fun to do during Ascension weekend in the Netherlands, do Ascension Day
© Your Little Black Book

9 fun things to do on Ascension Day and weekend throughout the Netherlands

In the mood to plan something fun for Ascension Day? From culture and nature to food festivals and mini-getaways: with these tips, you'll make the most of the long weekend in the Netherlands.

The wonderfully long weekend is just around the corner again! Do you already know what you're going to do for Ascension Day and the Ascension weekend? As an official public holiday, chances are you won't have to work on May 14, 2026, so it's time to plan something fun with friends, your lover, or your family. What is there to do this year? Read on for the best things to do during Ascension Day and the weekend throughout the Netherlands.

 | TIP: See also the shortlist with tips for the Ascension weekend in Amsterdam >>

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Ice cream date, anyone? One of the newest openings at Amstel1 is De Boule De Boule, an ice cream and pastry parlor just behind Waterlooplein. After trying it, I can confirm: the ice cream is really, really good. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗩𝗜𝗕𝗘 After seeing their Instagram, you might think of places like Folderol in Paris, the spot that became famous for pairing ice cream with wine. But De Boule De Boule feels different. Less destination wine bar, more day-time neighborhood café where you can stop by for homemade ice cream, a pastry, coffee and, yes, a glass of wine. Inside you'll find shelves filled with vinyl records, a display of freshly made ice cream and homemade pastries crafted by two in-house pastry chefs. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗗 Amstel1 is still being discovered by Amsterdam and it was a little quiet during our visit. I expect the vibe to only get better as more shops open and people find their way here. I'm especially curious to see how it feels this weekend with the market taking over the area for the first full weekend. This covered location with a courtyard feel is incredibly promising. 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗘 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗗 • Olive oil & basil ice cream with sea salt • Chocolate ice cream with hazelnut topping • Paired with a glass of Chardonnay and an orange wine. All of the ice cream is made in-house and completely vegan. If nobody had told me, I honestly wouldn't have guessed. 𝗪𝗛𝗬 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗧 The ice cream is excellent, but what makes De Boule De Boule interesting is that it's more than an ice cream shop. It's a place for coffee, pastries, a glass of wine or drinks after a performance at the Stopera. And yes, I'm already planning to go back to try more flavors, but next time in the evening for a dessert after dinner elsewhere. Just to see how the space changes throughout the day. What would I order then? Very curious about the White Coffee ice cream! 𝗔𝗗𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 📍 De Boule De Boule @debouledeboule Amstel1, Waterlooplein Would you go for olive oil & basil or keep it classic? ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Today marks 43 ☺️🎈 But when I look in the mirror, I still see that 28-year-old girl who, 15 years ago, had no idea she would turn her hobby into her job. Thanks for being there (perhaps for so long) to follow this adventure 🫶🏼❤️. ✖️✖️✖️ @anne_de_buck
Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢 Straight from the airport to this little spot to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉

The best things to do on Ascension Day and weekend throughout the Netherlands

Earthlings Festival at ARTIS // May 14 to 17 

Spring means a new edition of the Earthlings Festival at ARTIS!
From May 14 to 17, the entire Ascension Weekend is dedicated to caring for nature. Dive into ARTIS during the Earthlings Festival and expect a weekend full of wonderful discoveries, inspiring workshops, and surprising encounters for the whole family. ARTIS loves everything that lives. From the very smallest in ARTIS-Micropia to the very, very largest in the ARTIS-Planetarium. ARTIS connects you with nature in all its forms. During the Earthlings Festival, there are various themes that allow you to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. So go exploring with all kinds of fun activities: launch into space with Spacebuzz, build a butterfly highway, get moving with sea animal yoga, and garden with elephant poop (really!).

With a ticket for €32,50 you get access to the Earthlings Festival at ARTIS, including all activities, workshops, and games. And of course, on the same day you can also visit ARTIS Park, ARTIS Micropia, and ARTIS Groote Museum. Have fun! Book your ticket directly here >>

fun to do Ascension Day Netherlands

Earthlings Festival at Artis © Ben Houdijk

Want to go: The Royal Palace is open the entire Ascension weekend.

Have you actually ever been inside the Royal Palace on Dam SquareMost likely not. Even though this is arguably one of the most impressive buildings in Amsterdam. During Ascension Weekend, the palace is open to visitors as usual, making this the perfect time to finally step inside again.

You walk through gigantic marble halls, spot art and details you would normally walk right past, and discover how the palace is still used today for state visits and official receptions for the King. Believe me: you are guaranteed to look at Dam Square differently once you have been inside.

Especially fun for families: there are special audio tours and scavenger hunts for children, making this an outing the kids won't soon forget.

These are the (audio) tours you can take this weekend:

  • Prince Louis (ages 5 to 8): a scavenger hunt through the palace with stories about King Louis Napoleon.
  • Jacob's Adventure (ages 9 to 12): an exciting tour where children solve a mystery in the palace.
  • Family Trail: go together in search of hidden animals in the palace sculpture.
  • Mokumtour: a special audio tour for teenagers aged 12 and up and adults about Amsterdam's 750th anniversary, created in collaboration with Ommetje met Tom.

