This Plastic Free July, we are highlighting some festivals across the Netherlands where good times and stylish hydration go hand in hand.
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Festival season is officially in full swing. Whether you’re looking to dance all night long, or enjoy a laid-back screening under the stars, the next few months promise a chunk of fun for everyone.
And while soaking up the summer fun under the open skies of the festivals, those increasingly intense heat waves make it more important than ever to stay hydrated for your own safety.
Below, we have chosen some festivals across the Netherlands where you can bring your reusable bottle – it better be a Dopper – and keep the good times flowing.
What happens when you mix nature, art, and music? You get Draaimolen Festival. Since 2013, this iconic electronic event has been pushing the boundaries of what a festival can do.
By inviting both established and up-and-coming artists, Draaimolen curates a space that feels fresh yet timeless.
But it’s not just about the music. The entire space is transformed to work alongside its nature-setting and create an intentional and immersive experience where the environment and the sound bring the best out of each other.
Dekmantel festival is one of the Netherlands’ most celebrated electronic music festivals. Located in the beautiful Amsterdamse Bos, this five-day event blends new acts with legendary names to create something that is truly unique.
And the careful thought and curation put into the festival doesn't just end with the music. The stage design, visuals, and the overall production come together to create an irreplicable experience.
But beware: all of the dancing is going to leave you tired and thirsty. So, make sure to bring your Dopper and refill, recharge, and keep dancing.
Lowlands is a legendary outdoor event that really has it all. From music, to literature, to stand-up comedy, education - you name it. If you’ve thought about it, Lowlands most probably has it. And the music is as varied as the festival activities themselves.
This year, you can dance along to pop sensations like Chappell Roan, experience the mind-bending music of Arca, or tune in to indie legends like Black Country, New Road, among many other acts. You’re bound to catch an artist you love and likely discover new favorites along the way.
Beyond the music, the festival grounds are an experience in their own right. You can pay a visit to the festival’s barber shop, enjoy some sports, unwind with a sauna and a hottub, and go shopping at the local shops.
If the title sounds familiar, it's because it is. Aptly named after the 1959 classic “Hiroshima, mon amour”, this open-air cinemas festival brings a mix of fresh films along with beloved classics from all around the world.
Explore the visceral atmosphere of “The Ugly Stepsister” as it makes its debut in the Netherlands, or dive into the dreamy world of Wong Kar Wai’s 1997 queer classic “Happy Together”, among many other extraordinary picks.
Noorderzon festival transforms Groningen’s Noorderplantsoe city park into a whimsical village for 11 days in August. And each one of those days is packed with cultural experiences.
While Noorderzon is mainly a performing arts festival, known for its bold and boundary-pushing theater and dance productions, it also provides activities way beyond. You can find thought-provoking work across photography, music, literature, visual arts, and much more. To round out the whole experience, the program is filled with aftertalks and lectures.
Cinephiles, clear out your calendars this August: Pluk de Nacht is coming to both Utrecht and Amsterdam. This festival picks their films from international festivals like Cannes and Berlin before they get their official Dutch release (and sometimes they don’t get one at all). You can expect to see future cult classics and a curated selection of the strange, the heartbreaking, the uncomfortable, and above all, the unforgettable.
Need a break between screenings? The festival organizes games and contests to keep things lively, so don’t miss out. And of course, bring your Dopper along to keep yourself hydrated all day long.