Summer festivals brighten Dutch towns of Aarlanderveen and Veendam

Aarlanderveen will host its Zomerfeest from Saturday 25 July to Tuesday 28 July 2026. The four‑day programme includes an Ambachten‑ and Kleedjesmarkt, a petanque tournament, a modernised Dorpsquiz 2.0, an ecumenical open‑air church service, a regional bike ride, a volleyball tournament, a Kidz‑DJ disco for school‑age children, and a traditional tractor ring‑riding competition. The festivities conclude with a village dinner and a lively chair‑dance.

In Veendam, the 62nd edition of the Vakantiemarkten takes place on three summer Mondays – 20 July, 27 July and 3 August. Around 150 market stalls line the town centre, accompanied by live music at multiple venues. This year the long‑standing closing act is absent; previously the event featured performances by Lucas & Gea and Evert Baptist. Specific musical line‑ups are scheduled for each Monday, featuring local bands and solo artists across venues such as Parkzicht, Babycare, Happy Days, Barrage and De Bank.