Apeldoorn in May 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Events and Festivals

04.05.2026

Festivals, Markets and Outdoor Events Bringing Apeldoorn to Life in May 2026

May in Apeldoorn is when the city properly comes alive. The weather improves, parks fill up, and almost every week brings a new festival, market or outdoor event. It is one of the best months of the year for students and anyone wanting to experience the city at its most social.

Here is your guide to what is happening in Apeldoorn in May 2026.

Liberation Festival Apeldoorn 2026 | 5 May

Liberation Day is one of the biggest national celebrations in the Netherlands and Apeldoorn marks the occasion with a full day festival on Market Square. The city centre turns into an open air stage filled with music, food stalls and a strong sense of community.

From the afternoon onwards, visitors can enjoy live performances from artists including The Shutz, Boter Bij De Vis, Post Ella, Elieve, Eilandrapcult, Matthew Red, Mila and Mira, Competition, Jaap Reesema and The Partysquad. The programme mixes emerging talent with well known Dutch acts, spread across multiple stages so there is always something happening.

Clothing Exchange Paleis Het Loo | 2 May

At Paleis Het Loo, visitors can take part in a free clothing swap event in a unique royal setting. From 10:00 to 16:00, people can exchange clothes for women, men and children or simply browse and take part. It is a relaxed and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe in one of Apeldoorn’s most iconic locations.

Royal Flower Bulb Campaign Oranjepark | 8 May

Oranjepark hosts a short but colourful morning event where free flower bulbs are given away from 09:30 to 12:00. Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths from the city’s flowerbeds are available for visitors to take home and replant. It is a simple and seasonal activity that brings a touch of Apeldoorn’s spring colour into private gardens and balconies.

Spring Beer Festival Buitenpost | 9 to 10 May

Buitenpost hosts a relaxed craft beer festival with more than fifty different beers, food stalls and live music. It is a social weekend event where visitors can taste, eat and enjoy a laid back outdoor atmosphere with friends.

150 Years of Railway and Oranjepark | 10 May

Apeldoorn celebrates 150 years of railway history and Oranjepark with a full day of events across the city. The historic train De Kameel arrives at Apeldoorn Station at around 11:10, followed by music and celebrations.

Visitors can explore exhibitions, model trains and railway history, or join steam train rides between Apeldoorn and Stroe. A tram connects the station and Oranjepark, where the park comes alive with workshops, performances, storytelling and family activities throughout the afternoon.

Maaiveld Festival Apeldoorn | 13 to 14 May

The city centre becomes an open cultural stage during the Maaiveld Festival, with more than 25 performances across different locations. Music, theatre, dance and visual arts come together in unexpected spaces around Apeldoorn.

Highlights include Paul de Leeuw with NJO Pop Orchestra on the opening evening, Hiigo with Orkest de Ereprijs on the second day, and Thijs Boontjes closing the festival with his energetic Dutch pop style.

Free Early Morning Walk Veluwe | 14 May

On Ascension Day, De Hoge Veluwe National Park opens early for a free morning walk between 06:00 and 08:00. Visitors can experience the Veluwe at sunrise in a quiet and peaceful setting before the park fully opens. It is part of the Dutch tradition of dauwtrappen, where people go out early to enjoy nature at its calmest.

Hop Over to the City Apeldoorn | 24 to 25 May

Market Square becomes a summer festival space with food, drinks and music over two days. Sunday features a beer festival with more than fifty beers and an evening party with 90s music. Monday brings a relaxed Italian-themed afternoon with pizza, wine and live music for a laid-back end to the weekend.

The Longest Record Market | 25 May

Apeldoorn city centre turns into a paradise for music lovers with around 80 to 100 stalls selling vinyl records, music equipment and collectables. Live performances and a record bus enhance the atmosphere, making for a full day of music discovery throughout the streets.

Fabric Fair Apeldoorn | 25 May

Also on Market Square, the Fabric Fair offers a large textile market with around 40 stands and over 4,000 square metres of fabrics and materials. Visitors can explore fashion, design and creative inspiration in a free and accessible event.

Oranjepark Open Air Museum | 1 to 19 May

Oranjepark hosts a pop-up open-air museum celebrating 150 years of the park’s history. The exhibition explores Apeldoorn’s development from village to city and features a detailed scale model of the historic bandstand. It is part of a wider anniversary programme with events spread across 150 days.