields on 20 May 2017: survival, obstacles, water challenges, and more.

When: Sat 20 May 2017

Where: East side of Dronten, Spijkweg, Biddinghuizen

Time: 10:00–17:00

Admission: Free

Frying Festival Leeuwarden

Leeuwarden's first Frituurfestival on 19 May 2017 celebrates Dutch snacks with a croquette design contest (winner gets 100kg!).

When: Fri 19 May 2017

Where: Rhinoceros, Ruiterskwartier 41, Leeuwarden

Time: 14:00

Admission: Free

PURE Hip and Handmade

Nijmegen's Pure market on 20 May 2017 offers unique handmade goods from online creators.

When: Sat 20 May 2017

Where: Krayenhoff Barracks, Molenveldlaan 146, Nijmegen

Time: 11:00–17:00

Admission: Free

Militracks

WWII German vehicles on display and rides at Militracks (20-21 May 2017).

When: Sat 20 & Sun 21 May 2017

Where: Overloon War Museum, Museum Park 1, Overloon

Time: 09:00–17:00

Admission: €18; €12 (4-12 yrs); Free (0-3 yrs)

What are your plans? Share your favorite tips for 19-21 May 2017 in the comments below.