The holiday season kicks off in The Netherlands with a special celebration: the arrival of Sinterklaas! Every year, this Dutch tradition brings Sint Nicholas and his helpers, the Pieten, to towns and cities all over the country. Here is a handy guide to some Sinterklaas events happening around Haarlem this November.

Honor and remember loved ones who have passed while celebrating life itself at Kus van de Cactus. It will be an evening filled with delicious food, festive drinks, and vibrant dancing in true Dia de los Muertos spirit. Book your table now for this unforgettable celebration.

Kus van de Cactus

De Haasstraat 14, Haarlem

Phonenmbr 06 58858649

Join the Heemstede Loop, One can choose from three distances: Les Petits Family Run – 1,5 km, Training Solutions – 5 km, SportSupport – 10 km. Sign up now via the website and be part of this exciting event!

Spend a night at the museum with your kid(s). This can be a night to remember full of treasure hunts, creative workshops, and interactive tours. Read more about this event in this blog post.

Discover the power of art at the NN Art Festival. Check which museums in North _ Holland are participating ans use the special 1+1 ticket deal! More info in this blog post.

Wrap up the summer with a vibrant street market in Cronjéstraat. After the success of last year’s event, this day promises to be just as fantastic. Explore Haarlem’s longest shopping street and enjoy a festive atmosphere, Sunday, September 29, 10 AM – 5 PM. Don’t miss it!

For the first time, meet locals and visitors at the Haarlem Vinyl Festival! Enjoy four hours of house music by local dua AptoMelon, taking you on a musical journey from Chicago to Detroit. Relax in the charming city centerwith a coffee and a bite to eat while discovering Haarlem.

Saturday, September 28, Begijnhof 22 – 32, 10 AM – 2 PM, Free entry.

Open Monument Day (Open Monumentendag in Dutch) is the perfect opportunity to explore palces you might not normally have access to, offering a unique insight into the rich inheritage of the region. Read more in this blog post.

On September 8th, the heart of Bloemendaal is transforming in one big.bustling market. From 10 am to 5 pm, the main shopping street will be packed with around 75 stalls selling all sort of goodies. The local shops will also be throwing open their doors, so it’s the perfect time to explore what Bloemendaal has to offer.

Join the Rotary Club Heemstede for a free open-air cinema at Heemstede Harbour. Enjoy family-friendly actvities, live music, food stalls, and great films throughout the day, including the feature film  RESPECT  at 8 pm.

Reserve a chair for 5 Euro or a spot for your boat for 70 Euro. All proceeds benefit local scouting clubs. Don’t miss out on this “float-in” experience.

Visit the 10th edition of Surfana Festival, a festival for surf minded people from around the world.

Read more about thiis festival in this blog post.

Savor the last days of summer and enjoy the 10th edition of Proefpark Haarlem, a fantastic food truck festival held in the beautiful Kenaupark. Read more in this blog post.

A Good Year Wine, in collaboration with Houtbaar Haarlem, is hosting an amazing FREE event you won’t want to miss. Enjoy natural wine tasting perfectly paired with delicious BBQ, and unwind with an intimate listening bar experience to savor some tunes. 

Time: 2 pm till sunset at 10 pm.

Where: Houtbaar Haarlem, Woudplein 2, Haarlem 

It’s time for Haarlem Jazz! Good excuse to have a night out with friends or family. Read more in this blog post.

This festival brings the arts from Haarlem’s museums, theaters and music venues into the open air,

Tip for Haarlem expats and internationals: Enjoy performances by Maeva Dolle and Adam Fields.

Get a free drink and have lots of laughter. Read how to get a voucher for a Free Drink and more info in this blog post.

Do you have a broken iron or hairdryer, or toys that can be saved with a small repair? Want to learn how to fix a bike tire? Come to the Repair Cafe at Kweektuin, Kleverlaan 9, Haarlem. From 10 am to 12 pm, volunteers will be there to give your broken radio, iron, or toys a second life.

Join the 15th edition of the “Zomer in de Zaanen” neighborhood festival in Zaanenpark – Haarlem.

Read more in this blog post.

Hart Muziekschool (Hart Music school) is hosting a musical day filled with exciting opportunities for everyone. 

Whether you’ve been taken lessons for years or have never touched an instrument, this event is open to all. Discover your musical interests and discover new talents.

Visit the Hart Muziekschool website for all info.

The Historic grand Prix is a must-see for anyone interetsed in historical racing.

Read more in this blog post.

