There’s so much to do in Groningen that you really need a guide to help you uncover the city’s hidden gems. UKrant’s student editors share their cultural agenda with you. What’s their favourite venue and which events are absolutely not to be missed?
Hangout: VRIJDAG
VRIJDAG is one of my favourite venues, not just for its charm but because it offers such a wide range of activities. They include everything from concerts and clay modelling courses to jazz sessions and slapstick comedy and the prices are never too high.
Last Friday, the improv comedy group Room for Improvement filled the stage at the VRIJDAG theatre with laughter and a healthy dose of the absurd. Before the show, guests could grab a drink at the venue’s cosy bar and mingle right there or in the charming courtyard. As the audience settled into the classic plush red seats in the theatre, the stage appeared nearly empty except for Reinis, a performer seated at a piano, staring blankly at the crowd. Definitely a bit creepy − and a fitting start to the Halloween-themed show.
The crowd can give suggestions, making every twist and turn more surprising and hilarious
With the pianist´s first notes, five actors came running on the stage and the fun began. If you are looking for a polished storyline with profound meaning, improv may surprise you. It is all about quick, funny stories, one more random than the next. This show delivered absurd scenes, including a horror film titled The French Are Coming, the tale of a fortune teller predicting a former belly dancer’s future, and a musical about a security guard addicted to Candy Crush.
For me, the best part is the audience involvement. The crowd can give suggestions, such as locations where scenes take place or emotions actors have to go through, making every twist and turn more surprising and hilarious. And the cast loves the chaos: ‘We are just addicted to attention’, one performer joked.
If you missed this, don’t worry. VRIJDAG’s event calendar is full with performances and creative classes. If you want to see Room for Improvement: they also perform for free every two weeks at Café Lust. You can find the dates on their Instagram @roomforimprovnl.
VRIJDAG
Noorderbuitensingel 11
Where you’ll find me the coming weeks
Usva | Gen Zombie: Halloween Horror House
When: October 28 to 31
Price: €7
I’m often at the Usva, but I haven’t been to this event yet. From the website description, though, I’m definitely intrigued: ‘War, housing crisis, fake news, climate apocalypse, the far right. A generation of young people is growing up in a polarising and hopeless society. Some have now actually gone crazy. They have turned into a terrifying monster: the Gen Zombie. Can they still be saved?’ You enter the haunted house in groups of up to eight people for a twenty-minute experience, with time slots available for booking on the Usva website.
Café de Zolder | Jam Session
When: Every Wednesday and Thursday, 9 p.m.
Price: Free
Every Wednesday, the Zolder transforms into the JazzZolder − a night that starts with a band’s opening set and flows into a jam session. It’s always amazing to see musicians swap seamlessly from for example drums to guitar to piano. There are plenty of talented people to watch, and if you’re one of them, able to play one or even multiple instruments, you’re always welcome to jump in. Can’t make it on Wednesdays? The event also takes place every Thursday, minus the opening act!
Café Lust | OMG Open mic English
When: October 31, 7:30 p.m.
Price: Early bird tickets are €6.50, regular ones €8.50
There are plenty of laughs, lots of jokes, and a bit of inspiration at an open mic night, especially in the cosy atmosphere of Café Lust. This event is in English, but for the Dutch speakers or anyone looking to practise their language skills in a fun way, the same event will be held the following day, November 1, in Dutch.
Forum | 3D printing and laser cutting
When: Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Price: Free
If you’ve ever wondered about 3D printing − how it works, what you can use it for, and pretty much any question you could have − or if you’ve always wanted to try it, the SmartLab on the sixth floor of the Forum is definitely the right place to start. You will find really nice people there who love to help you and dive with you into the world of 3D printing. Plus, they’re well-versed in laser cutting and other technologies, which you can also experiment with there!
De Smederij | Jazz Jam
When: Tuesdays, 9 p.m.
Price: Free
The Facebook page for this event announces a legendary jazz night in the heart of Groningen, a tradition that has been running for thirty-three years. I haven’t been there yet, but it definitely sounds like it’s worth a visit!