May is such a fantastic time to visit the Hague! The Hague is fully in bloom and the good weather (fingers crossed) make it easy to enjoy our gorgeous city by the sea. Although this article is definitely more focused on events going on during May in the Hague, you can always enjoy sitting out on a nice terrace on a nice day, watching the sunset in Scheveningen, or taking a walk (or cycle) in one of the gorgeous parks in the Hague!
liberation festival
To celebrate the Netherlands’ liberation from the Nazis, there is a free music festival on Malieveld with open stages and booths on May 5th. It’s a great excuse to get outside although you might not be off from work this year.
ANTIQUE & BOOK MARKET
Each Thursday, you’ll find the Antique & Book Market on Plein in the Center of the Hague. This is a great excuse to browse for books and postcards if you happen to be free around lunch-time!
japanese garden open
One of the true highlights of the Hague in May is the Japanese Garden in Clingendael. It’s open all through May, so be sure to visit this stunning garden while it’s open. The garden started after Lady Daisy of Clingendael started collecting objects from her travels in Japan. It’s free to visit and best seen in the mornings (or evenings!)
joy sushi festival
Do you love Japanese food! The Joy Sushi Festival along Lange Voorhout is a great excuse to eat lots of delicious Asian food. There will be various Japanese-themed booths, including karaoke, workshops, and music. It’s sure to be a lot of fun! Mark your calendar as it will be happening on May 17th, 2019 from 4pm to 11pm!
tong tong festival
Not everyone realizes how multicultural the Hague is, not including the embassies. The largest Indonesian population in the Netherlands is in the Hague, due to the legacy of colonialism and the V.O.C. On May 23th, 2019, there will be the Tong Tong festival at Malieveld. This festival will hopefully transport you to Indonesia with music, food, and dancing. It’s free to attend, so come hungry in order to try the various booths.
nederlands Bierproeffestival
One of my favorite annual events in the Hague has to be the Netherlands Beer Festival, which will be taking place in the Grote Kerk from May 16th to May 18th. If you’re a beer lover, buy your ticket in advance to sample beer from more than 40 Dutch breweries.
hague cocktail week
Another boozy event in the Hague has to the Hague Cocktail Week. From May 11th to May 19th, you can go to more than 15 bars and restaurants in the Hague to try three signature cocktails for only six euros. In order to participate, you need to buy a wristband, which isn’t free, but if you’re into sampling great liquors, it might be also worthwhile to attend their workshops as well as events. This might also be a great excuse to visit Basaal, a Michelin starred restaurant in the Hague…
Rrrollend food festival
I love RRROLLEND and I go almost every year. This festival, which started in Amsterdam, is full of food stalls from all over the world. Come down to Lange Voorhout hungry and with your Maestro card (as many do not allow cash!) between May 30th and June 2nd. Bon appetite!
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