Groningen Summer Guide 2026: 14 Top Markets, Things to Do & Places to Stay
Jul 8, 2026 • 14 minutes reading time
14 x Discover the Best Summer Markets and Street Fairs in Groningen 2026
Summer has a lot to offer if you love browsing for great bargains at markets in Groningen and the north of the Netherlands. Even better are the themed markets: a quick trip to a whole different world, right here in Groningen. Plant lovers, history buffs and lovers of natural, culinary markets alike — visiting a summer market is the perfect activity for families and friends. Whether you're a foodie or a lover of music and culture, you can indulge to your heart's content this summer!
Great summer markets 2026 in and around Groningen
1. Summer Flea Market Vismarkt — Sunday, 16 August 2026
Hidden treasures, unique finds and soaking up the summer atmosphere at the Vismarkt in Groningen! Vitalis has organised flea markets at the Vismarkt for years. There are also two more flea markets on 6 and 13 September 2026, but due to renovations at the Vismarkt these will be held on the Grote Markt instead.
2. Montmartre Sellingen — Saturday, 11 July 2026, a taste of France in Groningen
On Saturday, 11 July 2026, the centre of Sellingen transforms into an atmospheric French artists' village during Montmartre Sellingen 2026. Families can enjoy art, live music, street theatre and cosy terraces, while children are entertained with face painting, a magician, balloon animals and other fun activities. A relaxed, free day out for the whole family in a summery French atmosphere.
3. Waddenmarkt Pieterburen — every Sunday, 2026
The Waddenmarkt in Pieterburen offers a unique experience every week. Enjoy local products such as freshly smoked fish, regional cheeses, and seasonal fruit and vegetables. Each market features special activities such as live music, cake-baking contests or mussel festivals. There's also a large playground for kids, making it a great experience for the whole family.
4. Ommelander Markt — every 2nd and 4th Saturday, 2026
The Ommelander Markt showcases products made in and around Groningen. You can find upcoming market dates on their website or in our calendar. You'll find fresh local herbs, various kinds of local (goat's) cheese, locally baked bread and honey from beekeepers in the Groningen area, and much more. This recurring market takes place every 2nd and 4th Saturday at De Beren in Groningen, close to DOT city beach, and there's also a playground so your kids can have fun while you browse the stalls.
5. Suikermarkt EM2 — 31 August 2026
On 31 August the Suikermarkt takes place at EM2, the former sugar factory! A wonderful vintage market with food trucks and a cosy spot to find, for example, handmade items and secondhand clothing. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly.
6. Holiday Market Veendam — Monday, 28 July 2026
The Holiday Market in Veendam takes place on Monday, 28 July 2026. Shop at 150 stalls spread across the town centre, offering a variety of summer items. Enjoy children's attractions, music stages and relax on the inviting terraces of local cafés.
7. Weekly Markets in Groningen — every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday
Groningen's weekly markets offer a lively shopping experience with a variety of fresh produce, including fish, vegetables and fruit. Enjoy delicious cakes, fresh bread and an Italian coffee on the go. Discover the lively atmosphere and local specialities that make these markets a weekly highlight. For a full list of all markets in Groningen, Ten Boer and Haren, you can check here.
Unique summer markets in Groningen 2026
8. Historic Regional Produce Market Nienoord — Saturday, 1 August 2026
The Regional Produce Market Nienoord at Oosterheerd farm in Leek offers seasonal local products. Each month has a new theme celebrating seasonal produce. In summer you'll find strawberries, tomatoes and other Dutch fruit, alongside plants, hand-knitted items and fresh herbs. In short, a must-visit for foodies!
9. Exotic Plant Market Meeden — Saturday, 15 and Sunday, 16 August 2026
Ever dreamed of picking a banana from your own banana tree? Then visit this Exotic Plant Market and get inspired by a group of unique growers. A selection of what's on offer includes: tree ferns, palms, cacti, agaves, orchids, bananas, hardy begonias, giant-leaf plants, monsteras, ornamental gingers, cannas and more. This event is a must for lovers of exotic-looking plants that can thrive in our climate and combine well with more conventional garden plants and native species. This weekend gives you plenty of opportunity to pick up new plants and get inspired for your own garden. Free entry, from 10am to 5pm.