Since 1985, thousands of peope have gathered in Haarlemmerhout in June, around the longest day of the year, to enjoy an exciting mix of music, theater, visual arts. film, food. and drinks. After all these years, it is still a great success.

There is a program with something for everyone. On June 16, there will also be a children’s festival fro 12 PM to 6 PM. 

For more information about this festival, visit the Houtfestival website. ( in Dutch)

Between 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., artists from all over the country, as well as local artists, will showcase their work.

The third edition of BosFair Groenendaalse bos Heemstede will take place. Various vendors will showcase and present a wide range of fair trade products, fashion, beauty items, home decor, retro and vintage items, collectibles, local products, and much more. the fair is open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Address: Burgemeester van Rappardlaan 1, Heemstede.

This festival, starting at noon – 4 pm, is dedicated to enriching, greening, and climate-proofing our living environment, with the focus on the importance of the greenery for our well-being and that of the animals around us. Entrance is free.

More details on the website of De Olmenhorst

Dancing to music of the 80’s and 90’s provided by DJ Sander de Heer, known from radio and TV. Location: Wapen van Kennemerland, Ramplaan 125, Haarlem. Doors open at 8 pm. Entrance fee is 10 Euro. Drinks and snacks can be ordered at bar. Refunds are possible up to 1 day before the reservation. Book your tickets here. (the pop-up)

What do you do with summer clothing you no longer wear? Swap clothing with other women. Read more in this blog post.

Get your broken bike, electrical appliance, computer, stuffed animal, or clothing repaired at Repair Cafe, Kleverlaan 9 from 10 a.m.

Shop at least 10 Euro in the city center shops, show your receipt to pick a bouquet of tulips for free at the picking garden at Grote Markt.

House hunting: Visit multiple houses in one day, entirely non-committal and low-treshold.

Last tickets at www.ClubLuna.nl

READ More About In This Blog post

Read more on The Human Fabrique website

READ MORE in this blog post

READ MORE IN THIS BLOG POST

On November 25th and 26th, Sinterklaas will be in the neighborhood again. A wonderful opportunity for children to shake hands, and showing their drawings or wishlists.

Read more about visits in Cronjéstraat and Centrum Schalkwijk on Saturday, November 25th and the spectacular view of Sinterklaas and his Pieten on a roof in Heemstede on Sunday, November 26th, in this updated blogpost!

Photo credit: De Heemsteder

If you are interested in the history of the city, there is an event for all ages, you won’t want to miss. Four different locations in the city will host storytelling sessions recounting four historical tales, each lasting approximately 10 minutes. These stories will be told at the following places:

Archeological Museum Haarlem – “Don’t go through that gate” by Monique Veelenturf.

What is the story behind the mysterious gate at the back of the museum?

Times : 1:20 pm – 2 pm and 3 pm – 3.40 pm

Frans Hals Museum – “Back To The Future” by Frans van der Meij

Two 13-year-old friends from Schalkwijk encounter a man from the past.

Times: 1 pm – 1:40 pm and 3 pm – 3:40 pm

Teylers Museum – “Napoleon was here” by Martin van Tulder

On October 24th, 1811, Emperor Napoleon visited Teylers museum. Someone wants to share his story with you.

Hoofdwacht – Historische Vereniging Haerlem – “How Saint Bavo helped the Haarlemmers by Maggie Ram ( Gilde Haarlem).

Fact of fiction? Listen to the story of the holy Saint Bavo.

No registration is required, but be sure to arrive on time to secure a spot to listen.

PS Its all in Dutch.

Are you ready for a delightful day of apple or pear picking? Visitors of all ages can indulge in this activity, merely a 30-minute drive from Haarlem.

The self-picking is available every Wednesday from 1 pm – 5pm, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 5 pm.

For those planning a weekend visit, do keep in mind that booking a specific timeslot and reserving a parking spot is mandatory. This can easily be done online.

Self-picking comes at a reasonable price of 2,75 Euro per kilogram of apples or pears.

It’s good to know that pear-picking is exclusively available during the weekends. As the “Herfstvakantie” approaches between October 14th – October 29th, the orchards will welcome visitors daily.

Share your self-picking experience on Instagram and tag HelloHaarlem in your posts or stories so fellow followers can witness the joy of handpicking apples and pears.

De Olmenhorst, Lisserweg 481, 2165 AS, Lisserbroek.

Are your ready for an eco-friendly fashion make-over? As part of the Ecotrip Festival taking place from October 28th to November 5th, a clothing fair will be held at the Badhuis in Haarlem.

Declutter your wardrobe and find yourself a fabulous new outfit, all contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

You can drop off your clothing items on October 26th and 27th between 10 am and 11 am.

