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Ultimate Guide to Ascension Day 2018: Top Family Events and Activities Across the Netherlands

Discover the best family-friendly events and activities for Ascension Day 2018 on Thursday, May 10. From thrilling autocross races to vibrant markets and festivals, these curated outings ensure a memorable holiday for everyone.

Ascension Day

Ascension Day is a key Christian holiday celebrated 39 days after Easter, marking Jesus' ascension to heaven. In the Netherlands, it's a national public holiday with schools closed and most workplaces off, providing the perfect opportunity for outings—especially if the weather is fine.

South Holland

Autocross Zevenhuizen

Experience high-energy autocross action suitable for young and old at this beloved event. Children will enjoy bouncy castles and dedicated attractions on a scenic plot donated by a local farmer just outside the village.
When: Thursday, May 10, 2018
Where: Autocross terrain, Bierhoogtweg, Zevenhuizen
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Admission: €12.00 (Free for children up to 12 years)

Opening of the Hook of Holland Beach Season

Kick off summer with a free beach day celebration featuring a lively market full of stalls. Perfect for sun-soaked family fun with extra entertainment.
When: Thursday, May 10, 2018
Where: Beach Hoek van Holland, Riverside
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: Free

North Holland

Hemeltjelief Festival Amsterdam-North

Celebrate the festival's 10th anniversary with kids' activities, live bands, street theater, and art under the theme 'Getting old cows out of the ditch.' A guaranteed hit for families across two days.
When: May 10-11, 2018
Where: NDSM Wharf, Amsterdam North
Time: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Admission: See website/Facebook

Utrecht

Ascension Fair Utrecht

Visit the Netherlands' longest fair, stretching 5 km with over 400 stalls offering diverse products.
When: Sunday, May 5, 2018
Where: Amsterdamsestraatweg, Utrecht
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: Free

Drenthe

BBQ Competition Hoogeveen

Savor mouthwatering BBQ while kids explore a flea market and bouncy castles at this tasty family event.
When: Thursday, May 10, 2018
Where: Raiffeisenpark, opposite De Nije Nering, Hoogeveen
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: Free

Flevoland

Open Day Aviation Club Emmeloord

Explore model flying with demos, guided flights, and kid-friendly wonders at this aviation open day.
When: Thursday, May 10, 2018
Where: Model Airport, Verlengde Revisieweg, Emmeloord
Time: 12:00 – 4:30 PM
Admission: Free

Gelderland

Skandia Soap Box Race Festival Apeldoorn

Cheer on soap box racers (ages 5-12), browse a car boot market, and join kids' parades, workshops, and theater.
When: Thursday, May 10, 2018
Where: Sports Park Orderbos, Apeldoorn
Time: From 10:00 AM
Admission: Free (small fee for some activities)

Car Puzzle Ride Sterrit Nunspeet

Test your wits with 20 puzzles along a 30 km route—focus on fun, not speed.
When: Thursday, May 10, 2018
Where: Camping de Oude Pol, Randmeerweg 24, Nunspeet
Time: 7:15 PM – 8:15 PM (prizes at 10:30 PM)
Admission: €7.50

Groningen

45th Ascension Celebrations Bellingwolde

Three days of festivities: exhibitions, performances, kids' animal shows, Dutch evenings, fire demos, and more.
When: May 10-12, 2018
Where: Rhederbrug, Bellingwolde
Time: Thursday from 2:15 PM; Friday from 1:30 PM; Saturday from 2:00 PM
Admission: Free (?)

Limburg

Margraten Tour Sint Geertruid

Choose from 7 distances, including the 19 km Memorial Walk to the American Cemetery in Margraten.
When: Thursday, May 10, 2018
Where: Fanfare Hall Sint Geertruid, Dorpstraat 29, Sint Geertruid
Time: From 7:00 AM
Admission: €2.75 (non-members incl. sticker)

Overijssel

Ascension Market Haaksbergen

A mix of fair and flea market—great for bargains if you missed King's Day.
When: Thursday, May 10, 2018
Where: Market Haaksbergen
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: Free

Zeeland

Ascension Fair Middelburg

Browse brocante, antiques, and unique items over two days.
When: May 10-11, 2018
Where: Market Middelburg
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: Free

Got ideas or additions for Ascension Day 2018? Share in the comments—we'll update the list!

*Featured Image: Shutterstock