There’s so much to do in Groningen, that you really need a guide to help you uncover the city’s hidden gems. Good news: starting today, UKrant’s student editors will be sharing their cultural agenda with you. What’s their favourite venue and which events in the upcoming week are absolutely not to be missed?
Hangout: the Humanitas Café
Nestled just behind the Aa-Kerk on the quiet side of the Akerkhof, the Humanitas Café may easily go unnoticed. Living in Groningen for almost four years, I only stumbled upon it this year, when a friend of mine mentioned that he regularly visits a person with dementia through the Humanitas programme Volunteers and Dementia.
I joined the volunteer team in January. Whenever I can, I like to spend some time at the café, which is located in the restaurant Eeterie de Globe in the Humanitas building and pretty much consists of one long table, offering coffee, tea, sugar, and milk, as well as a generous collection of board games.
The Humanitas Café is especially intended for refugees. Visitors who come to socialise, practise their Dutch, or play games – usually chess or Connect Four, a favourite! – sit alongside volunteers of all ages, including students and members of the refugee community. Those waiting for consultations or language support, two other services that Humanitas offers, are also welcome to join the table.
Entering the café, to me, feels like escaping the hustle of daily life for just a little while. It’s a warm and welcoming place: open to all, a mosaic of cultures, where people from all over the world come together to unfold their stories.
The café is not just about drinking coffee or tea; it’s about bringing people together and creating a sense of community, a safe space that fosters connection and belonging. I really recommend volunteering at the Humanitas Café, as well as visiting Eeterie de Globe, which, by the way, serves delicious and affordable international cuisine!
Humanitas Café
Akerkhof ZZ 22
Open Monday to Thursday between 10:00 and 16:00
Where I’m going this week
- 20.04: Der Aa-Theater: Breaking the Classics
- Entry: 10 euro, students 5 euro
- Start: 20:00
On Thursday evening, I will attend this passion project of three conservatory students; a blend of film music, visual arts, and swinging pieces that promises an unconventional experience of classical music.
- 21.04: Kerk Oostum: Hudaki Village Band
- Entry: 12 euro
- Reservation needed (send an email with how many tickets you want to reserve to [email protected])
- Start: 20:15
The nine members of this Ukrainian band fuse Slavic, Romanian, Jewish and Roma traditions. I’ve heard great things about them, and with the concert being inside a church, I’m prepared for an almost spiritual experience.
- 22.04: Oost: Club: MSJY, Verity and Northern Lights
- Entry (online): 7 euro
- Start: 23:59
This Saturday, MSJY and Verity will perform in a two-room club night at Oost, one of my favourite venues in Groningen, while the local hip hop collective Northern Lights will make for an explosive floor in the Arcade.
- 24.04: Forum: Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman
- Entry (online or at the door): 11.50 euro, students up to 25 years 9.50 euro
- Starts: 20:35
I’ve read mixed reviews for this adult animated film that weaves together a variety of Murakami’s work on screen. I’m intrigued and expect, if not a flawless storyline, to be taken on an existential and absurd visual journey!
- 25.04: Eetcafé de Smederij: Vocals First
- Entry (at the door): 7 euro, students 5 euro
- Start: 21:00
Tuesday night, six talented vocalists and the Jasper Soffers trio will bring the colours of jazz to life in Eetcafé de Smederij. My dear friend Jinju Kim is among the singers, so I’ll surely be in the front row to cheer for her!