Ladies take note, this clothing fair is specially curated just for you.

October 28th, the Badhuis, Leidseplein 49, Haarlem

2 pm – 4 pm

Afterward, at 4 pm, you can unwind with a drink in hand while enjoying the tunes of the Climate Choir.

What a fantastic way to kick off the Autumn School Break! On October 20th, people of all ages are invited to the Halloween Talent Show. Share your talent on stage once youre all dressed up and ready to shine in the spotlight. Don;t have time to practice? Nio worries, you can also sign uo for a karaoke performance. And, of course, the audience is more than welcome!

October 20, 7 p, – 8.30 pm

Admission 2 Euro per person

Badhuis Leidsebuurt

Leidseplein 49

2013 pW Haarlem

On the Saturday of every month an organic market awaits you from 10 am – 3 pm. You can buy a delightful array of organic delights: from bread to pastries to cheese, eggs, fresh vegetables, and even fine wines.

This Saturday you can also delve into the fascinating world of “boomspiegelen”- a Dutch term describing the practce of adorning the space around the tree trunk, known as the tree basin.

During this special event, various engaging and educational activities await you.

Explore the informative stand at the market, follow workshops and gain advice on selecting the perfect plants for your tree basins, enhancing the beauty of your green spaces.

Haarlemmer Kweektuin

Kleverlaan 9

2023 JC Haarlem

This weekend, KiloKilo vintage will be back at the Koepel in Haarlem.

If you’re a fan of vintage clothing, this event is tailor-made for you.. Discover one-of-a-kind, high quality pieces while making a positive impact on reducing waste.

How does it work? Simply buy a 2 Euro ticket online or at the door. For just 25 Euro per kilo, you can fill your bags with vintage treasures. Plus, there is a creative market to explore.

September 3oth and October 1st

De Koepel, Harmenjansweg 4, Haarlem

Saturday 11 am – 6 pm, Sunday 11 am – 5 pm

Entrance ticket 2 Euro per person

Every year, in the second week of September, The Netherlands comes alive with Open Monumentendag or Open Monuments Day. More than 5,000 monuments historical sites and monuments across the country open their doors to the public.

This year’s theme. ‘Living Heritage’, or Intangible Heritage, sheds light on the cultural customs, traditions, and artisanal skills.

Haarlem and its neighboring communities also participate in Open Monumentendag.

For expats seeking to dive deeper into the culture and history of their host country, Open Monumentendag offers a perfect opportunity.

The event’s official website provides a guide to the monuments that are open for free visits, as well as the activities that are being organized.

Note: some monuments require you to register online in advance.

It’s Dahlia time again! Did you know that you can admire and pick Dahlias too? In the colorful Dahlia garden, owned of this family-owned business, you can find 783 (!) varieties of them.

From Monday – Friday, between 9 am – 4 pm, the show garden is open for people who want to take photos or videos.

Dahlia picking is available on Wednesday evenings from 7 pm – 9 pm and on Saturdays between 10 am – 3 pm.

A bucket with 25 to 30 stems costs 15 Euro. You can fill two big vases with these beautiful flowers.

Address: Pastoorslaan 30A, 2182 BX Hillegom

The ninth edition of the Proefpark Festival, a delicious food truck festival, will take place in the historic Kenaupark from Friday, September 1st to September 3rd.

Foodtrucks will be offering delightful tasting, allowing you to savor dishes from different parts of the world. Furthermore there are options for vegetarians, vegan, those with gluten or lactose sensititvities, and even those seeking low-carb treats – you name it. There is something for everyone.

More info in the latest blog post.

It’s Dahlia time again! Did you know that you can admire and pick Dahlias too? In the colorful Dahlia garden, owned of this family-owned business, you can find 783 (!) varieties of them.

From Monday – Friday, between 9 am – 4 pm, the show garden is open for people who want to take photos or videos.

Dahlia picking is available on Wednesday evenings from 7 pm – 9 pm and on Saturdays between 10 am – 3 pm.

A bucket with 25 to 30 stems costs 15 Euro. You can fill two big vases with these beautiful flowers.

Address: Pastoorslaan 30A, 2182 BX Hillegom

No Summer in Haarlem without the annual Haarlem Jazz and More Festival.

This year marks the 42nd edition, taking place from August 17th to August 19th.

You can enjoy fantastic performances at three outdoor stages in the heart of Haarlem.

The main stage can be found at Grote Markt, Satellite stages at Klokhuisplein and Oude Groenmarkt also offer an amazing lineup.

