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Top Weekend Events in the Netherlands: Festivals, Outings & Family Activities – 1-2 September 2018

Plan your perfect weekend with our curated guide to the best events, outings, and festivals across the Netherlands on 1-2 September 2018. From free family fun to cultural spectacles, there's something for everyone—young and old alike. As local events experts, we've handpicked these highlights to ensure a memorable getaway.

Forten Festival

The Forten Festival kicks off on Saturday, 1 September, running through Sunday, 9 September 2018. Enjoy outdoor movies, theater, gourmet food and drinks, plus guided family tours. Extra forts open on 8-9 September for Open Monuments Weekend.

When: Saturday 1 to Sunday 9 September 2018
Where: Various locations in the Netherlands
Time: See website
Admission: Mostly free (check website for details)

De Parade Amsterdam

The mobile theater festival De Parade transforms Martin Luther King Park from Friday, 17 August to Sunday, 2 September 2018. Dive into music, dance, unique dining, and theater for all ages, including the Children's Parade.

When: Friday 17 August to Sunday 2 September 2018
Where: Martin Luther King Park, Amsterdam
Time: Mon-Thu/Sun 14:00–00:00; Fri-Sat 14:00–02:00
Admission: Free until 15:00 & under 18; €7.50 otherwise (+ attraction fees)

Open Studio Days Hilversum

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 September 2018 spotlight the Open Studio Days in Hilversum under the theme 'Discover the power of media.' Explore 50 spots at Media Park for hands-on radio and TV experiences.

When: Sat 1-Sun 2 September 2018
Where: Media Park, Joop van den Endeplein 1, Hilversum
Time: 10:00-17:00
Admission: Free

UIT Festival The Hague

From Friday 31 August to Sunday 2 September 2018, The Hague's city center hosts the UIT Festival with free dance, music, cabaret, theater, and a culture market—ideal for fall inspiration.

When: Fri 31 Aug-Sun 2 Sep 2018
Where: The Hague city center
Time: See website
Admission: Free

Open Day Youth Theater Hofplein

Sunday 2 September 2018 welcomes ages 2-25 to Youth Theater Hofplein's open day in Rotterdam. Go backstage, sing, costume up, and more.

When: Sun 2 Sep 2018
Where: Benthemplein 13, Rotterdam
Time: 10:00-16:00
Admission: Free, no registration

Neuzelbeurs Rijswijk

Saturday 1-Sunday 2 September 2018 at Broodfabriek: 350 stalls of kids' clothes, toys, antiques, and treasures.

When: Sat 1-Sun 2 Sep 2018
Where: Volmerlaan 12, Rijswijk
Time: 10:00-17:00
Admission: €4 adults; €3 (7-12 yrs); free (under 6)

Flea Market Margriethal Schiedam

Sunday 2 September 2018: 125 stalls across 1500m² of second-hand gems.

When: Sun 2 Sep 2018
Where: Nieuwe Damlaan 5, Schiedam
Time: 09:00-17:00
Admission: €3; free kids under 10 w/ adult

Werfweekend Nieuwegein

Sat 1-Sun 2 Sep 2018 at Museumwerf Vreeswijk: 'Turn Sailing' theme with kids' programs, mini ships, cruises, crafts, and food.

When: Sat 1-Sun 2 Sep 2018
Where: Wierselaan 113, Nieuwegein
Time: Sat 10:00-17:00; Sun 12:00-17:00
Admission: Free

Puppet Theater Festival Amersfoort

Sat 1-Sun 2 Sep 2018: Classic and modern puppetry in Park Randenbroek for ages 2-10 (and adults!). Doll doctor on site; free drink for early birds.

When: Sat 1-Sun 2 Sep 2018
Where: Heiligenbergerweg 117-119, Amersfoort
Time: 11:00-16:30
Admission: €4.50 adults; €3 kids

Leidsche Rijn Festival

Sun 2 Sep 2018: Kid-focused workshops, shows, cabaret for ages 2-12.

When: Sun 2 Sep 2018
Where: Castellum Hoge Woerd, Hoge Woerdplein 1, De Meern
Time: 10:00-17:00
Admission: Free

Kastanje Festival Assen

Fri 31 Aug-Sun 2 Sep 2018: Music, kids' program, funfair, beach volleyball.

