Autumn activities in Groningen 2025
Autumn has officially arrived, and you can notice it everywhere in the city. The first Dutch gingerbread cookies (pepernoten) are back in the shops, pumpkin spice lattes are flying over the counters, and the trees are slowly wrapping themselves in beautiful autumn colors.
During a walk through the Noorderplantsoen, the leaves crunched under my shoes. A cool breeze blew through my hair, and all around me I saw trees in shades of yellow, orange, and red. It was clear: autumn is back.
Still, in recent days we could enjoy some late-summer moments. On the terrace at Zondag, students were enjoying the last warm rays of sunshine.
Now that the season is truly changing, the rhythm of the city changes too. The long summer festival days are really over and now make way for cozy autumn activities. And believe me: there is plenty planned to make the darker days cheerful.
Creativity and Nostalgia
For me, autumn is a season where creativity gets more space. The days become shorter, you seek coziness indoors, and that is the time to make things yourself or get inspired. Groningen offers many opportunities to go along with this creative flow. October is also truly a month for car enthusiasts – be amazed at one of the car fairs this month.
Stoffenspektakel – October 8, Martiniplaza
For the creative makers: the Stoffenspektakel is the event to get inspired. Discover the latest fabrics, patterns, and materials for your autumn wardrobe. And if you want to learn more, you can go to Stoflab in Groningen for workshops where you can make your own clothing. Perfect to give your wardrobe a personal touch and to spend a rainy day in a useful way.
Oldtimer & Classic Fair – October 10–12, Leek
Are you a car enthusiast or simply curious about a bit of nostalgia? During the Oldtimer & Classic Fair you will see special models such as the Ford Escort RS2000 MK2 and the Auburn Dual Cowl Phaeton from 1928. In addition, you will find books, tools, miniatures, and everything related to oldtimers – a paradise for classic car fans. It is not just a fair but an outing where history and passion for technology come together.
Autumn Markets and Family Outings
If there is one thing that belongs to autumn, it is the cozy markets and family outings. Think of small market stalls, hot chocolate, and children enthusiastically picking their own pumpkin. In Groningen and surroundings, the calendar is full of events that bring you completely into the autumn spirit. And let’s be honest: pumpkins are the ultimate autumn theme. They are not only fun as decoration, but you can also get creative with them!
Pumpkin Picking Days – October 4 & 5, Oostwold
Nothing brings more autumn feeling than walking through a pumpkin field in boots. During the Pumpkin Picking Days, you can choose your favorite pumpkin, carve or decorate it, and stroll along more than 30 stalls full of local products and autumn decoration. A perfect activity for families who want to celebrate autumn together, complete with workshops and a cozy atmosphere.
Pumpkin Market – October 18–20, Hofje van Harkstede
The Pumpkin Market at Hofje van Harkestede is entirely dedicated to the pumpkin: from creative workshops to decorative products and of course plenty of treats. A cozy market where young and old can immerse themselves in autumn vibes and get ideas to make autumn extra cozy at home.
Halloween 2025 in Groningen
When you think of Halloween, you think of dark nights, scary stories, and of course pumpkins with spooky faces. It is a holiday that becomes more popular in the Netherlands every year, and in Groningen you will find events all throughout October for young and old. From ghost tours to craft afternoons – the program is broad and surprising.
Experience Magical Samhain in Bourtange – October 25 & 26, 2025
Step into a world of mystery and enchantment during Samhain in Bourtange, the ultimate autumn and Halloween event in the Netherlands. On October 25 & 26, 2025, the historic fortress transforms into a magical realm filled with ghosts, time travelers, pirates, fire shows, stilt walkers, and spellbinding performances. A perfect weekend full of wonder, for families, fantasy lovers, and thrill seekers alike.
Halloween Amusement Park Nienoord
Children can enjoy themselves in a spooky swimming castle and other creepy attractions, specially created for young visitors, between 14 and 29th of October. There are a lot of Halloween activities at Amusement Park Nienoord. Parents can enjoy the magical atmosphere. A perfect day for families who want to experience Halloween together.
