Dutch Beer Week has become an annual event, with hundreds of beer-related activities all over the Netherlands.
Dutch Beer Week (Week van het Nederlandse Bier) is a celebration of Dutch beer. Since the Netherlands is one of the most prominent exporters and producers of beer, then this annual focal point of beer is totally justified! The Netherlands has had a very strong brewing culture going way back to the Middle Ages and to this day, Dutch beer brands are well known all across the world, from big brands like Heineken to Trappist beer brewed by monks and all kinds of craft beers.
There are multiple events happening across three days, as you'll see below, from beer-tasting sessions to guided tours of breweries and from beer bingo to masterclasses. The epicentre of Dutch Beer Week 2024 is the three-day Dutch Beer Tasting Festival The Hague (NL Bierproeffestival) on May 24-26.
The Dutch Beer Week opens with the Dutch Beer Tasting Festival (Nederlands Bierproeffestival) at the Grote Kerk in the centre of The Hague. There will be hundreds of types of Dutch beer to try out, presented by approximately 40 Dutch breweries. Visitors can enjoy tasty food alongside their beer, which will be sold at the festival! Alcohol-free beer is also available.
Buy your tickets online while they last! Tickets are 20 euros. When you show your ticket at the entrance, you will be presented with a complimentary tasting glass and a festival guide. The location of the festival couldn’t be more perfect, as it’s easily accessible from The Hague Central Station and The Hague Hollands Spoor station, as well as by tram and bus. So, leave your cars and bicycles at home and enjoy the festivities safely.
During the first day of the festival, the “Best beer of the Netherlands” (Het beste bier van Nederland) is announced. This is the culmination of the Dutch Beer Challenge which typically takes place a few weeks before the announcement, with over 900 Dutch breweries taking part. With so many taking part, it's a truly exciting moment to find out who the winner is!
Check out the Dutch Beer Week website for more information about beer-related events happening in the Netherlands. Here's an overview of special events happening during Dutch Beer Week:
Here are a few participating breweries:
The organisers of the Dutch Beer Tasting Festival strongly recommend visitors to come to the festival by public transport instead of cycling or driving. Check out the Dutch Beer Week website for more information.