What to Experience in Katwijk: Events & Activities
Below, you'll find our selection of the finest events in Katwijk and the surrounding region. Especially in the summer, there are almost daily festivities, ranging from markets and folklore to music performances and sporting events. Yet, even outside the summer season, there's plenty to enjoy in terms of varied activities.
Lifeboat Day
Each year, the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) opens the doors of its rescue stations during the annual Lifeboat Day. This event offers a unique opportunity to take a peek behind the scenes. What's on at Lifeboat Day? - Educational Activities: Learn all about the rescue work and the equipment used, ...
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National Mill Day
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The National Windmill Day, held annually on a weekend in May, is the perfect opportunity to admire hundreds of working windmills across the Netherlands up close. Since 1973, this event has celebrated our country’s rich windmill heritage and paid tribute to these iconic structures. What can you expect during the National ...
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Summer Market
Every June, the covered shopping centre at Hoornesplein in Katwijk comes alive with cheer during the annual Summer Market. This atmospheric market is the perfect place to browse, find unique treasures, and soak up the summery vibe. What can you expect at the Summer Market in Katwijk? - Charming Stalls: Explore a wide ...
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Horse Market in Rijnsburg
The Horse Market in Rijnsburg is an annual event filled with tradition and conviviality. This historic village festival attracts visitors from far and wide and offers a wide range of activities for young and old alike. What can you expect at the Horse Market in Rijnsburg? - The Horse Market: On Wednesday, the ...
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Market
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During the months of June, July, and August, the centre streets Voorstraat & Princestraat of Katwijk aan Zee host a Tourist Marketevery Tuesday for 10 weeks. - Diverse Offering: With over 130 stalls, there is something for everyone. Discover fresh local products, unique souvenirs, and artisanal delicacies. - Fresh ...
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Food Truck Festival
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It’s that time again in July: the multi-day Food Truck Festival in Katwijk! For two whole days, the Goerie is all about delicious food, drinks, music, and good vibes for young and old. What can you expect at the Food Truck Festival in Katwijk? - Delicious Street Food: Taste your way through a diverse range of food ...
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SAR Katwijk
The Katwijk Rescue Brigade organizes a big rescue demonstration. This event, SAR Katwijk, is one of the biggest (if not the biggest) of its kind in the Netherlands. All the 'Search and Rescue' participants show off their skills and knowledge. In addition to the organizing rescue brigade also the Royal Navy, Royal Air ...
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Haringrock
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Haringrock is the open-air festival on the Katwijk Boulevard. This multi-day festival offers a unique stage for Katwijk bands and musicians and promises an unforgettable experience full of music and conviviality. Why you shouldn't miss Haringrock: - Music and Entertainment: Enjoy live performances from local and ...
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North Sea Summer Festival
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Discover the North Sea Summer Festival (Noordzee Zomerfestival), a vibrant event offering nine days of activities on the beautiful beach of Katwijk aan Zee. This festival, held annually since 2003, attracts over 25,000 visitors with its diverse program, making it the largest free event in the region. What to Expect at the ...
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Flower Parade
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The annual Flower Parade is a colourful spectacle that takes place every year at the beginning of August and is a feast for all the senses. This moving flower theatre attracts thousands of visitors to Rijnsburg, Katwijk and Noordwijk to enjoy stunning flower creations and lively performances. What can you expect during ...
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Oranjedance
Every August, Katwijk aan den Rijn comes alive during Oranjedance, the ultimate dance festival that forms part of the vibrant Autumn Festivities. This annual event draws around 8,000 partygoers and promises an energetic vibe, danceable beats and summery vibes. What can you expect at Oranjedance? - Top DJs: Get ready for a ...
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Valkenburg Horse Market
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Ever since 840, the Valkenburg Horse Market, affectionately called 'Dé Mart' by locals, has been drawing visitors and horse enthusiasts from all over The Netherlands. Holding the title of the country's oldest Horse Market, it represents a centuries-old tradition in Valkenburg (South Holland). This historical event takes ...
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Open Monuments Day in Katwijk
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Every year, on a weekend in September, many monuments in the Netherlands open their doors to the public. The participating monuments in Katwijk can be recognised by the Open Monuments Day flag, with the logo as depicted here. It offers the rare opportunity to visit historical buildings, churches, windmills, residences, and ma ...
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National Museum Week
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The National Museum Week is an annual event where hundreds of museums throughout the Netherlands open their doors to celebrate the rich culture, art, and history of the country. This event offers a unique opportunity to discover the hidden treasures and famous collections of Dutch museums. From historical artefacts to ...
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Duin en Bollen Vierdaagse
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Are you ready for an unforgettable walking experience through the beautiful Duin- en Bollenstreek in the heart of South Holland? The Duin en Bollen Vierdaagse offers the most beautiful walking routes in the Netherlands, all in four days! This young walking event takes you through the charming villages of Hillegom, Lisse, ...
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2026
New Year's Day plunge
On the first on January the annual New Year's Dive (Polar Bear Plunge) is organized in Katwijk, which has been since 2000. This traditional event creates a lot of fun on several beaches each year on 1 January.
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Shell Counting Day
On Saturday, 22 March 2025, we will once again head en masse to the beaches to count shells! In 2024, enthusiastic participants counted nearly 50,000 shells together – will you help break that record? What is Shell Counting Day? - Open to everyone: Whether you're a seasoned shell expert or joining for the first time, ...
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National Museum Week
Begin april
The National Museum Week is an annual event where hundreds of museums throughout the Netherlands open their doors to celebrate the rich culture, art, and history of the country. This event offers a unique opportunity to discover the hidden treasures and famous collections of Dutch museums. From historical artefacts to ...
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Funfair in Katwijk aan zee
End April
The Funfair in Katwijk aan Zee is an annual festival that entertains both young and old with a multitude of attractions. Situated in the beautiful South Holland seaside resort, the 9-day funfair provides entertainment for everyone. What can you expect at the Funfair in Katwijk aan Zee? - Diverse Attractions: From the ...