Summer in Groningen 2024: A Vibrant City Full of Activities

The sultry summer days have arrived in the beautiful city of Groningen! Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's an incredible amount to experience this August. From cultural highlights to exciting adventures for the little ones, Groningen has it all. Let yourself be carried away by the vibrant energy of the city and discover all there is to do!

For the Little Explorers

Creative Adventures

• Groninger Museum: Dive into the wonderful world of the Children's Biennale "A Better Place". This interactive art exhibition, created in collaboration with children, invites you to experience art like never before. Perfect for a rainy day! You can visit throughout the summer until November 3, 2024.
• Forum Groningen: Be amazed by "Reinforced Learning", a fascinating 10-minute video installation about the evolution of robots. A must-see for tech enthusiasts of all ages! More information about Reinforced Learning
• Green Fingers and Crafting Fun: Every Monday, the Selwerd Community Center transforms into a creative oasis. Come and make beautiful artworks from natural materials. Who knows, you might create the next floral trend!
  More about the Green Crafting Mornings

Summer Festivities, Fair, and Theater Festival in Groningen

• The Grote Markt turns into a true amusement park during the Fair from August 21 to 28. Dare to ride the roller coaster or test your courage on the Booster!
• On Sunday, August 25th, the Suikermarkt takes place at EM2 Groningen. A nice market with vintage, retro, and homemade products.
• The Noorderplantsoen buzzes with activity from August 22 to September 2 during the Noorderzon Festival. With a special children's program full of performances and activities, this is a paradise for young culture enthusiasts.
  View the Noorderzon program
  Noorderzon timeline day by day

Climbing and Playing

In Groningen, we have many fun playgrounds to visit and also a beautiful children's farm where you can enjoy a full morning or afternoon!

• Stadspark Children's Farm with adjacent playground and a pony ride route
• The Climbing Ropes, in the middle of the Noorderplantsoen with a sand playground underneath and a basketball court. Can be busy in summer!
• Small toddler playground in Noorderplantsoen with a basketball court next to it.

3x Water Fun in the City

Explore the picturesque canals of Groningen from the water:

• Rent an electric boat at Jachthaven Reitdiep and imagine yourself as a captain for a day.
  Jachthaven Reitdiep website
• Let Rondvaartbedrijf Kooi take you on a tour and enjoy a snack and drink while the city glides by.
• For the adventurers: rent a SUP board at Bij de Sluis and paddle your own route!

Discover Disc Golf in Groningen's Stadspark

Looking for a fun outdoor activity in Groningen with your friends? Try disc golf in the beautiful Stadspark! This growing sport combines elements of frisbee and golf and is accessible to all ages and levels. The Stadspark offers a challenging 9-hole disc golf course, winding through the greenery. Enjoy nature while trying to get your disc into the special baskets in as few throws as possible.
Don't have your own disc? No problem! You can easily rent a set of discs and reserve a start time via the official website: [Book your disc golf session here]

5x Refreshing Outdoor Swimming in Groningen

It's wonderful to go swimming outdoors and combine it with, for example, a delicious self-brought lunch. If you want to be sure that the water quality is good, check this map. This can be perfect at the following locations we've selected.

1. Kardinge Recreation Lake: Popular city beach with a spacious sandy beach and shallow swimming area. Perfect for families and sun worshippers.
2. Hoornseplas: Natural swimming lake surrounded by greenery. Ideal for those seeking tranquility and nature lovers. There's also a naturist beach.
3. Paterswoldsemeer Surf Beach: Water sports paradise for active swimmers. Opportunities for surfing, sailing, and SUPing. It's also a camper spot, navigate to Strandpaviljoen Paterswoldsemeer.
4. Zilvermeer: Hidden gem in the Roegwold nature area. Crystal clear water and a serene environment for a unique swimming experience.
5. Papiermolen: Historic outdoor swimming pool in the heart of the city. With its 50-meter pool, sunbathing areas, and diving boards, it's a favorite spot for swimmers of all ages. Did you know that they traditionally organize a boss-dog swim day on their last day of the summer season?