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10. Historic Harvest Festival — Saturday, 8 and Sunday, 9 August 2026
This year's theme is "the potato". Tickets start at 15 euros for adults. During this harvest festival you'll learn all about country life in days gone by. What was life like for a 19th-century citizen? How did the nobility live? What was it like to be a farmer or farmhand? History comes to life during the Historic Harvest Festival in Leens. At Verhildersum Estate, you'll experience a weekend full of history, agriculture, crafts, live and local music, theatre and other entertainment. You can buy tickets for the whole weekend or for just one day! This is more than just a market — it's a festival and an event you won't want to miss.
11. Art and Culture Market Haren — Saturday, 22 August 2026
Ervaar Haren kicks off the 2026 cultural season with the Art and Culture Market. Various artists and makers present their beautiful work. It's a cultural introduction to Haren, organised by the Haren Cultural Council in collaboration with Ondernemend Haren. Check out all the upcoming events in Haren here: Events | Haren Stay in Groningen.
12. Mega Outdoor Flea Market, Street Fair & Car Boot Sale Groningen — Sunday, 9 August 2026
On Sunday, 9 August 2026, the first edition of the Mega Outdoor Flea Market, Street Fair & Car Boot Sale takes place at the Drafbaan Groningen. With around 250 to 300 vendors, this event ranks among the largest outdoor flea markets in Groningen. Browse hundreds of stalls and car boots full of secondhand items, vintage pieces, antiques, curiosities, toys and great bargains. What's more, getting there is easy thanks to free parking for visitors.
Fun summer activities with kids in Groningen 2026
Groningen Open Gardens Relay — Saturday, 1 and Sunday, 2 August 2026
Get an unashamed peek into your neighbours' gardens — that's exactly what you can do during the Groningen Open Gardens Relay. Check the website to see which gardens in Groningen are taking part; it's a rather nice list. With good weather, hop on your bike!
Visit the Seal Viewing Wall
Note: this is a quiet activity, so keep the noise down. But it's definitely worth peeking through the seal viewing wall and watching the seals shuffling around on the mudflats. Check here for more information.
Classic Car Day Winsum on Sunday, 23 August 2026
Are you a fan of classic and vintage cars? Do you own one, or simply enjoy admiring them? Then this event is a must for you! Check here for more information.
Children's Festival Haren on Saturday, 22 August 2026
On Saturday, 22 August 2026, the Hortus Botanicus in Haren transforms into a cheerful festival ground for the whole family. Enjoy performances, creative workshops, sporting challenges, music, games, surprising encounters and delicious food, spread throughout the green gardens of the Hortus. A day full of discovery, participation and shared enjoyment for young and old.
Zomerstad Groningen Programme: if you just want to do something fun with the kids without having to open your wallet right away, it's worth taking a look at the Zomerstad Groningen programme. On weekends, something is often organised around the Grote Markt and Nieuwe Markt, such as a football or circus clinic or a good old bounce on a bouncy castle. Your kids can join these activities for free. There's also a nice art market at Westerhaven on 19 and 26 July and on Sunday, 2 and Sunday, 9 August 2026.
Family-friendly hotels in Groningen with family rooms or suites
Groningen has plenty to offer families! During school holidays there are fun children's films at the cinema at Forum Groningen, or visit the comic museum Storyworld. There are also often great shows at Martiniplaza or children's theatre at the Grand Theatre, the Stadsschouwburg or De Oosterpoort. Want something more hands-on and creative? Check out what Kunstpunt has to offer. The range of accommodation in Groningen is large. Family rooms are ideal for families, since staying together in one room is just nicer. Below you'll find a number of hotels with family rooms, suites or apartments:
- Flonk Hotel Groningen Centre has triple rooms and apartments, within walking distance of the city centre.
- The Happy Traveler offers family-friendly apartments, such as their Family Apartment with a bunk bed.
- Hotel Halbert has family rooms for four people; Hotel Corps de Garde offers rooms for three people. Both are located within the canals, close to the Grote Markt.
- At Suite 30 you'll stay in a spacious apartment close to the city centre and Noorderplantsoen. Ideal for families, and dogs are welcome too!
- Hotel Miss Blanche has luxurious suites, some with two separate bedrooms, located on the canals with beautiful views.
Book through StayinGroningen and you'll support local entrepreneurs and creative talent in the city. Feeling like planning your holiday? Check out our event calendar for inspiration!
Stay in Groningen Event Calendar
There's so much to do when you visit Groningen in the summer! If you live in Groningen, just stay in Groningen and enjoy the markets. The list seems endless. Want to be featured on our website? Get in touch with us via info@stayingroningen.com. We list hotels, events and venues. We've also started adding unique restaurants and shops. We're a social booking platform; we support local artists with the proceeds from our bookings. A local business supporting creativity and culture in Groningen. So…
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