DutchReview

Explore luxury apartments at Hyde Park's Summer Open House and find your dream home
2023-08-28 10:00 - 2023-09-02 17:00 (Europe/Amsterdam) | Hyde Park House, Planetenweg 5, Hoofddorp, North-Holland, Netherlands
Picture an apartment that’s stylish, modern, and just right for you. Well, look no further than a property in Hyde Park, and you’ll see it’s everything you imagined. 🤩
Your imagination won’t have to do all the work, though. During the Summer Open House days at Hyde Park House, you can watch your vision come to life.
Get a look inside your future home
The sale of the Knightsbridge block at Hyde Park is in full swing. From studio apartments to spacious penthouses, your next investment is just around the corner.
At the Summer Open House days, you can admire the brilliant model homes available with your very own eyes (and start planning where you’d put your furniture 👀).
READ MORE | Curious about modern living in the Amsterdam area? Visit the Hyde Park House
You’ll watch your housing dreams come to life during your discovery of different floor plans, architectural styles, and unique finishes available to match your personality.
Ask your burning questions
While you’re touring the showroom and model homes, you’re bound to think of a question or two.
All those questions flooding your brain about financing, amenities, and anything else you think of will be answered by Hyde Park’s handy team of experts. They’ll help and guide you in making the best decision in your exciting new venture.
When, where, and how?
⏰ When? From Monday, August 28 until Saturday, September 2
Monday from 10 AM until 5 PM
Tuesday-Thursday from 10 AM until 7 PM
Friday & Saturday from 10 AM until 5 PM
🔎 Where? At Hyde Park House on Planetenweg 5 in Hoofddorp.
🤔 How? Easy peasy — just register on Hyde Park’s website and show up!
Will you be attending? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Pasar Leiden: Indonesian Festival for young and old
2023-08-26 12:00 - 22:00 | Cultuurplein Lammermarkt in Leiden, Lammermarkt 20P, Leiden, 2312 CW, Netherlands
Immerse yourself in Indonesian culture and entertainment while here in the Netherlands.
If you’re looking for something unique to do on August 26, where you can also take the kids, why not drag them along to Pasar Leiden on Lammermarkt so you all have a good time.
Entertain the kinderen with a kite-making workshop or with books and games by Joyce de Vries, while you enjoy some cocktails and listen to some good music. 🍹
A day filled with live performances, culture and borrelen. Who could be happier? Well, you will be when you find out it’s free!
Don’t forget your wallet at home, however, because there will be 30-40 food, lifestyle, and culture stalls for you to explore.
When, where, and how?
📅 When? Saturday, August 26, from 12 PM to 10 PM.
📍 Where? Cultuurplein Lammermarkt in Leiden
❓ How? Just walk right in — it’s free!
Will you be attending this exciting festival? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Wereldmuseum Leiden's mind-bending maps exhibit
2023-08-23 10:00 - 2023-10-29 17:00 | Wereldmuseum Leiden
Need a place for a great first date? Or perhaps somewhere to show off to your friends? Point your compass towards Wereldmuseum Leiden’s latest exhibit!
When you hear the word “map”, you probably think of a piece of paper depicting the geography of some country — but what if we told you a map can actually blow your mind?
Wereldmuseum Leiden’s latest exhibit, Maps: navigate and manipulate, challenges the boundaries of what you may think a map is, presenting its visitors with maps you never thought could exist.
Navigate the possibilities of cartography
A map of Utopia? Of course, that’s a thing! A map of an autistic mind? Yep, they’ve got it. A map of time itself? You’ll find it down the hall and to the right.
To add to the spectacle, the museum has included contemporary art installations that certainly add to the mind-blowing nature of the exhibit.
The exhibit is a spectacle as soon as you walk in! Image: DutchReview
Point me in the right direction! How can I see this?
Ready to grab your favourite history nerd or friend in need of some brain-melting? Great! Here’s where your journey begins:
🌎 Where? Wereldmuseum Leiden, Steenstraat 1, 2312 BS Leiden
⏰ When? Wereldmuseum Leiden is open between 10 AM and 5 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. The exhibit will be on view until October 29, 2023.
💳💥 How? Simply head to the tickets page and hit that button! Otherwise, you can always buy tickets at the front desk.
Will you be heading to this exhibit? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Something for the whole family! Let your kids run wild at Wereldmuseum Leiden's Animal Academy
2023-07-28 10:00 - 2023-10-29 17:00 | Wereldmuseum Leiden
Do you have kids bouncing off the walls at home? Aren’t they so cute? (Do you need somewhere to entertain them during the autumn holidays? 👀) Look no further, Wereldmuseum Leiden’s DierenAcademie exhibit is fun for children and parents alike!
With a series of exciting rooms focusing on specific animals, the DierenAcademie (Animal Academy) exhibit allows your children to run between interactive exercises and learn from the world’s beautiful creatures.
Teach (and tire out) your children
As soon as you walk into this colourful exhibition, the games begin. Your children are free to interact with almost every element of the exhibit. In fact, it’s encouraged.
They are welcome to hop like a kangaroo, howl like a wolf, hide like a leopard, or even push a giant ball of “dung” like a dung beetle! This makes for some great photo ops — but also for some excellent learning experiences. 🐅
For children and parents alike
Not only is this exhibit packed with fun experiences for children, but also for the adults in attendance! Yes, your child is extremely cute when wearing a fake wolf tail, but the exhibit offers more than just some great “awww” moments.
The DierenAcademie also looks to point to the bigger picture — how we as humans interact with our environment, and what can we learn from the animal kingdom?
I’m in! When, where, and how?
Ready to grab your kids and head out the door? Great! Let’s tell you all you need to know 👇:
⏰ When? The DierenAcademie exhibit takes place until October 29, 2023 and is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 AM and 5 PM.
🌎 Where? Wereldmuseum Leiden, Steenstraat 1, 2312 BS Leiden.
💳💥 How? Easy! You can either book your tickets online, or simply head to the ticket desk at the museum’s entrance.
Ready to let your kids run wild? Wereldmuseum Leiden will see you there!

