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Top Weekend Events in the Netherlands: Festivals, Outings & Family Fun – 8-9 September 2018

Plan an unforgettable weekend with our expert-curated guide to the best events, outings, and festivals across the Netherlands on 8-9 September 2018. From free cultural celebrations to lively food fests, discover family-friendly activities for all ages.

Forten Festival

The Forten Festival runs from Saturday, 1 September to Sunday, 9 September 2018. Bring the family for outdoor movies, theater, tasty food and drinks, plus guided tours. On 8-9 September, extra forts open their doors for Open Monuments Weekend.

When: Saturday 1 to Sunday 9 September 2018

Where: Various locations in the Netherlands

Time: See website

Admission: Most free (check website for details)

Open Monuments Day

Join the national Open Monuments Day on 8-9 September 2018, themed around 'Europe.' Explore inspiring monuments nationwide – a delightful family outing.

When: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September 2018

Where: See website (nationwide)

Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Admission: Free

Vondelpark Open Air Theater, Amsterdam

Catch the final summer shows at Vondelpark Open Air Theater on 8-9 September. After 150+ performances – music, youth shows, cabaret – enjoy food and drinks too.

When: 3 June to Sunday 9 September 2018

Where: Vondelpark, Amsterdam

Time: See website

Admission: Free

Dutch Media Family Festival

Spotlight on family at the Dutch Media Family Festival, 8-9 September. Workshops, meets with creators, vloggers, and actors explore real and online identities – ideal for teaching kids about sharing safely.

When: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September 2018

Where: Image and Sound, Media Parkboulevard 1, Hilversum

Time: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Admission: €5.00; €15.00 family ticket (max. 5 people)

Food Truck Festival Trek, The Hague

Foodies rejoice: Food Truck Festival Trek transforms Westbroekpark from 6-9 September 2018. Savor global eats, drinks, live music, and theater performances.

When: Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 September 2018

Where: Westbroekpark, The Hague

Time: Thu/Fri 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Sat 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Sun 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Admission: Free

World Port Days, Rotterdam

Experience Europe's largest port during World Port Days, 7-9 September 2018. Ship tours, water spectacles, harbor entertainment – perfect for families.

When: Friday 7 to Sunday 9 September 2018

Where: Port of Rotterdam, Wilhelminapier, Scheepvaartkwartier

Time: See website

Admission: Free

National Art and Glass Days, Leerdam

Leerdam shines at the National Art and Glass Days, 7-9 September 2018. Artist demos, glass galleries, theater, and music create a magical vibe.

When: Friday 7 to Sunday 9 September 2018

Where: Zuidwal and Markt, Leerdam

Time: From 1:00 PM

Admission: Free

Market Day with Vintage Cars, De Bilt

Classic cars, flea market, and fair in De Bilt on 8 September 2018. Over 150 stalls and 100 vintage vehicles – fun for all ages.

When: Saturday 8 September 2018

Where: Dorpsstraat, De Bilt

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Admission: Free

Pasar Malam Assen

Indonesian culture takes center stage at Pasar Malam Assen, 7-9 September 2018. Exotic foods, oriental market bargains, and performances await.

When: Friday 7 to Sunday 9 September 2018

Where: Expo TT Hall, De Haar 11, Assen

Time: Fri 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Sat 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Sun 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Admission: €5.00 (Fri, seniors, kids 4-12); €7.50 (Sat/Sun)

Uitmarkt Emmen City BBQ Edition

Three days of workshops, BBQs, performances, and kids' activities at Uitmarkt StadsBBQ Edition in Emmen, 7-9 September 2018.

When: Friday 7 to Sunday 9 September 2018

Where: Rensenpark, Hoofdstraat 18, Emmen

Time: Fri 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Sat 1:00 PM – 3:00 AM; Sun 1:00 PM – 12:30 AM

Admission: Free

HISWA in-Water Boat Show, Lelystad

Europe's top in-water boat show: 300+ vessels from yachts to sloops at HISWA, 5-9 September 2018. Plus exhibits and water activities.

When: Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 September 2018

Where: Bataviahaven, Bataviahaven 1, Lelystad

Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Fri until 8:00 PM)

Admission: €15.00; €5.00 (5-17 years)

Festival Green Happiness, Ede

Celebrate art, theater, music, and nature at Festival Groen Geluk in Ede, 7-9 September 2018 – from the happiest municipality in NL.

When: Friday 7 to Sunday 9 September 2018

Where: Oude Kerkplein, Ede

Time: Fri 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sat/Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Admission: Free

Flea Market & Car Boot Sale, Venlo

Browse household goods, furniture, toys, and treasures at Venlo's flea market on 9 September 2018.

When: Sunday 9 September 2018

Where: Racecourse, Manegeweg 18, Venlo

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Admission: €2.50; Free (under 12)

Doll Houses, Dolls & Bears Fair, Eindhoven

Miniatures, bears, dolls galore at Eindhoven's fair on 9 September 2018. Stalls, repairs, workshops, and catering.

When: Sunday 9 September 2018

Where: Sporthal Genderbeemd, Sterkenburg 616, Eindhoven

Time: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Admission: €5.00; Free (under 13)

Cup of Culture, Steenwijkerland

Cultural immersion in Steenwijkerland with acts, music, theater, and dance, 7-9 September 2018.

When: Friday 7 to Sunday 9 September 2018

Where: Center and city park Rams Woerthe, Steenwijk

Time: Fri 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Sat 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Sun 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Admission: Free

Film by the Sea, Vlissingen

Films, docs, lectures, concerts by the seaside from 7-16 September 2018.

When: Friday 7 to Sunday 16 September 2018

Where: CineCity, Spiiekomweg 1, Vlissingen

Time: See website

Admission: See website

What’s your weekend plan? Share your favorite 8-9 September 2018 tips in the comments below!