Make your Whitsun weekend unforgettable in 2018. From Saturday, May 19, to Monday, May 21, our curated guide—drawn from years of tracking Dutch family events—highlights trusted, family-friendly outings, festivals, and activities nationwide. Dive in for proven ideas to fill your Pentecost holiday with fun.
On Whit Monday, May 21, 2018, experience authentic farm life at the Campina Open Farm Day. Family-oriented activities abound, with plenty for kids to enjoy.
When: Monday, May 21, 2018
Where: Various farms (see website)
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission: Free
Whit Monday, May 21, 2018, marks Castle Day with the theme 'Hidden Stories Told.' Explore castles, estates, and fortresses—a highlight of Dutch heritage perfect for families.
When: Monday, May 21, 2018
Where: Various locations (see website)
Time: See website
Admission: Varies per location (see website)
From Friday, May 18, to Sunday, May 20, 2018, Leiden's Schemerstad theater festival offers unique boat tours past immersive performances. No boat? Join organized tours with drinks and snacks.
When: Friday, May 18–Sunday, May 20, 2018
Where: Apothekersdijk, Leiden
Time: 8:30 PM
Admission: €34.50 or €85.00 for your own boat (6 persons)
May 18–27, 2018, brings over 100 opera performances across Rotterdam theaters and unique venues by international and emerging artists—ideal for diverse audiences.
When: Friday, May 18–Sunday, May 27, 2018
Where: Various Rotterdam locations (see website)
Time: See website
Admission: Varies by performance (see website)
Saturday, May 19–Sunday, May 20, 2018, at Broodfabriek: A must for parents, teachers, and caregivers focused on child development—physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual.
When: Saturday, May 19–Sunday, May 20, 2018
Where: Broodfabriek, Volmerlaan 12, Rijswijk
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: €9.95; €7.10 (5–12 years); Free (up to 4 years)
May 19–21, 2018: Lego builds, moving truck demos, building contests, bouncy castles, cinema, and games for all ages at this family fest.
When: May 19–21, 2018
Where: Van Zantenhal, Ijweg 1415, Nieuw-Vennep
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: €2.50
Sunday, May 20, 2018: Preview the iconic Kwakoe Festival with Surinamese, Caribbean, Javanese, and Antillean food, music, and dance in Vondelpark.
When: Sunday, May 20, 2018
Where: Vondelpark, Amsterdam
Time: From 2:00 PM
Admission: Free
Sunday, May 20, 2018: Hands-on reptile showcase—snakes, lizards, frogs—plus terrarium supplies for enthusiasts.
When: Sunday, May 20, 2018
Where: Emergohal, Langs de Akker 3, Amstelveen
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission: €5.00; €3.50 (children up to 12 years & 65+)
May 17–21, 2018: Global eats from vegan to sushi, drinks, live music, and theater in Griftpark—Utrecht's vibrant Pentecost hub.
When: Thursday, May 17–Monday, May 21, 2018
Where: Griftpark, Utrecht
Time: Thu 4–10 PM; Fri 4–11 PM; Sat/Sun 2–11 PM; Mon 2–9:30 PM
Admission: Free
Sunday, May 20, 2018: Meet online shop owners, enjoy workshops, and shop unique finds in Griftpark.
When: Sunday, May 20, 2018
Where: Griftpark, Van Swindenlaan 129, Utrecht
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: Free
May 20–21, 2018: Kid-focused fair (ages 2–12) by Make a Wish foundation, with live music and cozy vibes.
When: Sunday, May 20–Monday, May 21, 2018
Where: Fort aan de Klop, 1e Polderweg 4, Utrecht
Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Admission: €1.00; Free (up to 4 years)
May 18–21, 2018: Food, drinks, live music, kids' entertainment, and a flea market in a festive setting.
When: Friday, May 18–Monday, May 21, 2018
Where: Mayor Brouwerplantsoen (behind town hall), Amersfoort
Time: Fri 12 PM–12 AM; Sat/Sun 12 PM–1 AM; Mon 12–10 PM
Admission: Free
Sunday, May 20, 2018: Tastings, terrace vibes, and unique fair stalls.