The next STAP subsidy round opens soon! (And third time's the charm!)
2023-07-03 10:00 | Online
Helaas, maybe you missed the previous two STAP rounds this year? Don’t worry, because applications will soon be opening for the third round this year, on July 3!
First things first: what’s a STAP budget? (And why do you need it in your life ASAP?)
The STAP budget is a government subsidy of up to €1000 intended to give employees and job seekers in the Dutch labour market all the skills they need to seriously impress an employer. 💪
From marketing classes to digital leadership, to a whole host of other professional skills that’ll have your CV practically writing itself, this budget will cover the tools you need to climb that career ladder.
If you’re over 18 years of age, haven’t yet applied for the STAP budget this year, and are linked to the Dutch labour market… it’s time to send in your application!
Oh, and did we mention that speed is of the essence? 👀 The STAP budget is granted to a limited number of applications, so only a certain number of lucky ducks manage to get it. Make sure you’re one of them by applying on July 3 at 10 AM sharp!
Your next career break is calling out to you
Can’t figure out what course is going to magically whisk you into Employee of the Month™️? Fret not, because Growth Tribe‘s huge library of courses (all covered by the STAP budget, natuurlijk 😉) is here to save the day.
That sounds like a sweet deal to us: letting Growth Tribe do the heavy lifting on overhauling your digital skills, whilst the Dutch government picks up the cheque!
Sign me up! When and where?
⏰ When? July 3, 2023 (at 10 AM sharp!)
🔍 Where? On the UWV’s online STAP portal
🤔 How? Choose a course that speaks to your soul — but remember to pre-register with Growth Tribe before applying for your STAP budget

June solstice
2023-06-21 | Netherlands, Netherlands
June solstice, also known as summer solstice or midsummer, celebrates the longest day of the year. Sounds like a great excuse to have your garden party until late in the evening, no?
READ MORE | It’s the longest day of the year! And it’ll be a hot one too

Father's Day
2023-06-18 | Netherlands, Netherlands
While Father’s Day (Vaderdag) may not be as famous as Mother’s Day, it definitely does put the dads in the spotlight. In the Netherlands, dads might be surprised with breakfast in bed or other little gifts from their children. And the best part? They get an excuse to take the day off from doing any housework!
READ MORE |Becoming a father? Here’s everything you need to know about paternity leave in the Netherlands in 2022

