The new year has arrived and of course there is already a lot on the Dordt UITagenda. In order not to miss anything, we are passing on some important dates that you really should put in your calendar. This year there is also something for everyone when it comes to the events calendar. We will pick a few for you.
Events in 2024: bring on the fun!
May 24 to 26: Dordt in Steam
May marks the 20th time Dordt in Steam, Europe's largest steam event in Dordrecht. The event is free to enter, only for historical transport a day ticket can be bought, the 'Stoomrondje Dordt'. Friday evening the event starts with the Vlootschouw, the spectacular opening number! Dordt in Stoom starts with a steam whistle concert at 8 p.m.. From the Groothoofd, the Merwekade and on the banks of Zwijndrecht and Papendrecht the spectacle can be followed. Saturday and Sunday it is time for the grand steam event. In the historic port area, dozens of steam ships, steam machines and steam implements are on display. Steamboats make round trips on the river. Miniature steam trains run for the children. Several (steam) ships are open for viewing. Terraces and music provide conviviality. Of course, the model show is also part of the program again.
June 7 & 8: Wantijlive and Wantijpop
Wantijlive and Wantijpop annually bring families, friends and girlfriends together. Enjoying the best acts, the best food and the nice atmosphere together is typical Wantijlive and Wantijpop! Will these events also kick off your festival summer? Wantijlive is the music festival showcasing the best live acts from Dutch soil, in the beautiful and intimate Wantijpark. Wantijlive is taking place for the sixth time this year. Wantijpop has not only well-known Dutch top acts but also the Popcentrale field with the coolest local acts. You will find the most fun activities for kids at King Oak, you can dance to house sounds at the Secret Tunes and feast on the best food from the region. All this makes that both events can be counted among the top fun (free) activities in Dordrecht - and the region.
July 12 to 14: Big Rivers
Dordrecht will once again be the New Orleans of the Low Countries in July. The purple, green and gold Mardi Gras necklaces can come out of the closet again for the multi-day music festival Big Rivers. This time from Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 14. There are musical activities for young and old on various stages throughout the city. There is also a cozy festival market that you can find on the Grotekerksbuurt and the Groenmarkt. The performances will take place at the Grotekerkstuin, Korte Kalkhaven, Grote Markt, Statenplaats and De Waag, among others. As soon as the lineup is known you can find it on the Big Rivers website. We are already looking forward to the summer after reading all this fun!
Aug. 4 to 7: Pasar Malam Istimewa
The Pasar Malam Istimewa in Dordrecht is the largest free outdoor Pasar Malam in the Netherlands. Visitors come from all over the Netherlands to the Pasar for the good food, the music and of course the fun. The smell of fresh lime, ginger and turmeric will literally make your mouth water. During the Pasar, the Statenplein and Sarisgang are filled with food stalls where you can feast on Asian dishes. Stalls with wood carvings, health products and calligraphy, and music performances with exotic dancers complete the Oriental experience.
August 13: Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift
The second stage of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2024 will start at the Energieplein in Dordrecht on Tuesday, August 13. First, the cyclists will ride another tour de ville after which the second stage will start over a distance of 73 kilometers to Rotterdam. The route continues through the windmills of Kinderdijk, the Alblasserwaard and the southern edge of Rotterdam. The finish will be on the Boompjes in Rotterdam.
Sept. 14 & 15: Heritage Days
Dordrecht is a true city of monuments and counts more than 1,000 monuments. The city was already big in the Middle Ages and developed into the trade and administrative center of Holland, experiencing its own golden age as early as the 14th century. Walking along the inner harbors, the important transshipment goods of the time are still clearly reflected in the street names, as the names Wijnstraat and Wijnhaven betray. During Open Monument Days, many monuments open their doors, extra fun because these monuments are not normally open to visitors. Visit the monuments of your choice and join one of the city walks. Or enjoy the music programming on Sunday. This year's theme is "Routes, Networks and Connections. Various activities are organized around the theme.
November 3: DrechtStadLoop
On the beautiful and unique course in early November, hundreds of runners will compete against the clock and themselves during the DrechtStadLoop. There is a choice of various distances, all starting and finishing on the Statenplein in the historic heart of Dordrecht. Due to work in and around the Spuiboulevard, the course has been slightly modified, but the start and finish remain on the Statenplein. With musical support, it will be a fun and sporting event for runners and spectators alike. A unique medal will be waiting for every participant at the finish.