Halloween at Landgoed Tenaxx
Here, special events are organized for different age groups. Here you have the horror tour Jurassic Nightmare. For the little ones it is playful and cozy, while for older children and teens it can be a bit more exciting. A place where Halloween really comes to life.
Sint Maarten in Groningen
Sint Maarten is, for me, a very atmospheric tradition. I may have passed the age of going door-to-door with my own handmade lantern, but I still remember how it felt to experience this day as a child. I always made my own lantern out of papier-mâché with my mother. Our dining table turned into a battlefield, and my fingers stuck together with glue, but in the evening I could proudly walk around with my beautiful handmade lantern. The preparations alone gave so much anticipation, and that’s not even mentioning all the treats…
Sunnemeerten Light Parade – November 8
In the run-up to Sint Maarten, there is a Sunnemeerten Light Parade on November 8. The aim is to connect the people of Groningen and help them discover their talents.
October Kids’ Month
October in Groningen is entirely dedicated to children. During Kids’ Month, children aged 4 to 13 can participate in all kinds of activities for free. In theaters, museums, mills, libraries, and in nature there is plenty to do. It is a perfect chance to discover new things and learn through play.
Covered Wagon Ride and Salt Marsh Excursion
Step into the covered wagon and discover the muddy salt marsh behind the dike. During this excursion, you go together in search of special plants and small animals. Getting dirty is allowed, and the guides will tell you everything about the species you encounter. An adventurous afternoon full of nature exploration.
Pumpkin Carving
A wonderful autumn activity for children: carving and decorating pumpkins. Get creative and make your pumpkin a piece of art, whether it is a scary face or a cheerful design.
Searching for Creepy Crawlies
With a magnifying glass and search card, you go exploring the small creatures living in the soil, grass, and bushes. Up close, you see how beautiful and special these little creatures actually are. A playful and educational activity for curious children.
Art Viewing Without a Compass
For the exhibition ‘Getting Lost’, more than 30 artists went outside to get inspired. Borrow a backpack at the museum counter and let yourself be surprised. You don’t follow signs and let chance determine your route. Along the way, you might make footprints, discover secret messages, or even sleep in an artwork. A creative journey of discovery for children and their parents.
Flavors of Autumn
Autumn is also the season of long dinners, discovering new flavors, and enjoying hearty dishes. In Groningen this autumn, you will find plenty of opportunities to treat your taste buds and gain new culinary inspiration
Wine Festival – September 26–28, A-Kerk
With more than 250 wines to taste, this wine festival is a dream for wine lovers. In the atmospheric A-Kerk, you can enjoy cozy autumn vibes, good conversations, and of course a nice glass of wine. The perfect place to discover your favorite wine and try new flavors.
Wild Festival – October 17 & 18, EM2
Wild food and hearty flavors belong to this season. During the Wild Festival, you will discover surprising dishes combined with beer, wine, and cider. Two days of tasting, enjoying, and discovering new combinations – pure autumn in a nutshell.
Entertainment in Groningen
Of course, there is also plenty of room for entertainment in Groningen. Autumn can sometimes feel a bit gloomy, and then I always cheer up with a good dose of humor.
Comedy Nights – October in Groningen
Autumn means shorter days, so more evenings to seek coziness. In October you can laugh at cabaret shows by Javier Guzman (October 15) and Martijn Koning (October 16) in the Oosterpoort.
Or discover new talent during a Comedy Night in Simplon. Perfect to recharge your batteries during the dark months.
You can also visit Wicked if you want a night of good laughs. They have a packed program in October, so be sure to take a look if you could use some humor!
Autumn at Home
There is also plenty of autumn fun to be found at home. Brew a nice cup of autumn tea, put on your warmest sweater, and binge-watch your favorite series – my tip: Gilmore Girls. Make your home cozy with candles and fun lighting. You can also pick up a new hobby this autumn, such as crocheting or knitting – that way you’ll get through the winter wrapped in your own handmade scarf.
