Netherlands hosts Westerwolde garden festival and church open season in July

From 20 June to 28 June, the Westerwolde region in the Netherlands holds the eleventh edition of Westerwolde Rijgt, a ten‑day open‑garden festival featuring twenty private gardens, farms and art installations. Free daily visits run between 10:00 and 17:00, offering a mix of nature, artwork, workshops and live music, with visitors collecting beads to create a personal Westerwolde‑chain.

Starting 4 July and running through 12 September, the historic churches of Aldwâld and Westergeast open for the annual Tsjerkepaad and Oargelpaad programmes. Guided tours, organ performances and two public lectures are scheduled, inviting locals and tourists to explore the churches and enjoy cultural talks.

Both events aim to promote regional heritage, community engagement and cultural tourism in the province of Groningen.