3x Swimming Fun for Four-Legged Friends: Dog Beaches in Groningen

Looking for a place where your faithful four-legged friend can cool off during hot summer days? Groningen offers various opportunities for dogs to take a refreshing dip:

1. Selwerderpark: In the heart of the city, you'll find a small lake where dogs are allowed to swim freely. The shallow water is perfect for dogs that are not yet so sure in the water. An ideal spot for a short outing and cooling off.
   Google Maps location
2. Dog Beach Lauwersoog: On the edge of Lauwersmeer National Park lies a special dog beach, next to Restaurant Meerzicht. Here, dogs can swim to their heart's content and run along the waterline. The vast beach offers plenty of space for play and fun.
   Google Maps location
3. Appelbergen near Glimmen: This nature area south of the city has several water bodies where dogs are allowed to swim freely. The surrounding forests offer shade and extra walking opportunities, making it a perfect destination for a day out with your dog. You can park your car at Pavilion Appelbergen, which also has a playground and café.
   Google Maps location

2x Cultural Highlights in Groningen

1. Art on the Street

Discover the hidden gems of Groningen with the art routes of Kunstpunt Groningen. From street art to historical sculptures, let yourself be surprised by the open-air gallery that is Groningen. It's highly recommended to bookmark this website.

2. Groningen's Relief (Bommen Berend)

From August 21 to 28, the city celebrates its illustrious history. Highlights:

• The 'Beno Hofman Lecture' on August 26, where the history of Groningen comes to life.
• A special youth theater premiere at the Museum aan de Aa on August 27.
• More info about the youth theater premiere
• More about the history of Groningen's Relief
•  View the full program of Groningen's Relief

5x Summer Beats and Parties

For night owls and music lovers, Groningen has a swinging program in August, you can find these in the events calendar on our website!

1. Paradigm Festival 2024 (August 10-12): Two days of dancing in the iconic Sugar Factory.
2. Raveyard in the Grain Factory (August 31): Where industrial heritage and electronic music merge.
3. Bruut! Block Party with BOKOESAM (August 10): Hip-hop, DJs, and pizzas - what more could you want?
4. Sterrebos Live (August 11): Let yourself be carried away by Celtic sounds in a green oasis.
5. Radio NL Summer Tour during Groningen's Relief (August 28): Close the summer with a swinging fireworks spectacle.

Culinary Refreshments in Groningen

• Explore the best ice cream parlors in the city of Groningen and enjoy a refreshing treat. From artisanal Italian ice cream to innovative flavor combinations, Groningen has something for every ice cream lover.
• Go for a nice picnic in the Noorderplantsoen or quietly at Selwerderpark. Visit the weekly fresh market, bring a shopping trolley (you always buy more than you planned ;-)) and walk to the Noorderplantsoen in ten minutes. At the market, you'll find the most delicious fresh products, such as fresh fruit, sandwiches, fresh fish or the tastiest cheeses, but also cake! A short stop at the wine shop Cloinq on Westersingel and continue to the delightful park.
• Visit one of the favorite terraces in the city of Groningen, for example on the secluded terrace at City and Terrace Café Pronk, Wine Bar Barrel, the Feithhuis or nicely by the canal at Het Pomphuis or De Sigaar. It is advisable to reserve a spot during peak times. Also very nice are the terraces in the Noorderplantsoen, for example Lambik, Zondag and Mahalo (vegan).
• Head to the heights and visit one of the most beautiful rooftop terraces in Groningen for a drink, an outdoor cinema or dance with a fresh breeze!

In Short...

This summer, Groningen is buzzing with energy and activities. Whether you want to soak up culture, enjoy time with your children, or dance until sunrise, in the Martini City you'll experience an unforgettable summer. Dive into the vibrant city life and let yourself be surprised by everything Groningen has to offer!