What to Do in Apeldoorn in April 2026

April in Apeldoorn marks the full arrival of spring, bringing a packed calendar of festivals, cultural events, seasonal traditions and national celebrations. Across the month, the city transforms into a lively mix of music, outdoor activities and community events, making it one of the most dynamic times of the year.

Spring begins: parks, music and outdoor culture

From 1 April to 28 May, Het Oude Loo Palace Park opens its gates to the public. Visitors can explore royal gardens, walking routes and historic landscapes that are especially beautiful during spring bloom.

The month begins socially on 4 April, when Caterplein hosts the Spring Beer Festival. Local cafés and bars celebrate the start of terrace season with live music, spring drinks and a lively outdoor atmosphere in the city centre.

Also on 4 April, Ugchelen hosts the 30•40•50+ Dancing Party, an early evening event featuring music from the 70s to today in a relaxed, social setting.

Early April highlights and Easter traditions

On 5 and 6 April, the Veluwe Steam Train returns for its Easter season, offering scenic journeys between Apeldoorn and Beekbergen and marking the start of spring railway tourism.

On 6 April, the city celebrates the Traditional Egg Throwing event on Deventerstraat. This playful Easter tradition brings together teams competing in a light-hearted challenge, accompanied by live music and street entertainment.

On 8 April, Mansion24 hosts the Photo Café, where photographer Bart Ros shares insights into urban photography and visual storytelling, focusing on how to capture the city’s atmosphere.

Mid-April culture, nightlife and creativity

On 11 April, Peak Early at Zwitsal Apeldoorn offers a unique nightlife concept where guests can start dancing early in the evening and still finish before midnight, creating a flexible and social party experience.

On 15 April, Theater Orpheus hosts Open Mic, a free stage for regional talent from across Gelderland, featuring music, spoken word and cabaret performances.

On 17 April, Apeldoorn commemorates Liberation Day, marking 81 years since the city’s liberation in 1945. The day is dedicated to remembrance, reflection and celebrations of freedom across the city.

Later that evening, Into Orbit by the Royal Netherlands Air Force Orchestra takes place at Theater Orpheus, combining orchestral music, film scores and space-inspired visuals in a cinematic concert experience.

Music culture and creative events

On 18 April, Mansion24 celebrates Record Store Day, a global event dedicated to vinyl culture featuring live performances, exclusive releases and music-focused programming.

The final week: nightlife and national celebrations

On 26 April, Prince’s Night transforms Apeldoorn’s city centre into a vibrant nightlife district, with live music and entertainment spread across multiple venues.

The month concludes on 27 April with King’s Day, one of the biggest celebrations in the Netherlands. Apeldoorn’s city centre becomes a large open-air festival with flea markets, food stalls, live performances, fairground attractions and cultural activities across parks and public spaces.

WUP 02/04/2026 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press