Visiting a festival? Check out these 11 gems in North Brabant!
Spring, summer, autumn — North Brabant has some of the very best festivals, from dance festivals to jazz and from light art shows to family festivals. We have put together a handy list of tips to help you make the most of the festival season. Tip: book an overnight stay in some of the fantastic accommodation that Brabant has to offer and discover more!
1. Jazz in Breda and 's-Hertogenbosch!
Jazz enthusiasts cannot wait for May to arrive and for Breda to become one huge jazz celebration. The Breda Jazz Festival takes place from Ascension Day. A week later, ‘s-Hertogenbosch takes over with Jazz in Duketown. These two festivals jointly attract some 500,000 visitors every year.
2. For the ultimate holiday feeling: 7th Sunday
Great staging, international acts and, usually, fantastic weather can only mean one thing: 7th Sunday in Erp. Some 35,000 festival-goers will descend upon Erp to enjoy performances by artists including Steve Aoki, Showtek and Sebastian Ingrosso. (photo: Boy Hoogvorst, www.7thsunday.nl).
3. Misty Fields, a genuine festival of discovery in the woods...
If you would like to visit a festival that is just that little bit different, then Misty Fields in the woods of Asten-Heusden, near De Groote Peel National Park, is a genuine festival of discovery. For three days, you can enjoy bands that you will undoubtedly hear more of in the coming years. A friendly atmosphere, great food and drinks and the possibility to stay the night at the festival campsite.
4. Best Kept Secret!
It’s no longer a secret that Best Kept Secret is one of the best summer festivals in the Netherlands. Taking place between in June, you can enjoy indie, folk, electronica, rock and hiphop in the events area of Beekse Bergen in Hilvarenbeek. Looking for the ultimate festival experience? Stay the night in the nature site or bungalow park and start your day with a fresh dip in the lake. (photo: Ben Houdijk).
5. Lakedance
Let yourself be drawn to the most tropical destination in the southern Netherlands! It’s time to put on your dancing shoes for a new edition of Lakedance. (photos: Lakedance, www.lakedance.nl)
6. WiSH Outdoor: a weekend of adventure...
One thing is for certain, WiSH Outdoor really does have the wow factor! It’s a feast for the eyes, with fantastically decorated stages, a great atmosphere and a wide range of musical genres. Over the weekend, you can enjoy three days in a paradise full of creative areas, experiences and music stages. (photo: WiSH Outdoor)
7. Intents
Two days and two nights of techno, techhouse and house! Intents Festival in Oisterwijk at the heart of the countryside, hidden amongst the trees. Are you ready for Intents?
8. Paaspop
The Dutch festival season opener with more than 175 acts from home and abroad. There are many amazing acts and a lot of entertainment at Paaspop in Schijndel, near 's-Hertogenbosch!
9. Theaterfestival Boulevard
A glimpse into what ‘s-Hertogenbosch and North Brabant have to offer! Embark on a voyage of discovery through the world of theatre, music and dance at Theaterfestival Boulevard. The heart of the festival will be around St. John’s Cathedral, but the whole city will be alive with performances, concerts and projects. It’s guaranteed fun for the whole family! (photo: Theaterfestival Boulevard)
10. Festival Circolo
Unique in its class, Festival Circolo in Tilburg. Festival Circolo is the largest circus festival in the Netherlands, and it’s far from a traditional circus with individual acts and a ringmaster. It’s a challenging and adventurous overall experience, accompanied by a story, featuring modern dance, theatre, (live) music, style and visual art. It’s an event for the whole family and perfect for an autumn holiday experience. (photo: Karin Jonkers)
11. GLOW: Light art in the city of light!
GLOW might not spring to mind when you think of a ‘festival’, but this light art festival in Eindhoven has become extremely popular amongst people of all ages. GLOW returns every year for a show of crazy light decoration throughout the city. Make a note of it — November! (Timelapse: www.nielsgroenendijk.com & www.iamlapse.com)