Try out a Dutch or Spanish language class for FREE with UvA Talen's workshop!
2023-06-07 18:45 - 2023-06-14 19:30 | Online
Eager to learn a new language but not 100% ready to commit? Well, how about a workshop to find out? Dat kan, with UvA Talen!
Yup, the independent language school from the University of Amsterdam now lets you trial an online group course before registering for one of their classes. Oh, and the best part? It’s completely free! 🤩
The first two trial workshops will take place in June, and are intended for anyone interested in learning Dutch or Spanish.
And psssst… if you enrol in a class after the workshop, you’ll enjoy a special discount — for workshop participants only! 🤫
🇳🇱 So, you’re ready to learn Nederlands?
Hoi, eager Dutch learners — time to get a taste of what a Dutch class can offer you. 📚
How? Just join UvA Talen at their free Dutch for beginners workshop to see what you can expect.
From meeting your future classmates to nailing the pronunciation of those funny Dutch words and learning some basic Dutch — UvA Talen’s Dutch teacher will be there with you at every step along the way.
🇪🇸 How about Español?
Geen Nederlands for you, but ready to impress your friends and family with your (soon-to-be impeccable) Spanish skills? Muy bien!
UvA Talen brings you just what you need. In their free workshop, you will not only get to meet your potential teacher, but you can even learn some basics of the Spanish language (so that you’ll finally be able to say more than just “hola” 😉).
When, where and how?
⏰ When?

The Dutch workshop will take place on June 7, from 6:45 PM until 7.30 PM.
The Spanish workshop will take place on June 14, from 6:45 PM until 7.30 PM.

📍 Where? On your couch! Or your bed, your desk, your kitchen table, wherever! Simply hop onto the Zoom call. A link will be provided before the start of each workshop.
✍️ How? You can sign up by filling out the designated form, for either the Dutch workshop, or the Spanish workshop.
So, will we see you in class? We can’t wait!

Explore and be awed by the Dutch landscape with Renzy’s sightseeing tours!
2023-06-01 10:00 - 2023-10-31 13:00
With summer around the corner and the weather clearing up, it’s time to explore what the Netherlands has to offer and take a tour. With Renzy’s countryside & windmill tour, that is. 😌
Crowded tours with lots of people? Nee. An annoying tour guide that won’t stop babbling? A guided tour on the guide’s schedule? No sir!
With Renzy’s sightseeing tours, the customer experience is anything but boring. Renzy provides a 2-person electric Renault Twizy with GPS navigation and audio guide where you can marvel at the Dutch countryside — your own pace and privacy guaranteed.
Bask in those stunning Dutch views
This self-guided tour takes you along South Holland roads past windmills, polders, and picturesque villages. Just you, your travelling companion, and nature around you for 180 minutes. 🌳
Need a break from driving around? Take one! At any point in time, you can get off to see and experience the sights up close and in private.
Tip: bring your camera or phone, you’re going to be needing it!
When, where, and how?
📅 When? June 1 – October 31 from either 10 AM until 1 PM or 3 PM until 6 PM.
📍 Where? Lisse, easily accessible by car or public transport.
❓ How? Book your next trip via the Renzy booking link.
But wait! Here’s a cheeky 20% discount code available during weekdays!
Discount code: Dutchreviewweekdays23
Ready to explore sights you haven’t seen before? Go and enjoy the ride! 🚙

