As the sun shines brightly and terraces fill up, spring is truly upon us. This also means that May 5 is just around the corner, a day to celebrate 80 years of freedom in the Netherlands. With a plethora of options available, the question arises: what are the best Liberation Festivals to attend in 2025? Here’s a rundown of some of the most exciting events planned for this significant occasion.
For those who didn’t venture out during the Easter weekend, May 5 will mark the first steps of the year onto festival grounds. Across the country, music will resonate as people come together to celebrate freedom. Choosing which Liberation Festival to attend can be a challenge, even in 2025. To simplify the decision-making process, we’ve highlighted six festivals with the most appealing line-ups below.
Bevrijdingspop Haarlem is a must-visit this year. Known for its lively atmosphere, this festival transforms the city of Haarlem into a vibrant celebration with performances by Roxy Dekker, Rowwen Hèze, Sef, Hiigo, and Orgel Joke across three stages. The children's area will also return, featuring a program tailored for the youngest freedom celebrators. If anyone forgot their hat or sunglasses, the market at Bevrijdingspop is a key part of the event, offering plenty of options on May 5.
Moving north, Bevrijdingsfestival Groningen will take place in Stadspark, showcasing artists like Maan, Goldkimono, Sticks, and Zoë Tauran. For those who enjoy dancing, the Paradigm stage will host its own events, as Paradigm has been organizing club nights and festivals for techno and house enthusiasts for years.
Heading south, Bevrijdingsfestival Limburg in Roermond promises a delightful mix of music and local culture. With acts such as S10, The Vices, MEAU, and SERA, attendees can also discover new talent at the Freedump Podium, which collaborates with Kunstbende and ECI Cultuurfabriek to give local youth a chance to perform for the first time.
Bevrijdingsfestival Overijssel will celebrate its 33rd year in Park de Wezenlanden, Zwolle. This festival boasts eight areas and over 50 program components, featuring performances from Kane, Sophie Straat, Douwe Bob, and Fresku. The family area will focus on the theme ‘And then?’ allowing children to engage with stories of freedom through various activities, music, and theater.
In Rotterdam, Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid-Holland will feature an exciting line-up including Dool, DJ Paul Elstak, John Coffey, Donnie, and SOR. Set against the backdrop of Het Park at the base of the Euromast, this festival will also include a food court and opportunities to meet veterans, fostering conversations and sharing stories of the past.
Finally, Bevrijdingsfestival Den Haag will take place at Malieveld, featuring Danny Vera, Bente, and Ambassador of Freedom S10. The event will also showcase winners from the Songs for Freedom Zuid-Holland initiative, where local artists share their compositions. The literary program next door at the Provinciehuis will include readings from local poets and discussions on freedom and democracy, especially relevant in the political heart of the country.
Each year, artists are appointed as Ambassadors of Freedom, and this year’s representatives include Antoon, Zoë Tauran, Rondé, and S10. They will perform at multiple Liberation Festivals, sharing their personal connections to the themes of freedom and struggle. For instance, Zoë’s grandfather had to leave his family behind when he emigrated to the Netherlands in the 1960s, while Antoon’s grandfather was interned in a Japanese camp during his childhood.
In addition to these major festivals, cities like Tilburg will also host celebrations on May 5. Traditional events include a liberation concert by the water and a Freedom Meal (Vrijheidsmaaltijd), allowing locals to come together and reflect on the significance of the day.
Across the Netherlands, 14 festivals will be held to mark 80 years of freedom since World War II. In Wageningen, the National Commemoration will take place, featuring a lecture by Donald Tusk, a Freedom Parade, and the lighting of the Liberation Fire by Prime Minister Schoof. Artists like Zoë Tauran, Roxy Dekker, and Douwe Bob will perform as part of the celebrations.
Zwolle’s Liberation Festival will kick off with a performance by Harmonieorkest De Bazuin Zwolle at 11:00 AM, with acts like Fresku and Kane taking the stage later in the day. In Haarlem, the Hero Kinderfestival will highlight young talent, while Assen will invite attendees to share a Freedom Meal and engage in discussions about freedom and oppression.
In Vlissingen, the festival will be opened by Antoon, followed by performances from Donny, Dotan, and DJ Marco. The ‘Doors to Freedom’ exhibition, created by local students, will also be on display, offering a unique perspective on the concept of freedom.
Groningen will come alive with performances from Maan and Typhoon, alongside opportunities for young creatives to showcase their talents. Lastly, Den Haag will feature a mix of music and poetry, with discussions on democracy and freedom, making it a fitting location for such an important celebration.
As Liberation Day approaches, the anticipation builds for a nationwide celebration filled with music, art, and community. Whether attending a festival in a major city or joining local events, the spirit of freedom will be palpable across the Netherlands on May 5, 2025.
