On Tuesday 5 May, we’ll be celebrating freedom in Groningen. On that day, the city will be buzzing with music, culture and special encounters. Whether you want to dance all day in the Stadspark or would rather join in a communal meal: here’s everything you need to know about Liberation Day 2026.
The main stage in the Stadspark
The Groningen Liberation Festival at the racecourse is traditionally the biggest free event in the North. This year’s line-up is a mix of established names and surprising collaborations.
- Main Stage: The day kicks off at 2 pm with Nusantara Beat. Sef will bring the day to a spectacular close.
- SENA Performers Stage: For those who love discovering new talent, this is the place to be. Here you can see, among others, Isabèl Usher and Stay Away From Dante!
- Paradigm Stage: Electronic music fans can head to the Paradigm stage all day long for sets yet to be announced.
Reflection and lectures
Freedom is more than just partying. At 3.15 pm, the Freedom Fire will be officially lit on the Main Stage. A special moment is the 5 May lecture, and for those seeking more depth, the University of Groningen is organising short Pop-up Lectures. From ten-minute flash lectures to art installations, mini-workshops, live demonstrations and short films – RUG researchers bring the theme of Freedom to life from all sorts of perspectives: political, cultural, philosophical, economic, and more. All in a relaxed festival atmosphere, with seating, picnic tables and space for interaction around the theme: Freedom.
Small-scale enjoyment: Leutje Festival and Freedom Meals
Not keen on the big crowds? There are plenty of alternatives:
- Leutje Festival (Bernoulliplein): In the Korreweg neighbourhood, you’ll find this cosy local festival from 10:00 to 21:00. It’s the ideal spot for families, with plenty of space for children to play and local bands performing.
- Freedom Meals: The Freedom Meal is being organised in Stadspark. This is a moment for coming together. At the table, you’ll get to know new people, share stories about freedom and oppression, and discover how valuable it is to reflect together on what freedom means to each of us.
A lively atmosphere in the city centre
Although the main festival takes place in Stadspark, the city centre is naturally buzzing too. The terraces on the Grote Markt and Poeleplein are open all day. It’s the perfect place to reflect on the performances or to start the day in a relaxed way with a drink in the sun.
Practical
Funfair: For funfair enthusiasts: this year it doesn’t start until Thursday 7 May. So on Liberation Day, the squares will still be free of the festival crowds.
Transport: The city is very busy, so leave your car at home. Use the extra cycle parking spaces at the Stadspark or take the shuttle bus from the P&R car parks.
Admission: The Liberation Festival is free. To help keep the festival going, you can make a voluntary contribution at the entrance or the bars, or buy a ‘support button’.
Photo/ Stella Dekker
