Today, Monday, May 5th, 2025, Groningen marks 80 years of liberation with an expanded edition of the Liberation Festival. The event takes place from 12:00 to 23:00 on the Drafbaan in the Stadspark and is free to attend. Visitors can expect everything from concerts to family-friendly activities and historical tributes.
Music and Stages
The Main Stage features a packed lineup including Maan, Typhoon, Pé & Rinus, Sticks, Goldkimono, Zoë Tauran, and the Haydn Youth String Orchestra. Typhoon will close the evening.
At the SENA Performers Stage, performers include Dio, Thijs Boontjes, De Niemanders, Joël Domingos, ZEP!, and Suze Schoenmaker. Fans of electronic music can head to the Paradigm Stage for DJ sets by Analog Kitchen, Nuno dos Santos b2b Christian Thomas, and Selene b2b Jolar Drim.
More Than Music
The festival also offers space for reflection and learning:
Freedom Fire: Lit at 15:20 on the main stage
5 May Moment: At 18:20 with the Nagham Choir and dancers from Aletrágo
Garden of Freedom: Contributions from Amnesty International, INLIA, the University of Groningen and others
RUG Science Space: Flash lectures, art installations and interactive sessions focused on freedom
Freedom Meal XL: Shared meals across the city, including on the Forum roof terrace
Kids Area: Crafts, games, performances and a Ferris wheel
Events Around the Province
Throughout the province, many other events are taking place:
Oudeschans hosts a freedom lunch and parade to Bellingwolde and Rhederbrug
Mussel features a festive float parade and ends with a barbecue and live music
Westerwolde offers a liberation walk with live performances and local history stops
Delfzijl hosts a public lunch in Molenberg Square
Onstwedde and Holwierde are organising community meals
Winschoten’s Liberation Festival includes dance performances, food trucks and youth activities
Veendam features roaming fairy tale characters, magicians and children’s games
A convoy of military vehicles is also traveling from the Bevrijdingsbos in Stad to Farmsum, passing through towns like Sauwerd, Warffum, Holwierde and Delfzijl. The full route is available at bevrijdingstournoordnederland.nl.
Government Support Secures the Festival’s Future
This year also brings good news for organisers. The Dutch government has committed to permanent funding for all 14 national Liberation Day festivals. In 2025, a one-time grant of 700,000 euros was distributed, with total annual funding expected to reach 6.5 million euros by 2029.
State Secretary for Youth Karremans emphasised the importance of continuing to reflect on freedom and democracy through these festivals. Stichting Bevrijdingsfestivals Nederland welcomed the news, saying that the funding allows for better programming and long-term planning.
Visitor Information
Location: Drafbaan, Stadspark Groningen
Time: 12:00 – 23:00
Admission: Free
Transport: Bike or public transport is recommended due to crowds
Facilities: Water stations, food and drink stands (coin system), free and paid toilets, first aid points
For the full lineup and updates, visit www.bevrijdingsfestivalgroningen.nl.