An 'international' exhibition! Portraits of Leiden's expats on show
2023-06-01 09:00 - 2023-06-30 17:00 | Stadhuis Leiden, Stadhuisplein 1, Leiden, 2311 EJ, Netherlands
Join us Leiden Exposed’s latest showcase demonstrating the beautiful and diverse community of the Dutch city of Leiden. 📸
While Leiden may be a small city, it’s quickly become home to people from all corners of the world, each coming with their own fascinating and unique experiences.
Koen Suidgeest, a city photographer, is kicking off his exhibition, ‘Leiden, Metropolis’, on June 1, which portrays the diversity of Leiden’s residents. 🤩
Suidgeest published portraits every week in the city’s beloved Leidsch Dagblad to show the international faces of the small city. Ending up with 52 portraits, he has collected stories from Leiden’s international community — and now they’re open for everyone to experience.
Come along for free
The exhibition will be held in Leiden’s stunning city hall where you can visit the exhibition for free any weekday throughout all of June.
However, if you want to enjoy something extra special, attend the opening celebration on June 1 for a lovely drink and the chance to connect with other internationals. ✨ Suidgeest will also present a selection of his beautiful portraits as well as his book.
When, where, and how?
📅 When? Opening night: June 1 from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Exhibition: June 1 – June 30 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays.
📍 Where? Stadsfoyer, town hall city centre (easily accessible by bike, public transport, or car).
❓ How? Just walk right in — it’s free!
Will you be attending Leiden’s exciting exhibition? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Whit Monday (Tweede Pinksterdag)
2023-05-29 | Netherlands, Netherlands
Fancy a long weekend? Exactly seven weeks after Easter Monday falls Whit Monday — and, luckily, it’s a public holiday! The Dutch take full advantage of this by heading to one of many outdoor festivals organised or taking off to a camping ground for a weekend getaway. Leuk!
READ MORE | All you need to know about Pentecost in the Netherlands: 2022

Whit Sunday (Eerste Pinksterdag)
2023-05-28 | Netherlands, Netherlands
Whit Sunday is part of what the Dutchies call the Pentecost. What is it all about? Originally a Christian holiday, nowadays Pentecost is about enjoying time off with family and friends or singing your heart out at outdoor music festivals. And the most popular one that takes place during this long weekend? Pinkpop!
READ MORE | All you need to know about Pentecost in the Netherlands: 2022

Get your culture fix at Tilburg's city-wide art event
2023-05-25 16:00 - 2023-05-26 00:00
Calling all culture connoisseurs and city explorers: the second edition of Tilburg’s Cultuurroute013 is just around the corner!
At this city-wide art festival, you’ll find everything your heart desires — from live music and dance performances to open museums and a big after-party.
Sounds good? Of course it does! Let’s find out more. 👇
What can you expect?
The idea for Cultuurroute013 came during the pandemic, when streets looked nothing but empty and sad. That needed to change, and it did!
Now that the world is back to normal, Ticket to Tilburg and Stad van Makers take you through the stunning city of Tilburg and show you its cultural crème de la crème.
The locations in the Cultuurroute include museums, theatres, studios, exhibition spaces, the Tilburg Palace-Raadhuis, a wine shop and the oldest cinema in the Netherlands.
During the event, you not only get to see stunning artwork and live performances that will get your inspiration flowing, but you also get to meet the creatives behind them. 🎨
Oh, and the best part? It’s completely free! The program of the route takes place between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Ready, set, dance!
Not ready to go home yet? You don’t have to! Just head to the Theater de Nieuwe Vorst for an unforgettable after-party.
From 9 PM until midnight, you can grab a drink and dance away to the sounds of Tilburg’s best DJs. 🕺
When, where, how?

⏰ When? Mark your calendars! The Cultuurroute013 takes place on Thursday, May 25, from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
📍 Where? Throughout the stunning city of Tilburg! You can find the complete route here.
🔎 How? Easy: just go! Participation is free; all you have to do is show up!

Will you be embarking on this cultural adventure? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Let Jasdeep Singh Degun take you on a musical journey to India’s stunning shores
2023-05-21 20:00 - 2023-05-28 23:00 | De Doelen ICC Rotterdam, Schouwburgplein 50, Rotterdam, 3012 CL, Netherlands
Calling all music lovers that want to check out a dazzling blend of classical and contemporary tunes!
This May, Rotterdam’s De Doelen concert hall will come alive with entrancing melodies from virtuoso sitarist and composer, Jasdeep Singh Degun.
On tour to promote his genre-bending classical debut, Anomaly, Jasdeep Singh Degun and his eight-piece band will be treating the Netherlands to a unique cultural experience.
In Anomaly, Degun’s particular brand of fusion blends the vibrancy of Indian traditional music with the richness of Western classical music and the energy of UK jazz.
Whether you’re looking forward to exploring the beauty of India through music or just want to hear a blazing sitar solo, this treat for the ears truly has something for every listener.

