May the Fun Begin: Explore What’s Happening this Month in Apeldoorn

by Wittenborg News - Thursday, 1 May 2025, 12:27 PM

May the Fun Begin: Explore What’s Happening this Month in Apeldoorn

https://www.wittenborg.eu/may-fun-begin-explore-whats-happening-month-apeldoorn.htm

City Offers Plenty of Events Featuring Sustainability, Art and Music

As we enter the beautiful month of May, Apeldoorn is brimming with attractions for every taste. Whether you're looking for things to do on your own or with friends, there’s something for everyone. Take a look at the guide we’ve prepared:

Celebrate freedom

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Netherlands’ liberation at the end of World War II, Apeldoorn will host the Liberation Festival on Monday, 5 May. Organised by the Municipality, the event will take place at the Market Square (Marktplein) from 12:00 to 00:00, featuring a wide range of musical attractions and a food court offering everything from vegan dishes to hamburgers. Check the programme here.

Zero Waste Week

How about living more sustainably while promoting environmentally friendly practices? That’s the goal of Zero Waste Week, taking place in Apeldoorn from 17 to 23 May. The programme includes a variety of activities, such as a clothing swap market and workshops on repair & upcycling and textile dyeing. More information can be found here.

A toast to spring

Beer lovers have another chance to attend the Spring Beer Festival ('Lentebierfestival'), taking place at Buitenpost in Twello on 17 and 18 May. During the event, local, national and international brewers will be serving over 50 types of craft beer. There will also be plenty of food stalls and music to enjoy. Tickets cost € 7 and can be purchased on the festival’s website.

Maaiveld Festival

Apeldoorn will come alive with music, dance, visual arts and theatre performances during the Maaiveld Festival, taking place from 28 to 29 May. Attractions will be spread across various locations in the city centre, featuring both national and local artists — with free admission. See the full programme at: www.maaiveldfestival.nl.

Creativity around every corner

If you want to experience art in a new way – by engaging with artists and creators – the Open Atelier Route is right up your alley. On 17 and 18 May, from 11:00 to 17:00, 40 professional artists from Apeldoorn will open their studios to the public. A map of the route will be available on the Ateliers Apeldoorn website.

For a sneak peek, visit the Art Tasting event at Galerie Ateliers Apeldoorn (Mercatorplein 12B) from 2 to 18 May. There, you can admire one work by each artist and gather inspiration for your route.

Opening at CODA on 25 May, the ‘Paper Art’ exhibition showcases works by 33 artists from the Netherlands and abroad, highlighting current developments in the field. Techniques range from traditional origami to AI-inspired art. For tickets and more information, visit CODA’s website.

Another space worth visiting is the Apeldoorn Centre for Contemporary Culture (‘Apeldoorns Centrum voor Eigentijdse Cultuur’), more widely known as ACEC. Located at Roggestraat 44, it hosts exhibitions by contemporary artists working in diverse styles and media. Admission is always free.

Sounds and stages

Apeldoorn’s music scene is thriving, with plenty of concerts lined up this month. On 11 May, SAMIRA will take the stage at GIGANT with her raw, sunny, and soulful blend of garage, rock 'n' roll and psychedelic surf. Entry is free.

If you're in the mood to dance all night, GIGANT also hosts ‘San Frandisco’ on 9 May – a night of classics from Diana Ross, ABBA and more – and ‘Toxic Trait’ on 16 May, featuring Dancehall, Hip Hop, R&B and Afro beats. Visit the venue’s website for tickets and more information.

Blending influences from Brazil’s traditional music with the expressiveness of jazz and other rhythms, Brazilian saxophonist Lucas Figueiredo Santana and his Grand Orquestra bring their show ‘Candomblé’ to Theatre Orpheus on 22 May. Click here for tickets and more information.

Every second Thursday of the month, an Open Blues Jam takes place at Bluescafé Apeldoorn (Nieuwstraat 74A). Everyone is welcome to bring their instruments and join in or simply come along for the fun. The session starts at 20:30, and participation is free.