Whenever I meet visitors outside of tulip season, I tell them: don’t worry, you won’t be bored here. Growing up in Hillegom, I’ve learned that life in the Bollenstreek has its own rhythm all year long — weekly markets in Noordwijk, cozy library events in Lisse, and game nights in Sassenheim. Whether you’re after something active, cultural, or simply gezellig, this guide will show you what’s always on. And if you’d like to dive deeper, you can explore all our detailed event articles in the All Year Events overview.
Active & Outdoors
Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen – Wild Nature, Daily
If you love the outdoors, this is a must. You can leave the paths behind and truly wander, spotting deer, foxes, and rabbits along the way. Kids will love the gnome village, while birdwatchers can tick off more than 100 species. The area is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with a small entry fee.
Kagerzoom Parkrun (Warmond) – Free 5k Every Saturday 09:00
Saturday mornings feel different when you start with a friendly 5k. The Kagerzoom parkrun welcomes runners and walkers of all levels on a flat, scenic course. Just register once online, print your barcode, and join the community. Afterward, everyone gathers for coffee — the best way to start the weekend.
10,000-Step Walk (Noordwijkerhout) – First Saturdays
On the first Saturday of each month, locals meet for a relaxed 8 km walk. The route changes every time and always includes a coffee stop. It’s an easy way to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy the village atmosphere. No need to sign up, just join in for €4.
Insider tip: These three events are perfect if you want to balance city trips to Leiden or Haarlem with some fresh air and local flavor.
Games & Quizzes
Pubquiz @ Harbourlights (Noordwijkerhout) – Every Wednesday
If you enjoy a good challenge, the Harbourlights pub quiz makes Wednesdays lively. With 80 questions spread across news, music, and picture rounds, there’s never a dull moment. Teams of up to four compete in a gezellig café atmosphere, making it a classic among all year events in the Bollenstreek.
Pubquiz @ Café Van der Geest (Noordwijkerhout) – Every Thursday
Thursday evenings in Noordwijkerhout are all about trivia. Café Van der Geest hosts a buzzing pub quiz where teams of two to six compete for prizes and plenty of laughs. It’s one of the most sociable all year events in the Bollenstreek, and a great way to meet locals.
Sassenheim Board Game Night – Last Thursdays
If quizzes aren’t your thing, maybe board games are. On the last Thursday of the month, players gather in a Sassenheim bookshop for a relaxed evening of classics and new releases. Solo players are welcome, so you don’t need to bring a group to join this warm addition to the all year events in the Bollenstreek.
Poker @ Harbourlights – Last Mondays (Learn & Play)
Ever wanted to try poker but never dared? The monthly poker night at Harbourlights is designed for beginners. Everyone starts with the same chips, and it’s all about fun, not cash. As one of the more unique all year events in the Bollenstreek, it offers a friendly introduction to the game.
Klaverjassen @ Harbourlights – Second Mondays
Klaverjassen is a traditional Dutch card game, and you’ll quickly see why locals love it. Each month, Harbourlights in Noordwijkerhout hosts a competitive yet gezellig evening with prizes and plenty of banter. It’s a real slice of local culture and one of those all year events in the Bollenstreek that brings people together.
Insider tip: Game nights here aren’t just about winning — they’re about connection. Whether you play cards or answer trivia, you’ll feel like part of the community.
Culture & Library
Coffee with a Cop (Lisse Library) – First Tuesdays
On the first Tuesday of each month, the Lisse Library opens its doors for a friendly chat with the neighborhood police officer. There’s no need for an appointment — just sit down with a coffee and ask your questions. It’s a small but meaningful moment of connection, and one of the more personal all year events in the Bollenstreek.
Read-Aloud for Toddlers (Warmond Library) – First Wednesdays
Warmond Library comes alive with little voices once a month. Toddlers aged 2–4 gather for themed storytime, followed by a fun craft activity. Parents love it because it’s free and easy to join, making it a gentle, family-friendly highlight among the all year events in the Bollenstreek.
Storytime (Sassenheim Library) – First Wednesdays
Every first Wednesday, children aged 4–7 enjoy storytime in Sassenheim. Each month brings a new theme — from animals to fairy tales — with parents and grandparents welcome too. It’s a cozy afternoon activity that fits beautifully into the rhythm of all year events in the Bollenstreek.
Weekly DigiSpreekuur (Voorhout Library) – Free Digital Help
Technology can be tricky, but the Voorhout Library makes it easier. Every week, volunteers help with phones, apps, email, and e-readers. It’s free, welcoming, and a great example of how all year events in the Bollenstreek aren’t just fun — they’re useful too.
Insider tip: Don’t think libraries are just for books. In the Bollenstreek, they double as community hubs, where culture, learning, and connection happen all year long.