Geweldig! When and where?
This unmissable event will be held at Rotterdam’s De Doelen concert hall and convention centre. Just a stone’s throw from the city’s vibrant centre, the location is easily accessible by public transport.
Make sure to grab those tickets in time, though. On May 21 doors will open at 19:00, the show kicks off at 20:00 — and you definitely don’t want to miss it. (Unless you’re going to be hopping over the channel to see Jasdeep Singh Degun take Manchester by storm on June 8! 😉)
Will you be heading over to De Doelen to see Jasdeep Singh Degun live in concert?

Get speaking Dutch in just seven days with Talencoach's Brainwash course!
2023-05-20 10:00 - 2023-05-26 16:45
It’s time for a spring clean — and yes, also for your brain! With Talencoach’s 7-day Dutch Brainwash Course, you’ll soon be speaking your heart out… in DUTCH!
A boring top-down method of teaching? Nee. Complicated textbooks? Nuh-uh. Endless repetitions of the same lessons? None of that!
Instead, Talencoach’s unique teaching methods are based on neurolinguistic programming (NLP) — and are guaranteed to bring you a week of fun learning, that will actually help improve your Dutch.
How? Learning by doing, of course. 😉
Speak freely in no time!
During seven six-hour long sessions, this class will get you talking freely, about any topic you can think of.
In a classroom with people that will soon feel like old friends, you’ll have the chance to perfect your pronunciation, expand your vocabulary, or simply focus on bettering your understanding of Dutch culture and humour.
It’s the perfect combination of learning and having fun, that’ll inspire you to keep improving long after the course ends.
When, where, and how?
⏰ When? Between May 20 and May 26, 2023, from 10 AM until 4:45 PM.
📍 Where? At the Talencoach HQ, in the centre of beautiful Amsterdam.
🔎 How? Just sign up via the Talencoach website.
Can’t make this event? Geen probleem, another 7-day course is coming up between June 10 and June 16!
Ready to take your Dutch to the next level? This is your chance!

Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag)
2023-05-18 | Netherlands, Netherlands
Feel like you need a bit of a break during the working week? Then you’re in luck because Ascension day is typically celebrated on a Thursday! It marks the 40th day of Easter, and while some religious Dutchies may wish to celebrate the event with a church service, for others it’s simply a nice day off to enjoy basking in the spring sun.
READ MORE | Holidays in the Netherlands 2022: when are the public, national, and school holidays?

Mother's Day (Moederdag-Bloemendag)
2023-05-14 | Netherlands, Netherlands
Did you know that in the Netherlands, Mother’s Day is associated with flowers? So much so that it used to be referred to by the name Moederdag-Bloemendag (Mother’s Day – Flower Day) in the mid-’30s. This was pushed by florists to give a seasonal boost to the flower industry. Now that’s what you call a successful marketing campaign.
Want to celebrate your mama the Dutch way? Bake her a moederdag taart (Mother’s Day cake). Whether it’s red velvet, carrot cake, or cheesecake, we’re pretty sure your mum will love the sweet treat.

Liberation Day (Bevrijdigingsdag)
2023-05-05 | Netherlands, Netherlands
The Dutch love their freedom and on this day, they take to the streets to celebrate it. A day full of festivals, parades, and concerts, May 5 commemorates the end of the German occupation of the Netherlands at the end of WWII. As part of the celebrations, the liberation flame is lit every year in Wageningen and then relayed by over a thousand runners to 200 Dutch municipalities.
READ MORE | Liberation Day in the Netherlands: what you need to know about May 5

National Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking)
2023-05-04 | Netherlands, Netherlands
Freedom is a huge part of the Dutch culture and this day pays a tribute to all those who gave their lives for it. On Dodenherdenking (Remembrance Day), a royal memorium is presented by the king and the queen at the Dam square. Another important tradition is holding a two-minute silence to commemorate the victims of war. Celebrations of freedom continue into the next day with the lighting of the “liberation flame” at midnight. This marks the start of the more jovial Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day).
READ MORE | All you need to know about National Remembrance Day in the Netherlands