Location: Royal Palace Amsterdam, Dam
When: open the entire Ascension weekend, daily from 10:00 to 18:00
Good to know: children aged 17 and under receive free admission, including an audio tour. The Royal Palace can also be visited free of charge with the Museum Card. More info & tickets >>

Book tickets

Fun things to do during the May holidays in Amsterdam, outings during the May holidays in Amsterdam

The Palace on Dam Square © Your Little Black Book

Rent a boat and go out on the lakes

Is the weather going to be nice? Nothing gives you that instant feeling of being on holiday in your own country like renting a boat. And with the bustling canals, it's actually much more fun and relaxing just outside the city. Check out the best places to rent a boat here >>

Dancing or enjoying a delicious meal at a festival

Have you already caught your first festival? Get your feet on the dance floor on Ascension Day, because there are several fun festivals (for the whole family) finally taking place again this year. From dance festivals to food festival! What do you think of, for example:

Food festivals during Ascension weekend

Rolling Kitchens // Westerpark, Amsterdam // May 13-17, 2026 

Taste Amersfoort // Amersfoort // May 13 to 17, 2026

Spoon Spoon // Weizigtpark, Dordrecht // May 14 to 17, 2026

TREK // City Park, Maastricht // 14 to 17 May 2026

Spoon Spoon // Park de Wezenlanden, Zwolle // May 14 to 17, 2026

TOOST Festival // Burgemeester Baxpark, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht // May 14-17, 2026

HOPPAAA! Food Truck Festival Outside the Water Gate, Gorinchem // May 14 to 17, 2026

Overview of food festivals in the Netherlands Lepeltje Lepeltje

© LEPELTJE LEPELTJE

 

More to do on Ascension Day and weekend

Take a nice bike ride

When was the last time you went on a nice bike ride? One of my favorite things to do when the weather is nice: cycling to a neighborhood on the other side of the city or even out of town. Along the way, stopping at lots of great hotspots for something to eat or drink. Or around Ascension Day, perhaps at a nice bike ride. flower picking gardenBecause everything is in full bloom again. From Amsterdam, I always enjoy cycling along the Amstel River, to Amsterdam-Noord or, for example, towards Muiderslot Castle. It's also fun to do with kids, of course!

Supping or canoeing on the lakes

Are you team SUP or team canoe? Or maybe even both?! If you ask me, it's one of the most fun things to do in and around the city. From rivers to canals and lakes, you can SUP or canoe in countless places in the Netherlands. Some of my favorite spots for inspiration: the Amstel River in Amsterdam, the Vinkeveense Plassen lakes, the Amsterdamse Bos, the Utrecht canals, and the Biesbosch National Park. Want to discover more beautiful spots for SUPing throughout the Netherlands? Read more here >>

Soak up culture at the most beautiful exhibitions

In my opinion, it's always a good combination: first a visit to a museum and then a nice lunch somewhere. Around Ascension Day, beautiful exhibitions and displays are held throughout the country. Perfect for a cultural day out or to enjoy during a weekend getaway in your own country. We've compiled a selection of exhibitions and museums throughout the country for you. View the complete overview here >>

New exhibitions:

  • Tokyo Tokyo. Richard Koek – Japanmuseum SieboldHuis, through September 6, 2026 – Order your tickets here >>
  • Andy Warhol – The Textiles – Cobra Museum, Amstelveen, until September 6, 2026 – Order your tickets here >>
  • Treasures of the Ancient World – Museum Park Orientalis, Heilig Landstichting, through November 2, 2026
  • Ekō – Japan in two visual stories – National Maritime Museum, Amsterdam, until August 30, 2026 – Order your tickets here >>
  • World Press Photo Exhibition 2026 – De Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam, until September 27, 2026 – Order your tickets here >>

Ongoing exhibitions where the museums themselves are worth seeing:
● Depot Boijmans van Beuningen – Rotterdam – More info >> 
● Museum Voorlinden – Wassenaar – More info >>

© Museum Voorlinden

More to do during Ascension Day and the weekend throughout the Netherlands

Visit the best weekend markets

Fancy a leisurely stroll, picking up some great finds, or sampling local products to take home for drinks? During Ascension weekend, there are great markets throughout the Netherlands, from flea markets to food markets and everything in between. Perfect for a pleasant afternoon outdoors. View all weekend markets during Ascension Day weekend here >>

Get some fresh air on the beach

As soon as the sun comes out, a trip to the beach is almost irresistible. And let's be honest: what's better than a stroll along the seafront followed by relaxing at a great beach bar? Whether you're looking for a leisurely lunch, an ice-cold drink, or drinks until the sun goes down, you'll find it on the Dutch coast. plenty of nice beach bars >>
Extra fun: make it a mini-vacation and stay overnight by the sea. In this list you will find 23 of the best beach hotels and beach houses in the Netherlands >>

best beach tents Noordwijk aan Zee Tulum

Tulum Noordwijk © Facebook

Last minute weekend getaway in your own country

Ascension weekend is the perfect time for a spontaneous getaway in your own country. Whether you choose a nice (boutique) hotel in the city, a cozy house in the middle of nature or a accommodation by the seaThe Netherlands is bursting with beautiful places to recharge. In these lists, we recommend the best spots for a last-minute night (or weekend) getaway.

best Hotels Twente charging station electric car Hoog holten

© Restaurant & Hotel Hoog Holten, Booking.com

Have fun with these tips on Ascension Day and during your long weekend off!

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With love,

Anne 

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