New in Eindhoven? Your Year of Events, Month by Month
Just moved to Eindhoven for work or study? From carnival in February to GLOW in November, here is the rhythm of the city's year, with the festivals, traditions and free events you shouldn't miss.
Every year thousands of people move to Eindhoven to work at companies such as ASML and Philips, at the High Tech Campus, or to study at the TU/e, Fontys or the Design Academy. Finding a house and a bike usually comes first. Finding your way in the city's cultural life comes next, and that's where this guide helps.
Eindhoven has a clear rhythm through the year, with a few big moments that everyone talks about. Here they are, month by month, with tips for newcomers.
Winter: carnival and concerts (January to March)
The year starts quietly. January and February are dark and often wet, which makes them the perfect months for concerts and museums. The Muziekgebouw Eindhoven has a full programme of classical music, jazz and singer-songwriters, and the Effenaar hosts bands from all over the world.
Then, in February, comes carnival. For a few days Eindhoven changes its name to Lampegat, and the city goes completely mad: costumes, brass bands, parades and parties from the Markt to Stratumseind. If you come from a country without carnival, it can be quite a shock. Our advice: join in. Buy a costume, learn the greeting "salaai", and go with colleagues who grew up here. In 2027, carnival in Eindhoven takes place from 6 to 9 February.
Spring: orange and freedom (April and May)
On 27 April the whole country celebrates King's Day (Koningsdag), the King's birthday. Everyone wears orange, and the streets fill with free markets where people sell their old things. It is one of the friendliest days of the year and completely free.
May begins with two important days. On 4 May, at 20:00, the Netherlands observes two minutes of silence to remember the victims of war. On 5 May, Liberation Day, festivals across the country celebrate freedom. As spring turns into summer, the terraces on the Markt and in the Bergen quarter fill up.
Summer: outdoors (June to August)
In summer Eindhoven moves outdoors. Squares and parks host festivals and open-air events, and long evenings invite you to explore the Genneper Parken or cycle into the countryside. Some concert halls and theatres take a summer break, so it's the season for terraces and picnics rather than concerts.
Autumn: the city at its best (September to November)
If you only remember one season, make it this one.
September is about liberation. Eindhoven was liberated on 18 September 1944, and every year from that date the Lichtjesroute lights up the neighbourhoods with light decorations. At the same time, the new cultural season begins.
October is design month. Dutch Design Week brings the work of thousands of designers to more than a hundred locations across the city. Many locations are free, and for the big exhibitions you buy a wristband valid for nine days. Read our practical guide to DDW.
November is the month of light. GLOW turns the city centre into a free walking route of light art for a week. In 2026 it runs from 7 to 14 November. Read our guide to GLOW. In the middle of November, Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands, and Dutch children start counting down to 5 December.
December: Sinterklaas and Christmas
On the evening of 5 December, Dutch families celebrate Sinterklaas with presents and funny poems. Later in the month comes Christmas. A great way to start the festive season as a newcomer is the Winter Market at the Muziekgebouw Eindhoven on 12 December, organised by the Holland Expat Center South and TIEC, with more than 80 stalls and free admission.
Football all year round
Even if you have never cared about football, try to go to a PSV match at the Philips Stadion once. The club was founded in 1913 for Philips employees and won the European Cup in 1988. Tickets can be hard to get, so check PSV's ticket information early.
Free all year
Many of the best things in Eindhoven are free: GLOW, much of Dutch Design Week, King's Day, carnival, the Lichtjesroute, walks through Strijp-S and the parks, and the Van Abbemuseum on Tuesday afternoons from 15:00 to 17:00. You will find all upcoming free events on our free events page.
Tips for newcomers
- Get a Museumkaart if you like museums. It gives free entry to the museums in Eindhoven and hundreds more across the country.
- Say yes to invitations. Dutch colleagues may seem reserved at first, but carnival, King's Day and a PSV match are the moments when everyone loosens up.
- Follow the calendar. Popular events sell out quickly. Our calendar by month helps you plan ahead.
- Learn a little Dutch. Everyone speaks English, but a few words of Dutch open doors.
Welcome to Eindhoven! See what's on this weekend, or browse the things to do and see in your new home city.