What's on the programme — October, November, December 2026 & January 2027
Concerts, theatre, exhibitions and traditions in the historic city centre
Kampen offers a surprisingly rich cultural programme throughout the year: from classical concerts in the medieval Bovenkerk and theatre performances at the Stadsgehoorzaal to literary evenings, cinema nights, wine tastings and atmospheric Christmas markets along the IJsselkade. B&B 't Hanzehuys is right in the centre — everything within walking distance.
The city archive presents the work of photographer Pieter Remmers, who documented daily life in Kampen for decades.
Free entryTo mark the Avercamp year, Galerie Tripmaker presents work related to the theme of winter landscapes. Hendrick Avercamp was born in Kampen in 1585.
Free entryA special exhibition dedicated to Hendrick Avercamp, the quiet master of the winter landscape who was born in Kampen.
Paid admissionVisual art at Galerie Tripmaker — lovely to combine with the Avercamp window display next door.
Free entryA temporary pop-up store in the heart of the Oudestraat. Open until 31 October.
Free entryLowland Drive plays live at The Moonshiners — the country bar in the centre of Kampen. A relaxed evening of honest, raw live music.
Paid admissionAn evening concert in the impressive medieval Bovenkerk. The remarkable acoustics of this Gothic monument make every concert here an unforgettable experience.
Paid admissionAlso on Friday 30 October. A compelling international film at Cinema Kampen. Booking recommended.
Paid admissionThe well-known Dutch singer-songwriter Stef Bos performs at the Stadsgehoorzaal. Known for introspective, heartfelt songs and personal stories.
Paid admissionA free family day centred on Avercamp's work. Children and adults paint together on a large collaborative artwork, inspired by the winter landscapes of this Kampen master.
FreeA theatre evening with Club Teatro at the Stadsgehoorzaal. A lively performance on the last day of October.
Paid admissionA game and wine tasting on the IJsselkade, right next to 't Hanzehuys. Selected wines paired with seasonal game dishes — a perfect autumn evening.
Paid admissionA reflective concert for All Saints' weekend in the impressive Bovenkerk. Classical music in one of the most beautiful churches in the Netherlands.
Paid admissionA theatre performance at the Stadsgehoorzaal. A funny and touching evening — recommended for regulars and first-time visitors alike.
Paid admissionTalented emerging artists present themselves to the audience in Kampen. An evening of discoveries and fresh voices from the Dutch cultural scene.
Paid admissionA pleasant Friday evening at the Stadsgehoorzaal. Her Majesty brings a varied musical programme full of energy and entertainment.
Paid admissionAlso on Saturday 7 November (15:00). Intimate Dutch cabaret at its finest in the cosy Vestzaktheater — a refreshing alternative to the larger stages.
Paid admissionAn autumn concert with top-quality brass music at the atmospheric Stadsgehoorzaal. Energetic performances and a varied programme.
Paid admissionA special tribute evening marking Bob Dylan's 85th birthday. Expect an evening of iconic songs including Blowin' in the Wind, The Times They Are a-Changin' and Like a Rolling Stone.
Paid admissionSunday matinée of Offenbach's La Belle Hélène at the Stadsgehoorzaal. A light-hearted operetta full of humour — a delightful Sunday afternoon.
Paid admissionA Sunday evening cantata service at De Burgwal, one of the most beautiful concert venues in Kampen for quiet classical music.
Free entryPieter Derks — known for his sharp social commentary and witty observations — performs at the Stadsgehoorzaal. One of the most popular cabaret artists in the Netherlands.
Paid admissionAn evening wine tasting at Cafe 't Ponton on the IJsselkade. Twelve selected wines in a cosy atmosphere — perfect for wine lovers.
Paid admissionA special lunchtime concert in the historic Lutheran Church of Kampen, in honour of Avercamp and his era. Music from the 17th century in an authentic setting.
Paid admissionA special tribute evening in honour of the Queen of Soul. An evening of gospel, soul and R&B — from Respect to (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.