King’s Day (Koningsdag)
2023-04-27 | Netherlands, Netherlands
Happy birthday King Willem-Alexander! The tradition of celebrating the monarch’s birthday is over 100 years old, but we’re guessing it used to be a lot more formal. Today, Koningsdag is known for the vrijmarkt (free market) which is basically a big yard sale, and oranjegekte (orange madness). When the Dutch say madness, they really mean it. Every year, streets are filled to the brim with Dutchies adopting orange dress, cheerfully enjoying a biertje or two.
READ MORE | 5 things to do on King’s Day to celebrate the Dutch way

Kickstart your home-buying journey with this FREE webinar
2023-04-25 10:30 - 12:00 | Online
From finding a house within your budget to navigating complicated Dutch terms and getting a mortgage — the process of buying a house in the Netherlands can be intimidating. Luckily, the experts from Expat Housing Network are here to offer their advice.
Purchasing a home is guaranteed to bring up some questions, whether you’re a first-time buyer or not. So, if you’re still looking for answers, search no further!
As part of the “Buying Your Own Home in the Netherlands” webinar, Expat Housing Network will offer insight into all there is to know about the process of purchasing your very own Dutch home.
Oh, and the best part? The webinar is completely FREE to attend — all you have to do is sign up in advance.
Themes that will be discussed during the meeting include:

The advantages of buying vs renting
The process of buying a home in the Netherlands
The key players you’ll meet during the process
The timeline and costs you can expect
Other important things to know

Ask your questions!
After the presentation, it’s time for you to ask any questions that may still be open. Specialists from both Expat Housing Network and Mister Mortgage will offer their knowledge to help you out!
So, what are you waiting for? Time to kick-start your very own home-buying journey!
When, where, and how?
⏰ When? April 25, 2023 — from 10:30 AM until 12 PM.
🔎Where? From the comfort of your home! A link to the webinar will be sent out ahead of time.
🤔 How? You can simply sign up here.
Can’t make it? Geen probleem (no problem), you can always sign up and receive the webinar recording!

Smash plates, grab drinks, and destress at this unique event!
2023-04-22 13:00 - 16:00 | PIP The Hague, Binckhorstlaan 36, 2516 BE, Den Haag, Netherlands
Navigating life as an international in the Netherlands can be stressful (trust us, we know). As worries from different areas of life build up, have you ever felt like just SMASHING them all to pieces? 💥
Well… now you can (safely and with a purpose)! At AMP Community’s Smash and Grab event on April 22, you’ll get to write your frustrations, stressors, or worries on some plates and then smash them right up.
Meet the international community
Feel your frustrations break away while enjoying some lekkere drinks, valuable coaching on catharsis, and lots of socialising with like-minded internationals — all in the name of mental health.
The event’s €15 participation fee includes protective eyewear, plates to smash and markers to write with — and will flow directly into funding the AMP Community’s future events.
All you need to do is bring close-toed shoes, long pants, and an open mind!
When, where, and how?
⏰ When? On Saturday, April 22, from 1 PM to 4 PM!
🔎 Where? At PIP in the Hague.

🤔 How? Easy! RSVP by April 17 by sending a message to @ampc.thehague on Instagram, or e-mailing ampcthehague@gmail.com!
Ready to go for it? Sign up to smash some plates, grab some drinks, and connect with fellow internationals in the Netherlands.

Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag)
2023-04-10 | Netherlands, Netherlands
Get ready for a big brunch including croissants, eggs and paasbrood (bread with cinnamon and raisins). Dutch Easter is all about getting together with family and celebrating the time spent together with plenty of tasty food.
READ MORE | Easter in the Netherlands: What’s happening in 2019?

Easter Sunday (Eerste Paasdag)
2023-04-09 | Netherlands, Netherlands
What better occasion to decorate your house with tulips and colourful eggs? Painting eggs to make cute Easter decorations is a big thing in the Netherlands and you’ll find painting kits, egg stands and other handy tools all over Dutch supermarkets. Maybe this year you should give it a try!
READ MORE | Easter in the Netherlands: What’s happening in 2019?

Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag)
2023-04-07 | Netherlands, Netherlands
While Goede Vrijdag originally commemorates Jesus’ resurrection, nowadays people typically start their Easter celebrations with chocolate eggs. Easter egg hunts are popular in the Netherlands, where Dutchies hide chocolate and painted hard-boiled eggs for children to find. Maybe it’s time to check your garden to see if the neighbour left a little surprise for you!
READ MORE | Celebrating Easter in the Netherlands: all you need to know

Daylight Savings Time begins
2023-03-27
Who doesn’t like an extra hour of sunshine, especially in the Netherlands? On this day, the clock jumps an hour in the middle of the night, skipping 2 AM straight to 3 AM. This gives us more light to enjoy during the day in the following spring and summer months.
READ MORE | 15 things to do in spring in the Netherlands

Immerse yourself in art from around the world at Rotterdam's ICAF 2023
2023-03-27 - 2023-04-02 | Rotterdam
The world’s biggest International Community Art Festival is back with its ninth edition! Under the theme of “The Sound of Change,” the ICAF is bringing together artists from all corners of the world — right in the heart of Rotterdam.
During the festival, creators from across the globe will turn the city into one big stage, and celebrate community arts in all its shapes and forms.
One city, many cultures
Inspiring creators from South Africa, Singapore, New Zealand and Colombia, among many others, will show visitors how art can bridge distances between people, cultures, and the world.
The amazingly varied programme of the ICAF is guaranteed to have just the right experience for you — whether you want to learn about gender-based violence in Africa, or see a magical performance by a Portuguese disability-inclusive dance group.
For as little as €5 per show, you can see the magic for yourself!
Get creative!
This year, the Rotterdams Wijktheater will also be offering a so-called “City Programme” where, for the first time ever, Rotterdam locals can directly step into the vibrant world of creativity.
Besides the large-scale performances, this programme will also offer community-rooted workshops, guaranteed to get your creative juices flowing!
So, what are you waiting for? Get inspired by projects ranging from impactful theatre productions to fiery dance recitals, inspiring workshops and much, much more.
When, where, and how?
⏰ When? The ICAF will be taking place from March 27, 2023 until April 2, 2023.
🔎Where? Across different locations throughout the beautiful city of Rotterdam!
🤔 How? Tickets for individual performances can be purchased on the website of the Rotterdams Wijktheater.

Cherry blossom season
2023-03-20 - 2023-04-15 | Netherlands, Netherlands
It’s that time of the year again when spring has sprung and across the Netherlands, flowers have started to bloom. This includes the stunning Japanese cherry blossom trees. Fancy a nice spring photoshoot or just an extremely Instagram-worthy spot for a picnic? Head to Amsterdamse Bos where you’ll find 400 of these beautiful trees.
READ MORE | It’s cherry blossom season in the Netherlands (but not for long!)

Take a FREE online language lesson with UvA Talen
2023-03-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Online
Have you been putting off learning a new language? Is it because you can’t be bothered to physically attend a class? 😉 Well, say no more, because UvA Talen offers high-quality online language courses — and you can try them out for FREE at UvA Talen’s Online Open Evening.
During UvA Talen’s free online trial lessons, you’ll be able to get a taste of what it’s like to take an online group, private, or individual course, and even try out an e-learning self-guided language course.
If that wasn’t enough, UvA is offering even more to the attendees of their Online Open Evening, such as:

A free language intake to determine which class is right for you
A special UvA Talen discount code
A chance to ask all of your questions to the teachers and staff!

What language are we talking here?
Whether you’re trying to learn Dutch, French, Swedish, or another language, UvA Talen has got you covered. Japanese? Yup. Spanish? Certainly. German? Natürlich!
In total, they offer courses in 13 languages — namely Dutch, English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, and Korean!
When, where, and how?
⏰ When? March 15, 2023 — from 6 PM to 9 PM.
🔎Where? Wherever you are in the world! A Zoom link will be provided before class.
🤔 How? Sign up for a free online trial lesson in one of 13 languages here.

Ready to learn? Why not try it out — there are no commitments. 🧑‍🏫

Valentine’s Day (Valentijnsdag)
2023-02-14 | Netherlands, Netherlands
Valentine’s Day is not widely celebrated in the Netherlands, but it has gained some popularity in recent years. Flowers, chocolate, and valentines won’t go amiss if you buy them for your Dutch sweetheart but don’t expect them to make a big deal out of the day.
How to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Netherlands (like a true Dutchie)
