Tong Tong Fair
Tong Tong Fair is the largest Eurasian fair in the world, and is celebrating its 64th year in 2023! Embark on a trip to Southeast Asia right in the heart of The Hague’s Malieveld.
The Hague and Indonesia
Three centuries of history between The Hague and Indonesia still leave their mark today and have helped shape contemporary society in both the Netherlands and the Indonesian archipelago once known as the Dutch East Indies.
This event is sure to stimulate your senses, from the exotic tastes and smells of Indonesian food to the hundreds of music and dance events taking place in the forest of festival tents spread over 11 days across the Tong Tong Fair grounds.
The Grand Pasar is the fair's famous East-West exhibition wherein hundreds of different exhibition stands will be selling Indonesian products including food. This festival celebrates mostly Indo culture but also features exhibitors from other parts of Southeast Asia like Vietnam and Malaysia.
Food, music, dance and theatre at the Tong Tong Fair
The Food Court is one of the greatest meeting points at the fair, where delicious delicacies from afar can be enjoyed. After all, there is no other place in Europe with such an abundance and variety of Indonesian food than the Netherlands.
One of the greatest high points of the Tong Tong Fair is the Tong Tong Festival, which occupies four theatres on the fair site with hundreds of performances in music, dance and theatre. There are also intimate lectures and interviews, some in Dutch and some in English. You can also participate in workshops involving cooking, art, music and dance, featuring many special guests.
The festival is conveniently located at the Malieveld, five minutes walk from The Hague Central Station. The festival is open daily from 12pm to 10pm.
A brief history of the Tong Tong Fair
Originally called Pasar Malam Tong Tong when it was established in 1959, Tong Tong Fair was set up to celebrate this centuries-old cultural bond between the Netherlands and the archipelago now known as Indonesia. For a long time, the event was known as Pasar Malam Besar, but its new name helps acknowledge the festival’s link with the Tong Tong Foundation and its core mission, to broaden public understanding of the Indo Eurasian culture.
A spectrum of fascinating events in one ticket
The festival is so diverse that it’s difficult to choose which day to attend, so luckily the day passes cost the same for each of the 11 days.
If you’d like to experience the full spectrum of fascinating events, you can also buy a complete festival pass or passe-partout for the full 11 days. Browse the Tong Tong Fair website for the most detailed information.