Nothing is more fun to visit fun events in the city during the summer vacations. From cultural events to enjoying music and film - there are all kinds of great events on the UITagenda. They let you enjoy both the beautiful weather and the city.
The (inner) city is full of events in August.
Enjoying films for four weekends in August: anyone who has been to Film in the Garden before knows that the event in De Witt' s Cloister Garden - until recently The Movies - has set ingredients. Like the opening, which is traditionally the screening of one of the best films of the past year. There is also always a musical film on the program. This time is no different. Add to that the fine atmosphere and you know: you are doing well to pen Film in the Garden in your calendar! Geert ter Steeg: "We give people a nice summer feeling. Of course, the weather always plays a role, but anyway the Kloostertuin behind our building is a fantastic place because the garden is so beautifully enclosed. That gives a very special ambiance and adds to the experience. For an even finer evening, cocktails and delicious bites can be booked with your ticket." It is already the ninth edition of the event, which has become indispensable in Dordrecht, according to Geert. "Always nice that people can still watch films they missed. Film in the Garden is a perfect ending to your vacation week."
Sample Indonesian culture during Pasar Malam Istimewa. In case you forgot about the event for a moment, the delicious food smells will lure you to the downtown area during the Pasar Malam Istimewa. For four afternoons and evenings, there will be stalls in downtown Dordrecht serving the tastiest Indonesian and Indian dishes, live music and a literal and figurative taste of the diverse Asian culture.
"Pasar Malam Istimewa in Dordrecht is the largest free pasar malam in the Netherlands," says Marcel Neervoort of the organizing Istimewa Events. "Visitors come from all over the Netherlands to this market for the delicious food, music and fun." Organizers expect some 70,000 visitors this year, spread over the four days.
What do you get when you spend six evenings immersing people in all kinds of music in Wantijpark? Right: an event brimming with musical delight! We're talking about Parkies, which will once again erupt in the park for six Monday evenings in July and August. The support act starts at 7 p.m. and the main program at 8 p.m.. On Aug. 7, Radio Negra takes the stage. The big finale is on August 14, with The Deputees: a Bob Marley Tribute Band that takes the stage with eleven men and all sorts of horns. A DJ will close each night and there will be a silent disco. Parkies is free to attend, says organizer Bas Witlox. "It's a kind of theater in the open air. We actually offer people a concert evening; an alibi to come to the park and enjoy music together with acquaintances. Parkies is a meeting place where you have a good time." And where you can do some sustainability, because if you get a drink, you pay an extra 50 cents, which is deducted from your next drink. So Parkies also has an eye for sustainability during all evenings.
At the event site on Wantijkade, August 26 is the time for Swim to Fight Cancer. The new location is nice and practical and has a course stretching between the Prince Claus Bridge and the Prince Hendrik Bridge. Participants get sponsored for the good cause of KWF, which conducts research on cancer. There is a choice of 250 or 500 meters of swimming for participants up to age 15, and those 16 and older can go for the 1,000, 1,500 or 2,500 meters. They know what they're doing it for, as the previous five editions of Swim to Fight Cancer have raised a total of over a million euros! That always averages two tons per edition, making the sponsored swim a valuable tradition. Want to swim along for charity? You can still register. Also fun: come cheer on the swimmers on the day itself!
For six weekends this summer between July 23 and August 27, the Groothoofd will be the domain of the art afternoon Art Head. That amounts to two afternoons in July and four in August. It's all about art: each edition features 20 to 25 artists. You can see them live in action on the spot and if you have a question, you can simply ask the artist. All kinds of art forms are represented. There is plenty of conviviality during the event, as a terrace and live music with singer-songwriters provide a great atmosphere and the chance to relax by the water. Kunsthoofd is experiencing its sixth edition this summer, which means the event can safely be called a tradition. For art lovers, but also for day trippers who fancy a nice event at this beautiful spot on the three rivers.