Looking for the best summer activities in Groningen? During the summer months, the city comes alive with festivals, outdoor events, local markets, and sunny terraces. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or you’re a local looking for inspiration, there are plenty of things to do in Groningen this summer. From swimming at Hoornseplas to enjoying live music at Noorderzon, this guide covers the best summer activities in and around the city.
Visit the Best Summer Festivals in Groningen
Summer in Groningen means festivals at Stadspark, Noorderplantsoen, Graanfabriek, and Suikerterrein! Long, warm days filled with music, friends, food, and laughter. Groningen offers a variety of festival genres. Here’s a selection:
Festivals in Groningen:
- Bruut! Festival @Suikerfabriek (June 29) – Music
- Smaak @Noorderplantsoen (July 2–5) – Food
- Free Your Mind @Stadspark (July 15) – Music
- Happy Feelings @Graanfabriek (August 1) – Music
- Paradigm @Suikerterrein (August 8–9) – Music
- Ella Outdoor @Stadslab (August 15) – Music
- Noorderzon @Noorderplantsoen (August 20–30) – Music, Theatre, Arts, Food
Explore Local Markets in Groningen
Strolling through local markets is another great summer activity in Groningen. You can find fresh food, antiques, records, fashion, and more. Here are some markets to visit:
- Suikermarkt (June 28 & August 30)
- Zeldzaam Mooi Markt (June 28)
- Platenbeurs (July 2 & August 6)
Go Swimming in Groningen on Hot Summer Days
On hot summer days, cooling down with a swim is a perfect idea. Popular spots include DOT and Hoornseplas for outdoor swimming in nature. You can also swim in an outdoor pool at Papiermolen.
Try Outdoor Activities in Groningen
There are plenty of fun outdoor activities on sunny days in Groningen. You can play pitch and putt, rent a sup board or boat, go waterskiing, or try outdoor climbing. No need to stay indoors during the summer!
Visit a Brewery or Terrace in Groningen
When the sun comes out, the Dutch love sitting on a terrace (terras) with a cold beer and friends. You’ll see this everywhere in the city centre on sunny days. For something extra special, visit one of Groningen’s local breweries for a beer tasting.
Beer breweries with a terrace in Groningen:
- Graanfabriek @Griffeweg 4
- Baxbier @Friesestraatweg
- Brouwerij Martinus @Kostersgang 32-34
- Folkinge Brew The Pub @Boterdiep 75
Watch the FIFA World Cup in Groningen
The summer of 2026 is all about football! The Netherlands will be in orange fever, and places like DOT will transform into giant football venues. Want to watch the national team play with a big group of orange-clad fans? Read our article on the World Cup to find the best spots in Groningen.
Get Ice Cream in Groningen
Summer isn’t complete without ice cream. Groningen has excellent spots offering both soft serve and artisanal gelato with various flavours.
Ice cream places in Groningen:
- Pure @Vismarkt 10
- Room @Rodeweg 1 & Vismarkt 3
- De Ijscobar @Gedempte Zuiderdiep 83
- Ijssalon Roma @Akerkhof 31
- Toscana @Folkingestraat 47 & Gedempte Zuiderdiep 21A
Enjoy a BBQ in Groningen’s Parks
On warm summer evenings, many parks in Groningen fill with the smell of barbecues. Locals and students gather to enjoy food, drinks, and games outdoors until late. In some parks, barbecuing is allowed (clearly indicated by signs). Many students use small disposable grills bought at the supermarket. Grab some friends and try it yourself in one of Groningen’s parks!