When: Fri 31 Aug-Sun 2 Sep 2018
Where: Baggelhuizerplas, Assen
Time: Fri 18:00-01:00; Sat 10:00-01:00; Sun 10:00-17:00
Admission: Free daytime; check evenings

Flower Parade Eelde

Sat 1-Sun 2 Sep 2018: Dahlia floats, street theater, music, kids' activities, fair.

When: Sat 1-Sun 2 Sep 2018
Where: Eelde center
Time: 11:00-17:00 (market 09:00-18:00)
Admission: €3.50/day or €5/weekend w/ market

Outdoor Park SEC Survival Almere

Until Sun 2 Sep 2018: Archery, rafting, survival adventures for nature lovers.

When: Until Sun 2 Sep 2018
Where: Verlaatweg 2, Almere
Time: 09:00-21:00 (check site)
Admission: See website

't Veluws Zandsculpturenfestival Garderen

13 Apr-27 Oct 2018: 'Dutch Grand Masters' sand sculptures, covered & accessible.

When: 13 Apr-27 Oct 2018
Where: Oude Barnevelderweg 5, Garderen
Time: 10:00-17:30
Admission: €9.50 adults; €4.50 (6-12); free under 6

Lovely Autumn Fair Apeldoorn

Sat 1-Sun 2 Sep 2018: 'Delightfully sustainable' with 80+ stalls, workshops, music, kids' circus.

When: Sat 1-Sun 2 Sep 2018
Where: Van Limburg Stirumweg 19, Beekbergen
Time: 10:00-17:00
Admission: €4 adults; €2 (4-14 yrs)

Mega Flea Market Carbootsale Horst

Sun 2 Sep 2018: 450 stalls of antiques, kids' items, toys.

When: Sun 2 Sep 2018
Where: Peeldijkje 1, Horst
Time: 08:30-15:30
Admission: €3; free under 12

Fun Fair Oud Geleen Sittard

Sun 2 Sep 2018: 50th edition fairground fun for all.

When: Sun 2 Sep 2018
Where: Marcellinestraat, Sittard
Time: 11:00-18:00
Admission: Free

Knotsgekke Kaarten- en Scrapdagen Den Bosch

Thu 30 Aug-Sat 1 Sep 2018: Hobbies, workshops, inspiration.

When: Thu 30 Aug-Sat 1 Sep 2018
Where: Diezekade 2, 's-Hertogenbosch
Time: 10:00-17:00
Admission: €8.50; free under 12

Food Festival Lepeltje Lepeltje Eindhoven

Fri 31 Aug-Sun 2 Sep 2018: Food, music, market, kids' activities.

When: Fri 31 Aug-Sun 2 Sep 2018
Where: Anne Frankplein, Eindhoven
Time: Fri 14:00-00:00; Sat/Sun 12:00-00:00/22:00
Admission: Free

Flower Parade Zundert

Sun 2-Mon 3 Sep 2018: World's largest dahlia parade, theater, fair, music.

When: Sun 2-Mon 3 Sep 2018
Where: Zundert center
Time: Sun 10:00-18:00+party; Mon 09:00-22:00
Admission: From €4 (see site)

Brabants Stripspektakel Veldhoven

Sat 1-Sun 2 Sep 2018: Comics, Kinder Comix, games, auction.

When: Sat 1-Sun 2 Sep 2018
Where: Locht 117, Veldhoven
Time: 10:00-17:00
Admission: €6 adults; €1 (<1.5m); free (<1m)

Brueghelian Festijn Losser

Thu 30 Aug-Sun 2 Sep 2018: Medieval vibes with modern twists, procession.

When: Thu 30 Aug-Sun 2 Sep 2018
Where: Raadhuisplein, Losser
Time: Varies (Thu 17:00-00:00 etc.)
Admission: Free

Flying Dutchman Shanty Festival Terneuzen

Fri 31 Aug-Sun 2 Sep 2018: 10 choirs singing sea shanties.

When: Fri 31 Aug-Sun 2 Sep 2018
Where: Terneuzen center
Time: Fri 19:00; Sat/Sun 13:00/14:00
Admission: Free

What are your plans this weekend? Share your favorite tips for 1-2 September 2018 in the comments below!