Apr 22, 2026 • 8 minutes de lecture
On Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, Groningen will once again be fully dedicated to freedom. The Liberation Day Festival (Bevrijdingsfestival) Groningen at the Drafbaan in the Stadspark is one of the largest in the Netherlands, attracting around 135,000 visitors annually. But the city center and surrounding neighborhoods are also buzzing with activities. Whether you're coming for the big headliners, looking for depth during a Freedom Meal, or simply want to enjoy the atmosphere on a terrace: Groningen is the place to be.
On May 5th, we celebrate our freedom at the Drafbaan in the Stadspark. It promises to be a legendary day with a packed program. To ensure you don't miss any of your favorite artists, we have listed the timetable for the main stages below.
The central point of the festival featuring big names and unique collaborations:
| Time | Artist |
|---|---|
| 12:30 – 13:15 | Haydn Youth String Orchestra |
| 14:00 – 15:00 | Maan (Solo Set) |
| 15:30 – 16:30 | Douwe Bob |
| 17:15 – 18:15 | Sophie Straat |
| 18:45 – 19:30 | Joshua Idehen |
| 20:00 – 20:45 | Elmer |
| 21:30 – 22:15 | Jostiband (60 yrs) ft. Maan & Reinier Zonneveld |
| 22:45 – 23:45 | Sef (Closing Act) |
Discover the latest talent from Dutch soil here:
For fans of hip-hop and local legends, don't miss these times:
Heading to the Drafbaan on May 5th? Here are the most important things to keep in mind:
An essential part of the festival is the arrival of the Freedom Flame. This fire is brought from Wageningen to Groningen by runners during the night of May 4th to 5th. Around 3:15 PM, the flame is officially lit on the Main Stage. At 6:20 PM, a national moment of silence is observed for the May 5th moment, where we celebrate freedom together and reflect on the lack of freedom elsewhere in the world.
Freedom is also about connection. Freedom Meals are organized throughout the city. The central idea is simple: the best conversations happen at the table. At Museum aan de A and various community centers, you can join for the official Freedom Soup (this year based on a recipe by culinary journalist Janny van der Heijden). It is an accessible way to meet new people and share stories.
Prefer to stay away from the bustle of the Drafbaan? The city center of Groningen becomes one big terrace on May 5th. The atmosphere is fantastic, especially on the Grote Markt, the Vismarkt, and around the Poeleplein. Many local businesses organize small outdoor concerts or offer special menus. It's the perfect place to end the day after visiting the Stadspark.
After a full day of dancing and partying at the Drafbaan, there's a good chance your battery will be quite low. Don't feel like a long journey home? Groningen has fantastic places to stay, so you can enjoy a relaxed morning with an extensive breakfast in the city.
Here are our favorite tips for a wonderful overnight stay:
Our tip: Don't wait too long to book! Because the Liberation Festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors, the best hotels in the city center often fill up quickly.