The Jazz event concludes on Sunday morning, August 2oth, wit a unique concert at the Grote Kerk.

More info with regard to lineup and other festivall info can be found on this website.

The Grote Markt in the heart of Haarlem has been transformed into a grand culinary festival this weekend. Various Haarlem restaurants are offering a delightful culinary selection at friendly prices. This event is free to enter, and payment can be made by card (pin) or cash.

The list of participating restaurants can be found on the website of Haarlem Culinair.

Opening hours : 1 pm – 11 pm.

Under the motto 2 see more than 1, ABC, the center for architecture and urban planning of Haarlem and the Kennemerland region, offers a special promotion from July 8 to Sepetember 3. During this period, all paying visitors are allowed to bring an accompanying guest for free.

The promotion does not apply to the LEGO Summer Mornings on July 26,28, August 30, and September 1.

ABC Architectuurcentrum

Groot Heiligland 47

2011 EP Haarlem

www.architectuurhaarlem.nl

Explore the area and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Haarlem area as you pedak through the picturesque countryside.

Highlight of the tour will be a visit to the ruins of Brederode Caste where we have a guided tour in English. Learn more about valiant knights, feudal lords and their daring escapades.

The tour is an enriching and enjoyable way to make the most of your time in Haarlem while creating lasting memories.

Bookingsform and more deatiled info can be found on this page.

On July 14th, 15th, and 16th, Parksessies will take place, a multidisciplinary festival held in the Haarlemmerhout city park.

It’s an open-air exhibition featuring art, music, theatre, dance, spoken word, and everything in between and around.

This year, the theme of Artificial Intelligence takes center stage.

More info about Parksessies can be found on this page.

Get the ‘je ne sais quoi’ feeling when you wander at tej antique and flea market on the old stately Dreef in Haarlem.

Looking for ‘old masters’ or rare antiques? 

Avisit to this market on the Dreef in Haarlem is worthwhile!

The nearest parking garages are Parkeergarage De Dreef or Parkeergarage Houtplein.  

Explore your musical potential at the open day organized by Muziekles Express.

Muziekles Express

At Muziekles Express, they believe in providing tailored lessons. What sets them apart is the convenience of having the teacher come to your home for the lessons. You can learn in the comfort of your own surroundings.

Discover and grow

The open day is the perfect opportunity to meet the dedicated teachers. They will be available to answer any questions you may have and provide valuable insights into their teaching methods.

The open day program

Doors are open 11.30 a.m – 13,30 p.m at Theater De Liefde, Begijnhof 10 in Haarlem.

Following the open day, students will showcase their talent in a concert.

To secure your spot at this concert, visit the website for concert tickets and more info.

On Sunday, June 18th, the annual Hout Festival takes place in De Hout in Haarlem.

What can one expect?

During this festival, visitors embark on a cultural and culinary journey, enjoying a variety of music, (children’s) theater, and visual art.

Houtnacht prior to Hout Festival

Prior to Hout Festival on Sunday, you can already get in the mood during the Houtnacht. You can enjoy from a range of local acts representing diverse musical subcultures.

The festival program

Saturday Houtnacht from 6 p.m. – 11.59 p.m.

Sunday Hout Festival noon – 11 p.m.

Sunday Children’s Festival from noon – 6 p.m.

The annual Haarlem flower and plant market, also known as the “potjes market” or “Luilak market,” is just around the corner.

Are you looking for plants for your garden or balcony? Or do you want to start an herb garden? On this market, which has been held since 1890, there is something to be found for every garden or balcony.

From Friday 4 PM until Saturday morning 2 AM, you will find a continuous display of flowers and plants on the Raamvest and Raamsingel.

Luilak

Where does Luilak originate from? It is said to have started when the French army marched into Amsterdam in 1672. Piet Lak, the night watchman on duty, had fallen asleep and, as a result, couldn’t warn the troops in time about the arrival of the French army.

The tradition dictates that on Saturday morning, children go door-to-door very early in the morning ringing doorbells or making noise with pots, pans, and tin cans in the streets to wake up people who are still asleep.

Book lovers, mark your agenda. Mona Cottage Publishing opens a Pop-Up Book Shop on May 28 at the Badhuis at Leidseplein 49 in Haarlem.

Doors will be open from 2 p.m. – 4.30 p.m.

Adults as well as kids can buy used books in English and a few other languages.

Program

2 p.m. Doors will be open

2 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. Shop for books all ages

2.10 p.m. Story time with Monika

3 – 4 p.m. Art workshop with illustrator Monika

4,30 p.m. Doors will close