Living Like the Locals: Dutch Summer Traditions
The Dutch don’t take summer lightly, after long months of grey skies and rain, they fully embrace the season and the zomervakantie with a set of beloved traditions. Whether it’s a spontaneous BBQ in the park, a festival to mark the longest day of the year, or a neighbourly picnic, Dutch summer is all about connecting with others, with the sun, and with the season itself.
Sun’s Out, Seats Out!
There’s one word you’ll hear again and again once the sun comes out and the weather warms up: terrasjesweer (terrace weather). The moment the clouds part, cafes and restaurants rush to set up their outdoor seating, and within minutes, they’re full. Whether it’s a casual beer, a glass of rosé, or just a fresh drink, there’s something really Dutch about spending a sunny afternoon on a terrace.
It’s not just cafés, either, many Dutch people love sitting outside their own homes too. On sunny days, you’ll often spot them on chairs or benches out front, tanning, reading, or enjoying a quiet drink in the sun.
Cycling Into Summer
One of the simplest joys of summer in the Netherlands is the fietstocht, a leisurely bike ride. From coastal dunes to historic windmills, the Leiden region is full of beautiful cycling routes. Pack a picnic and end up at a lakeside café or a secret swimming spot. Whether solo or with friends, cycling is more than a way to get around.
Sizzle & Gezelligheid
As soon as the sun shows its face, it’s time for one of the most beloved Dutch summer traditions: BBQ’en. In parks, backyards, balconies, and even by the canal, portable grills are fired up, filling the air with the aroma of sizzling worstjes (sausages), skewers, and corn on the cob. BBQing isn’t only about the food; it’s about the gezelligheid (coziness) of sitting together, sharing stories, and enjoying the relaxed pace of grilling one item at a time.
Celebrating the Longest Day
June 21 marks Midzomerfeest (Midsummer Festival), a celebration of the zomerzonnewende, the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. While this tradition is more prominent in northern Europe, the Dutch increasingly embrace the occasion through community festivals, music events, and gatherings in like in the Hortus botanicus.
Summer in the Neighborhood
Summer in the Netherlands is also about local connection. Buurtpicknicks (neighbourhood picnics) pop up in parks, courtyards, and green spaces, with people bringing homemade food, sharing tables, and sometimes even live music or games for kids.
This spirit is formalized during Burendag (Neighbor Day), a national event held in September, encouraging neighbours to plan activities together from shared meals to street parties. It’s a celebration of small-scale community, proving that summer’s warmth doesn’t only come from the sun.
Cinema Under the Stars
What’s more magical than watching a film outdoors as the sky darkens above? The buitenbioscoop (outdoor cinema) is a cherished tradition here in Leiden. Bring a blanket, grab some snacks, and settle into a public square or park. The LIFF Summer Special offers just that on 5, 6, and 7 June 2025 at Pieterskerkplein. Free entry, open air, and films that bring people together under the twilight sky.
Dutch summer traditions turn ordinary days into shared memories and whether you’re cycling through the dunes, raising a glass on a terrace, or singing along at a solstice festival, you’re part of something that’s quietly and joyfully Dutch.