Paid admissionMonthly gathering for anyone who loves poetry, stories and columns. Theme: resilience — how do people bounce back after setbacks? Performing or listening, both are welcome. Free entry.
Free entryA craft beer evening at Cafe 't Ponton right on the IJsselkade. Seasonal beers and a cosy atmosphere — a great autumn evening out.
Paid admissionA captivating evening of Billy Joel classics — from Piano Man to Uptown Girl. La Finesse adds refined ensemble playing to the beloved songs.
Paid admissionThe legendary Herman van Veen performs in Kampen with his latest programme. An evening of personal stories, music and poetry from one of the Netherlands' greatest performers.
Paid admissionA sing-along concert where everyone is invited to join in. The Popup Choir makes classical and popular choral music accessible to a wide audience.
Paid admissionSunday afternoon chamber music at the Stadsgehoorzaal. Two prominent international musicians perform an intimate concert.
Paid admissionEvery year Sinterklaas arrives by steamboat in Kampen and parades festively through the historic centre. A charming Dutch tradition right on the doorstep of B&B 't Hanzehuys.
FreeLeonie Meijer, known from The Voice of Holland, performs in Kampen with her new programme. An evening of emotional songs and personal stories.
Paid admissionActor Marcel Hensema presents ELDORADO, a solo theatre piece of great intensity. Hensema is one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
Paid admissionRhythm of the Dance brings their spectacular Christmas show to Kampen. Irish dance, live band and a magical atmosphere — a perfect close to the Sinterklaas weekend.
Paid admissionActor Maarten Heijmans and musician Xander Vrienten join forces for a moving performance about life, death and everything in between.
Paid admissionThe classic farce Boeing Boeing starring Jon van Eerd — a hilarious comedy about a bachelor simultaneously courting three air stewardesses. A perfect evening in the run-up to Christmas.
Paid admissionA stage adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's timeless story. For young and old alike — a beautiful performance on the eve of Christmas week.
Paid admissionAn inclusive Christmas concert for everyone, organised by the Levenslied Muziekkorps Kampen. Christmas songs and festive spirit in the atmospheric De Burgwal.
Free entryOnce a year the old city centre transforms into a living Christmas story. Choirs, musicians and performers bring scenes to life among historic façades, gates and churches — lit by torches and lanterns. Within walking distance of 't Hanzehuys.
Free up to age 8 · €3 up to 14 · €6 onlineChristmas Eve with traditional Christmas Carols in the Bazuinkerk. Festive bells and singing on Christmas Eve — a wonderful close to your Christmas stay in Kampen.
Free entryThe classic Christmas ballet The Nutcracker with Tchaikovsky's iconic music, performed by the International European Ballet. A spectacular ballet evening after Christmas.
Paid admissionStart the new year the Kampen way: with a bracing plunge into the IJssel. The New Year's Dive is a joyful community celebration with enthusiastic participants and a large crowd of spectators.
Free to watchThe Avercamp exhibition runs until 10 January. His ice landscapes speak perhaps most powerfully in the very winter season in which they were created.
Paid admissionA spectacular opening concert of 2027 at the Stadsgehoorzaal. The Diamond Baritones bring their hugely successful show The Circle of Life to Kampen.
Paid admissionAn evening of the greatest hits of the 1980s at the Stadsgehoorzaal. Sing along to the biggest pop classics of the decade.
Paid admissionA historical theatre production about the Delft jurist and philosopher Hugo Grotius (Hugo de Groot), who was closely connected to the Hanseatic cities of his time.
Paid admissionA beautiful tribute to Karen Carpenter — intimate vocal power and timeless songs including Close to You, We've Only Just Begun and Rainy Days and Mondays.
Paid admissionPopular and accessible cabaret artist Jörgen Raymann performs at the Stadsgehoorzaal. Expect humour that brings people together.
Paid admissionThe best Eagles hits live at the Stadsgehoorzaal — Hotel California, Take It Easy, Desperado and more. A rock night to kick off the new year.
Paid admissionCheck availability at B&B 't Hanzehuys and combine your stay with a visit to one of the many events.
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