When: Sunday, May 20, 2018
Where: Padhuis, Europaweg 52, Coevorden
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission: €2.50; Free (up to 18 years)
Whit Monday, May 21, 2018: Antiques, curiosities, and second-hand treasures.
When: Monday, May 21, 2018
Where: Grote Brink, Zuidlaren
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Admission: Free
May 21–27, 2018: 'Disco Love' theme with shopping, workshops, performances, and celeb meets—women's event paradise.
When: Monday, May 21–Sunday, May 27, 2018
Where: Almeerderstrand, Ijmeerdijk 1, Almere
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission: From €15.95
May 21, 2018: Archery, mini-golf, bungee run, music, and food for all ages.
When: Monday, May 21, 2018
Where: SEC Survivals Outdoor Park, Verlaatweg 2, Almere
Time: 12:30–7:30 PM
Admission: €7.50
May 16–21, 2018: Budget rides, low-stimulus day (May 19), family day (May 21), street fest, and kids' activities.
When: Wednesday, May 16–Monday, May 21, 2018
Where: Heerenveen Center
Time: Wed/Thu 2–11 PM; Fri/Sun 2 PM–12 AM; Sat 10:30 AM–1 PM (low-stim), then regular to 12 AM; Mon 11 AM–10 PM
Admission: Free (low-budget attractions)
May 21, 2018: Family browsing with kids' free stalls at Rijnhal.
When: Monday, May 21, 2018
Where: Rijnhal/Decathlon parking, Olympus 1, Arnhem
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission: €3.50
May 20–21, 2018: Music Sunday, fair Monday with demos, bungee trampolines, and pony petting.
When: Sunday, May 20–Monday, May 21, 2018
Where: Dorpsstraat, Elst
Time: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM (fair)
Admission: Free
May 18–21, 2018: Theater, art market, kids' shows, and more.
When: Friday, May 18–Monday, May 21, 2018
Where: Brummen Center
Time: See website
Admission: Free (some activities paid)
May 19–21, 2018: Picnic-style food, music, theater, and kids' rides.
When: Saturday, May 19–Monday, May 21, 2018
Where: Acoustics terrain, Ede
Time: Sat/Sun 12:00–11:00 PM; Mon 12:00–10:00 PM
Admission: Free
May 20–21, 2018: Falconry, battles, market, archery, and music at De Kelder Castle.
When: Sunday, May 20–Monday, May 21, 2018
Where: De Kelder Castle, Kelderlaan 11, Doetinchem
Time: Sun 10:00 AM–10:00 PM; Mon 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Admission: €8.00; €5.00 (up to 13 years)
May 19–20, 2018: Celebrate Limburg's 'white gold' with fair, rides, music, and specialties.
When: Saturday, May 19–Sunday, May 20, 2018
Where: Pastoor Vullinghsplein, Grubbenvorst
Time: 11:00 AM–1:00 AM
Admission: Free
May 19–20, 2018: WWII German vehicles in action—drive them yourself—plus War Museum access.
When: Saturday, May 19–Sunday, May 20, 2018
Where: Overloon War Museum, Museum Park 1, Overloon
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: €18.00; €12.00 (4–12 years); Free (up to 3 years)
May 19–20, 2018: 750+ stalls, nighttime flea market, kids' market Sunday, street theater.
When: Saturday, May 19–Sunday, May 20, 2018
Where: Tilburg center
Time: 10:00 PM–5:00 PM
Admission: Free
May 19–21, 2018: Tour 180 ostriches, taste egg products, shop specialties.
When: Saturday, May 19–Monday, May 21, 2018
Where: Ostrich Farm Monnikenwerve, Hogeweg 1, Sluis
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission: Free
Know more Pentecost 2018 gems? Share in the comments below.
*Featured Image: Shutterstock
