Been sitting inside a lot this winter? Then now is the time to get out and about! How about Dordt Pakt Uit and Koningsdag? If you are an art and antique lover, you can browse around during one of the art and antique markets that are on the event calendar in April and May. We have some great tips to keep you entertained this spring.
From the Dordrecht Pakt Uit to all kinds of fun in the Biesbosch - events galore!
Strolling around, dancing and scoring vintage!
Are you looking for just that one antique table? Or a special cup and saucer? Or a beautiful painting or other work of art? Then come to the Art and Antiques Market on the Nieuwkerksplein! Every first Sunday of the month, from April through October (except July). Sunday, April 6, kicks off a spring and summer full of Art and Antiques Markets. The market consists of stalls full of art and antiques and also features an open stage with live music every afternoon. Local talent shows off their musical skills here, while you enjoy a bite to eat and a drink. Also fun: during the Art and Antique Market, most art, antique and curio shops are open. The art and antiques event is actually a set recipe, says organizer Sylvia Landa. "Every year it gets more fun and cozy!"
On safari downtown!
On Saturday, April 19, Dordrecht city center will transform into a bustling safari adventure during Dordt Pakt Uit. Entrepreneurs will pull out all the stops for a day full of surprises. Expect giraffes, zebras and butterflies strolling through the streets, while balloon artists will create the most beautiful safari animals and children will have their faces painted as wild animals. In addition to fun shopping, there will be plenty of entertainment, music and even an exciting scavenger hunt. The downtown area will have a tropical touch, making you feel like you're in the jungle for a while. Whether you come for shopping or a nice walk in the city center: Dordt Pakt Uit promises to be a day full of fun and adventure!
Toasting to King Willem-Alexander
In 2025, we will celebrate King Willem-Alexander's birthday on Saturday, April 26. Dordrecht will be full of fun on King's Day! Jubal will perform a serenade at Het Gastenhuis on the Vest and continue to the Stadhuisplein for an aubade. Here you can of course sing along with the best-known King's songs. The Orange Market, with over 125 stalls, winds from the Grotekerksbuurt to the Statenplein. There the Orange Band Show will also take place, with large marching bands from all over the country. A true spectacle! The Koningsbrunch in the Dordrechts Museum at Art & Dining is for one hundred (invited) Dordrecht residents. Various restaurants in the city will also be celebrating, including Finn's, Rebel Rebel and Boer'n Bontje. Outside the center, there are various festivities, with children's events in eight neighborhoods. Each neighborhood thus celebrates a cozy King's Day. The day ends festively with a fireworks show at the Drierivierenpunt!
Experience a day as a shepherd in the Biesbosch
Have you always wanted to know what it's like to be a shepherd? On Wednesday, April 30, you get the unique opportunity to experience it for yourself! Tip: do make reservations in advance. Put on your walking shoes and join a flock of sheep as they pass through the beautiful recreational area of the Biesbosch. Accompanied by an experienced shepherd, you will walk with the flock and learn all about herding sheep. The shepherd's dogs demonstrate how they keep the flock together. Along the way, the shepherd shares special facts and talks about the importance of sheep to nature. How do the sheep care for the landscape? How does the shepherd communicate with his animals? For the young adventurers there is something extra: the Shepherd's Diploma. By performing fun and playful activities, children can prove that they are a real shepherd. Afterwards, they can pick up their diploma at the Biesbosch Center desk.
