There’s a lot going on in Delft. How does a theatre festival, a museum night, restaurant week and open monument day sound? With most free or extremely affordable, there’s no excuse to not get cultured.
Delen
Museumnacht Delft
A night out was never this much fun. Every year, on Museum Night, museums and art galleries across the city stay open late into the night. A number of cultural performances – plays, live music, painting – are organised around Delft. The ticket for the night is usually a blinking button, in 2015 it was in the shape of a heart and the year before that a clock.
When: Usually in November
Entry: Around €10
http://www.museumnachtdelft.nl/
Open Monumentendag
Heritage Day is celebrated across the Netherlands every September. Over 4,000 historical buildings and sites are open to the public and free. The theme for Open Monument Day in 2016 will be Icons and Symbols. In Delft, over 35 buildings, including the Town Hall, are open and there are also tours, lectures and performances in several of them. Started in 1987, recent editions have seen around 900,000 visitors per event.
When: September
Entry: Free
http://www.openmonumentendagdelft.nl/
Delft Fringe
Based on Edinburgh Festival Fringe, one of the world’s largest art festivals, Delft Fringe began in 2011. Celebrating theatre in the fringes of society, performances take place at unexpected venues. Previous editions have been at libraries, ateliers, cafes and even a church. Performances include improvs, musicals, street plays, stand-up comedy and other genres. Most are free, but the artist may send a hat around for optional tips.
When: June
Entry: Free (for most events)
http://www.delftfringe.nl
TEDx Delft
Top scientific minds, artists and innovators from the Netherlands get together for a day of inspiration at TEDx. Started in 2012, TEDx Delft also has a number of side events and salons in the months running up to the main event. Speakers in 2016 included Rowland Manthorpe who talked about confidence, and Kevin de Randamie calling for a creative revolution.
When: Check website for details
Tickets: €20 for students / €45 for non-students
http://www.tedxdelft.nl
Festibérico
Started in 2002, Festeberico is a film festival that celebrates great Portuguese and Spanish films. Featuring classics, alternative cinema and award winning films from film festivals, the filmmakers are also present at some of the screenings for a discussion with the audience. Hosted by Lumenhuis Delft, the festival is about more than just films, and with food and music added to the mix, it’s an important showcase for Portuguese and Spanish culture.
When: Check website for details
Tickets: €9 per film for students
http://www.festiberico.net
Lichtjesavond
The annual Evening of Lights is one of the most magical nights of the winter. A giant Christmas tree is lit in the Markt, marking the start of festive season. Carollers perform all across the city, while visiting bands perform live on a stage at the Markt. The town is lit up with decorations and food stalls line every corner. Enjoy steaming glühwein (mulled wine) and hot poffertjes (little pancakes.)
When: Second week of December
Tickets: Free
National Restaurant Week
If you’re a foodie, you should probably save up for this. For one week, restaurants across the Netherlands offer discounted menus and set menus for cheaper rates. You could get a 3-course dinner for €27.50 and lunch for €22.50 at a top restaurant. Over 750 restaurants are part of Restaurant Week.
When: Check website for details
Tickets: Varied.
http://www.restaurantweek.nl
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