Discover Apeldoorn During the Summer Break

From learning how to bake a cake to watching films outdoors

The summer is halfway through and it’s only a month before the new academic year kicks off, but in the meantime, there is plenty to explore around Apeldoorn. Being a thriving city with lots of entertainment, there is no reason to be bored during the summer break. Here is an overview of all the coming events taking place in and around Apeldoorn in the remainder of the summer.  
 

Muziekzomer Gelderland

The Gelderland Music Summer, also known as Muziekzomer Gelderland, is currently under way. Until 12 August, young, talented musicians, orchestras and bands are showcasing at various indoor and public venues throughout the whole province. Apeldoorn, too, is proud to host musical performances during this event. There will be concerts at City Hall, Muziektent Oranjepark, Paleis Het Loo, Theater Orpheus and Ketelhuis. For a detailed programme and more information about the Music Summer Festival, please visit the official website

Veluwse Avondmarkt

The Veluwse Avondmarkt (Veluwe Evening Market) is a well-known folklore event celebrated throughout the Netherlands. It takes place in Beekbergen every Thursday evening in July and August. The event celebrates local and Dutch traditional culture that takes you back to the old Netherlands for a while. Various traditional crafts are performed by artisans in authentic costumes, including wool spinning, clog making, chair mat making and beehive braiding. Market stalls are also designated where merchants offer a diverse range of market goods to visitors.

During the event, you can enjoy captivating performances by different groups, such as dancers, choirs and musical societies at various locations. In addition, the main village church will be open during the market, giving visitors the opportunity to see this beautiful building and take a guided tour. The Veluwe Evening Market starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. Find more information here.

Loen'se Moandag

On Monday 7 August, the annual Loen'se Moandag will take place in Loenen, a village bordering Apeldoorn. This event, which has been held on the first Monday of August for over 25 years, hosts several activities for all ages. There are stalls selling antiques, live music, food and drink and much more. As with the Veluwe Evening Market, there are often references to old Dutch traditions and customs. One example is ponies being traded by means of the customary 'handjeklap', an old method of agreeing a price and making a deal between seller and customer. There is also an opportunity to ride a pony. Loen'se Moandag starts at 8 p.m. and ends at 3 a.m. Entrance is free. 

Outdoor films at GIGANT

Under the stars, GIGANT organises outdoor movie nights on six evenings in August. On 10, 12, 14, 17, 19 and 21 August various films ranging from blockbusters, classics, indie films and films of Dutch production will be screened on the Van Reekumplein in Apeldoorn. The film night starts when dusk falls, which will be around 10 p.m. this time of year. However, it is necessary to buy a ticket and given the small number of places, it is recommended to do so in advance. How to buy tickets and other information can be found on GIGANT's website.

Vue Openlucht Filmfestival

Movie buffs who cannot get enough of films shown outdoors in Apeldoorn will not be disappointed. During the same period that GIGANT organises its outdoor film events, Vue is hosting the Open Air Film Festival in Apeldoorn's Berg & Bos City Park. From 11 to 19 August, you can see the latest major cinema productions on the big screen at a beautiful outdoor location in the middle of the Veluwe. Widely known as one of the most popular film festivals in the Netherlands, the Vue Open Air festival is praised for its fantastic atmosphere and enchanting surroundings. In 2013, they were named one of the three best film festivals in the Netherlands. The festival usually attracts more than a thousand visitors. Check out their website for tickets, programme and other information.

Festival Zoet

On 11 August, Festival Zoet will take place at the Zwitsal grounds, Vlijtseweg 140 in Apeldoorn. This festival is the perfect place for anyone who loves biscuits, cake and other sweet, tasty food. After a few successful editions in Drenthe, the festival now takes place in Apeldoorn where visitors of all ages can not only enjoy freshly baked cakes, but also learn how to make one themselves through baking workshops. The festival will conclude with a 'cake baking competition' on 13 August where participants will try to compete for the title 'Best royal cake baker of Festival Zoet'. If you fancy something spicier, that is also available at the festival. Festival Zoet starts at 10am every day from 11 to 13 August and ends at 6 p.m. Tickets and more information are available on their website.

Into The Mud Festival

Thirty minutes by bike from Apeldoorn, in Twello, the Into the Mud festival takes place. On 11 and 12 August, a two-day festival featuring rock 'n' roll and blues music in the middle of a muddy environment will be held in Buitenpost. The 11th is a free pre-party that starts at 8 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m. The next day, 12 August, is the day of the headliners. Several big names from the Dutch psychedelic rock and Americana scene will take the stage. A second podium will be introduced for this edition, allowing more bands to play at the festival. Please note that all spots in the parking lot are already taken, but you can still get tickets for the festival via the website.

Harvest heather at the Hoge Veluwe

A unique opportunity awaits on 19 and 20 August at De Hoge Veluwe as visitors are invited to personally harvest their own bunch of heather.

De Hoge Veluwe National Park needs pruning in the run-up to autumn to keep the heathlands intact. If left untouched, these heathlands would naturally turn into forests over time. This summer, the park is offering an exceptional mowing opportunity. Visitors are encouraged to harvest a bunch of flowering heather and take it home before the heather is cut in the approaching autumn season. Participants can get a "Hei is goed" voucher at the Museonder information desk before 4 p.m. With this voucher, they can cut their own bunch of heather at the designated location. Visitors are asked to bring their own pruning shears.

Tickets are free. Check for more information the website of the Hoge Veluwe.

WUP 09/08/2023
by Niels Otterman
©WUAS Press