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: Euroborg Stadium
As a born-and-raised Stadjer and football fan, I grew up with FC Groningen. In my 25 years, I’ve witnessed some incredible moments on the pitch, like winning the KNVB Cup in 2015. But there have also been times when I wished I wasn’t a fan, with relegation to the second tier in 2023 as the lowest point.
Luckily, as you get older, you gain some perspective (at least I did), and match days become more about spending a fun evening with friends than just the football itself. Even a dull draw against, say, Almere City can still be an enjoyable experience at the Euroborg.
A boring match can be the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends
As long as you’re in good company, the result becomes secondary. In fact, a boring match can be the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends. But, of course, deep down, you’re always hoping for a win.
Since this season, home matches are often played on Saturday evenings instead of Sunday afternoons. That definitely boosts the atmosphere, and somehow, grabbing one more beer feels like less of a big deal. Having the next day off also means the night out sometimes continues in the city centre.
Everything around a match makes it an experience in itself. There’s always something happening in the stands, packed with people from all walks of life: families with young kids, students, farmers from the surrounding countryside. For an hour and a half, everyone forgets their worries, united by one ball and 20,000 Northerners. Because, as they say, out of all the unimportant things, football is the most important.
Euroborg Stadium
Boumaboulevard 41
FC Groningen plays every other week on Saturday or Sunday
Where you’ll find me the coming weeks:
De Oosterpoort | NNO Symfonische Soundtracks
When: 13 March 8.15 p.m.
Price: under 30s 12.50 euros, over 30s 29,95 euros
A friend’s brother plays in the North Netherlands Orchestra, which is how I once ended up at one of their concerts by chance. They performed exclusively Russian classical music, and while I don’t have a strong connection to that genre, it was an impressive experience. But the orchestra also frequently plays modern pieces, including film scores. Definitely worth checking out one of the best orchestras in the Netherlands!
Akerk | Oorlog dichtbij – 80 jaar vrijheid
When: 16 February until 22 June
Price: 4.50 euros
This spring marks the commemoration and celebration of the Netherlands’ liberation 80 years ago. This exhibition tells the local history of World War II through personal stories. The Akerk, where Allied pilots once went into hiding, has been chosen as the venue for this event.
Café de Toeter | Pub quiz
When: every Wednesday and Sunday 8 p.m.
Price: 3.50 euros per person
If you’re keen to showcase your general knowledge, Café de Toeter is the place to be. Every Wednesday and Sunday evening, you can team up with friends or colleagues to compete against around twenty other teams. The mix of participants makes it an entertaining experience—some teams take pub quizzes extremely seriously and play every week, while others down seven beers in no time, making answering the questions increasingly challenging!
Forum | No Other Land
When: from 5 March onwards
Price: 10.50 euros for students, others 12.50
For documentary lovers, No Other Land is said to be a must-watch. It follows the remarkable friendship between a Palestinian activist and an Israeli journalist, highlighting the contrasts in their lives. The documentary has won numerous awards at various film festivals and, just this past Sunday, took home the Oscar for Best Documentary at the Academy Awards.
Cafetaria A-weg
When: when you’re hungry
Price: depends on how hungry you are, but usually between 5 and 10 euros per person
I can’t leave out my favourite snackbar: Cafetaria A-weg. Whenever I don’t have time or inspiration to cook, they’re always there for me. No matter how big your order is, if you call, the answer is always the same: ready in 10 minutes. They don’t do deliveries, so you’ll have to swing by to pick it up (Aweg 25). But that just adds to the old-school charm and gives you a great excuse to have a chat with the super friendly owners.