There’s so much to do in Groningen that you really need a guide to help you uncover the city’s hidden gems. Every week, UKrant’s student editors share their cultural agenda with you. What’s their favourite venue and which events in the upcoming week are absolutely not to be missed?
Hangout: Het Concerthuis
As soon as you set foot in Het Concerthuis, you enter a cheerful setting where old streetlamps are used to bathe the tables in light. In one instance, a brightly painted door is used as a tabletop. In between the painted frames and windows, you can look straight into the kitchen. Het Concerthuis is one of those gastropubs where you can take your friends, your family, or even your date. The atmosphere is relaxed, the drink and food menu is extensive, and there’s a bookshelf full of games. Here, you’ll find students of all nationalities, as well as stadjers and tourists.
Weather permitting, you can sit on the terrace in the Poelestraat and watch the people passing by. Am I the only one who could just sit there all afternoon?
While this gastropub has since become a staple in the city centre, it used to be concert hall – what’s in a name? It also served as a club house, a café and restaurant, and a movie theatre, but those aren’t even the most important functions the building has served. In 1743, it became the birthplace of Etta Lubina Johanna Aalders, one of the very first feminists, who fought for the inclusion of women in office and the right to divorce. But Aalders – better known as Etta Palm – didn’t stay in town. She moved to Paris and was there during the French Revolution.
Het Concerthuis is celebrating its tenth anniversary this weekend. You can also enjoy a great hangover brunch between 10.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you’ve never been here before, now is your chance!
Het Concerthuis
Poelestraat 30
Open daily from 10 a.m. until late
Where you’ll find me this week:
- Oost: Het Grote Gezeik
Time: June 2, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Price: 25 euro
A large group of friends with a passion for music organised a party in the fields of the Noordoostpolder during the Covid lockdown. Now they’re coming to Groningen for the first time. As a true party animal, I’ve seen almost every bit of the city, so I’m almost embarrassed to admit that this will be my first time in Oost. But I’ll be sure to get my dance on at this house and techno event, which will include, among others, djs Rozie and Manifesta, well-known names in the Groningen night life, playing sets full of trance, 90s, and house music. See you there!
- Groninger Museum
Time: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: free with student card
I love getting lost in museums. Whenever I’m on holiday in a city, I’ll always check where the nearest exhibition is. But amazingly, our city has an easily reached museum that students can visit for free if they show their uni ID. A perfect way to spend a Sunday, if you ask me.
- Pathé:The Little Mermaid
Several showings daily
Price: 12.50 euro
I used to watch the animated film with my sisters on the DVD player and later on Disney+. The magic of Disney is that you can watch the films countless times without getting bored. I am very curious about this fantasy musical edition!
- The Happy Traveler: The Happy View
Time: Tuesday to Saturday 3 p.m. until midnight
Price: free
Groningen has gained a beautiful roof terrace: you’ll find it if you walk into The Happy Traveler via Kleine Kromme Elleboog. This Saturday, the temperature will finally rise above 20 degrees, so time to put on your sunglasses, order an ice-cold drink and enjoy the view over the city.
- Martini church: Waar trek jij de lijn?
Time: June 5, 7.30 p.m.
Price: free
During this (Dutch-spoken) symposium on drug use, which was previously held in Utrecht, Leiden, and Rotterdam, former drug users and addiction experts shine a light on the mental, social, and physical consequences of stimulants and narcotics. The use of alcohol and drugs has become so normalised in student culture and I think it might be good for me, a student who never misses a party, to take a moment to reflect on all this in the Martini church.