Markets & Shopping
Noordwijk’s Weekly & Special Markets
Markets in Noordwijk are a delight, and they run all year. Every Thursday, the weekly market fills the Kloosterplein with around 20 stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, and local goods. In summer, you can also stroll through lively tourist markets — from Sunday fairs at the Vuurtorenplein to Ibiza-style beach markets on weekends. And in June, the “Markt onder de Linden” brings 150 stalls, music, and open gardens. Together, these markets are among the most colorful all year events in the Bollenstreek.
Insider tip: Plan your visit around the markets if you love browsing for local products. It’s a simple way to experience the gezellig vibe that makes the Bollenstreek special.
Food & Drink
Thursday Burger Day – Two Brothers (Noordwijk)
If your week needs a tasty highlight, Thursday is the day. At Restaurant Two Brothers in Noordwijk, you can enjoy their signature burger for just €17.50. Because the restaurant sits right on the boulevard, it’s easy to combine this deal with a beach walk or sunset view. Moreover, the relaxed atmosphere makes it a family-friendly option as well. With its weekly rhythm, this special easily earns its place among the most delicious all year events in the Bollenstreek.
Insider tip: Go early if it’s a sunny Thursday. The terrace fills quickly, and you’ll want a front-row seat for the sea view.
Spiritual & Online
Palliam Online Evening Prayer – Thursdays 21:30–22:00
Not every event requires leaving the house. Each Thursday evening, Palliam hosts a short online prayer service called Slotje op de Dag. With music, silence, and gentle reflection, it offers a calming way to end your day. Because it follows the centuries-old monastic tradition of compline, the atmosphere feels both timeless and soothing. Moreover, it’s free to join, with only a voluntary donation suggested. As a result, this service has become a unique part of the all year events in the Bollenstreek, reaching people near and far.
Insider tip: Light a candle or dim the lights before joining. The ritual feels more powerful when your own space matches the calm of the service.
Plan Your Week
Weekly Highlights
If you like routine, some events can anchor your week. On Wednesdays, the Harbourlights pub quiz brings trivia fans together. Thursdays are busier: start at Noordwijk’s weekly market, stay for the Two Brothers burger deal, and round off the evening with a pub quiz at Café Van der Geest or Palliam’s calming online prayer. Saturday mornings, join the Kagerzoom parkrun for an energetic start.
Family Picks
Families will find plenty to enjoy in the Bollenstreek. Storytime in the libraries offers kids a mix of reading and crafting. The Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen provides outdoor fun with wildlife spotting and even a gnome village. Moreover, Noordwijk’s markets are easy outings with snacks, music, and local color. These experiences show why all year events in the Bollenstreek are perfect for both parents and children.
Budget-Friendly Options
Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. The parkrun is free, the library hosts weekly digital help sessions at no cost, and the online evening prayer only asks for a voluntary gift. Even markets can be enjoyed without spending much — browsing the stalls is entertainment in itself. Thanks to these options, you can always find free or affordable all year events in the Bollenstreek.
Insider tip: Mix paid and free activities in one day. For example, start with the dunes (small entry fee), browse a market, and finish with a free library event. It’s a balanced way to experience the region.
FAQs
Do I need to book for these events?
Most events are walk-in, so booking is not needed. However, some restaurants and special markets recommend reservations. Always check the event page for details.
Which events are best with kids?
Families love the library storytimes, the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen with its gnome village, and Noordwijk’s lively markets. These all year events in the Bollenstreek are perfect for younger visitors.
Are there free events every week?
Yes, many are free. Examples include the weekly parkrun, library help hours, and Palliam’s online evening prayer. Even markets can be enjoyed without spending money.
H3 What are the best rainy-day options?
On rainy days, head indoors. The libraries host storytime and digital cafés, while Harbourlights and Café Van der Geest offer cozy pub quizzes. These make great alternatives when the weather turns.
How do I get there by public transport?
The Bollenstreek is well-connected. Buses run from Leiden, Haarlem, and Schiphol to towns like Noordwijk, Lisse, and Sassenheim. Many events are also reachable by bike, which is often the easiest option.
Insider tip: Combine public transport with cycling. For example, take the train to Leiden or Sassenheim and rent a bike for the last stretch — it’s practical and scenic.
Closing
All year events in the Bollenstreek prove that this region is much more than tulips in spring. Whether you prefer running in the dunes, playing cards in a cozy café, or bringing the kids to storytime, there’s always something going on. Because these events repeat weekly or monthly, you can plan a visit anytime and still feel part of local life.
Insider tip: If you’re short on time, pick one outdoor, one cultural, and one gezellig night event. That mix gives you the full flavor of the Dutch Flower Region beyond the tulip fields.
Ready to dive in? Start exploring the all the year-round events in the Bollenstreek and plan your perfect week here.