91st Edition Boekenweek: what is there to do in Groningen

Boekenweek is the ultimate readers' festival in the Netherlands, where book lovers of all genres come together to celebrate the power of literature. Whether you love thrillers, fantasy, or novels, Boekenweek offers something special for everyone. It is the time of year to head to the bookstore, score new reading material, and pick up your free Boekenweek gift. Every year, we reflect on the value of books, which is felt more than ever during this week. In 2026, the 91st edition centers around the theme 'My Generation'. This allows us to look at the different perspectives and the impact of generations on each other. Two top authors give voice to this theme this year: Hendrik Groen writes the Boekenweek gift ‘Piaggio’ and Doortje Smithuijsen provides the theme essay ‘Ik zou uw dochter kunnen zijn’.

Boekenweek, how did it actually originate?

Boekenweek was first organized in 1930 as a campaign to promote books and increase interest in literature. In the following years, the event grew into much more than a simple store promotion. However, the German occupation during the Second World War brought a temporary halt to the gift and the festivities. After the war, Boekenweek returned in full glory and became an annual ritual for literature-loving Netherlands.

Boekenweek in modern times

Today, Boekenweek is a traditional event where the entire Dutch book industry works together to offer something special for readers. The Boekenweek gift, written by well-known authors, is one of the highlights of the festival. Many big names in Dutch literature, such as Hella Haasse with her classic Oeroeg, have once written a special work for Boekenweek. Boekenweek has since proven itself as a unique event in the Netherlands and is world-renowned as one of the largest literary festivities. It not only offers the chance to discover new books, but it also shows us how important the mother tongue and literature are in our lives.

Boekenweek gift 2026: ‘Piaggio’ by Hendrik Groen

This year, the honor goes to Hendrik Groen (the 'stage name' of Peter de Smet) to write the gift. After the enormous success of his diaries about 'Attempts to make something of life', he takes us in Piaggio into the life of Anton. Main character Anton meets Marieke, who could also use some luck, and chance and a few drinks help them on their way after their encounter at a party. As we have come to expect from Groen, the life of the protagonist is anything but smooth, which makes for a touching and often witty story about growing older and human relationships. Receive the gift with a spend of €15.00 or more on Dutch-language books at your favorite bookstore.

About the author: Hendrik Groen

Hendrik Groen is the pseudonym of Peter de Smet, the writer who became world-famous for his diaries about life in a nursing home. With his down-to-earth, humorous, and often moving style, he manages to touch a million-strong audience. Although he tried to keep his true identity secret for years, his voice as an author is now unmistakable. Groen has a unique talent for making heavy themes such as aging and loneliness discussable with a laugh and a tear. With Piaggio, he once again shows why he is the perfect choice to give shape to the theme 'My Generation'.

The Boekenweek essay: 'Ik zou uw dochter kunnen zijn'

In addition to the gift, there is a special theme essay this year written by Doortje Smithuijsen, journalist, documentary maker, and writer. In 'Ik zou uw dochter kunnen zijn', she examines the gap and common ground between different generations in our current digital society. Smithuijsen is known for her sharp analyses of modern phenomena such as the influence of social media and the performance pressure among young people. Her contribution to Boekenweek 2026 forces the reader to look with a fresh perspective at how we relate to each other, regardless of our age. The essay is available in bookstores during Boekenweek for only €5.00.

What is there to do during Boekenweek 2026 in Groningen?

We have put together another fun list of activities during Boekenweek in Groningen. From Wednesday, March 11th to Sunday, March 22nd, 2026, the city will be buzzing with literary activities. We have listed the best tips for you:

Free museum entry with your Boekenweek gift

A beloved tradition is the Museum Promotion. On the last Sunday of Boekenweek (March 22, 2026), you can get free entry to participating museums by showing your Boekenweek gift. In Groningen, you can visit the Groninger Museum. The perfect combination of literature and art!

Activities in Forum Groningen

The Forum Groningen is the heart of the Boekenweek festivities. In addition to interviews with the main authors Hendrik Groen and Doortje Smithuijsen, there are often workshops and lectures that go deeper into the theme 'My Generation'. Keep an eye on the Forum agenda for exact times and tickets.

• March 22 | Modern film adaptation of Joe Speedboot by Tommy Wieringa.
• March 22 | Film Lecture in Forum Cinema: On the occasion of Boekenweek, Jeroen Huijsdens presents the five most beautiful libraries in the world where films were shot. The creator of the podcast Fantastic Film Locations shares unique background stories about the filming and his personal experiences.

Activities at bookstores in Groningen during Boekenweek 2026

During Boekenweek 2026, you can also visit various bookstores in Groningen that are doing their part for the festivities. Here are some of the participating bookstores:

• Primera Paddepoel
  The Primera in Paddepoel offers a special Boekenweek promotion! You can go there for the Boekenweek gift and participate in fun activities. View the bookstore's agenda here.
• Boekhandel Riemer
  Boekhandel Riemer in Groningen celebrates Boekenweek in its own way! They have a fun post about Boekenweek on their Instagram. View the details of their participation via this link.
• Boekhandel Van der Velde
  Van der Velde Bookstore is hosting Hendrik Groen for a signing session on Sunday, March 15th, 2026, from 13:00-14:00 at the Akerkhof in Groningen! Admission is free and registration is not necessary!

RUG Boekenweek Challenge

During Boekenweek (March 11th to 22nd, 2026), the RUG is organizing a unique 8-day challenge for all students: Begin a book. In this contest, you step into the shoes of the author by writing the second and third sentences of a recent novel, of which only the first sentence is revealed. The goal is to use the same style and write as closely to the original as possible. Each weekday focuses on a different book, alternating between Dutch and English. Participate, test your creativity, and have a chance to win the book of the day every day!

Plan your visit to Groningen for Boekenweek 2026

Looking for a hotel in Groningen? Book your stay in one of the best hotels in Groningen via this link; you'll also be supporting the city's culture!

Ranging from cozy boutique options to luxury stays in the heart of the city. After a day of literary events, you can relax in one of the local restaurants offering delicious Dutch dishes or international flavors. With a mix of activities, culture, and gastronomy, your visit to Groningen during Boekenweek will be an unforgettable experience.