Since most festivals last several days, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy both the films and the surroundings. Lucky for you, we also have some wonderful hostels nearby for the perfect overnight stay!
1. IFFR, 1 Jan - 1 Feb in Rotterdam
Image by Hans Splinter on Flickr
Welcome to the city where film thrives year-round: Rotterdam! The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) is the perfect way to kick off your festival year. This massive event (think: thousands of films!) offers everything from cutting-edge avant-garde cinema to the very best international productions. What makes IFFR so special? Its focus on films that push boundaries, both in content and form. Come for the movies you might not encounter at other festivals!
Spend the night in
Rotterdam
You'll want to get out and discover the city of Rotterdam before this festival, and Stayokay Rotterdam is your perfect base. The hostel is right in the middle of the city's bustling centre, right on the Oude Haven and in the world-famous Cube Houses.
2. Silent Film Festival, 16 - 19 Jan in Eindhoven
The Netherlands Silent Film Festival (NSFF) is the largest film festival in the Netherlands dedicated to silent films. Here, you’ll experience cinema in its purest form: no words, but brimming with emotion, expression, and live music. Unique, right? The NSFF not only brings stunning silent films to the big screen but also makes this heritage accessible through workshops, lectures, and educational projects. From iconic audience favorites to recently restored hidden gems, everything is accompanied by performances from world-class musicians.
Spend the night in
Eindhoven
And after such an impressive film experience, you can enjoy a good night’s sleep at Stayokay Eindhoven, our newest hostel located in the trendy Strijp-S district. This hostel is housed in the iconic Klokgebouw and has retained its industrial charm!
3. Roze Filmdagen, 19 - 30 March in Amsterdam
Image by 'philippe leroyer' on Flickr
The Roze Filmdagen in Amsterdam is one of the largest and most beloved LGBTQI+ film festivals in the Netherlands. The festival showcases films that tell stories from the queer community, going beyond the mainstream. From documentaries to dramas, the program is diverse, featuring beautiful, bold, and sometimes thought-provoking films.
Spend the night in
Amsterdam Vondelpark
Stay close by at Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark, where you can relax with a drink in hand at the trendy, green bar after a day of films. And the location? Right in the heart of Vondelpark and the vibrant city center of Amsterdam. What more could you want?
4. Movies that Matter, 21 - 29 March in Den Haag
If you love films with a message, then Movies that Matter is the festival for you! These films make you think about important societal issues such as human rights, gender equality, and the environment. Expect heartwarming, emotional, and sometimes hard-hitting documentaries and films that will change your perspective on the world.
Spend the night in
Den Haag
The great thing is, Stayokay The Hague is super centrally located near Holland Spoor station. So after a day filled with thought-provoking films, you can unwind and chat in the cozy lounge of the hostel. A perfect combination of culture and comfort!
5. TOF, 1 - 10 Aug on Terschelling
Photographer: Berbe Rinders
The Terschelling Open Air Festival (TOF) is the ultimate festival for film and nature lovers. The Wadden island itself provides the perfect setting for a festival: the natural surroundings and open space create a unique experience. Rent a bike and enjoy 10 evenings of magical film locations, one after another. This is the ultimate summer evening: nature, coziness, and films under the starry sky!
Spend the night on
Terschelling
And where will you stay? Stayokay Terschelling is located in West-Terschelling and offers the most beautiful view on the island (it’s almost cinematic!). Here, you can wake up each morning with a coffee on the terrace, and it’s the perfect starting point for the most scenic bike rides and walks.
6. Vue Open Air Film Festival, 22 - 30 Aug in Apeldoorn
Want to watch the best blockbuster films on a 200 m² screen with hundreds or even thousands of other film lovers? The Vue Open Air Film Festival in Apeldoorn is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the latest films and classics outdoors. And all of this takes place in Berg en Bos city park, right in the heart of nature.
Spend the night in
Apeldoorn
A hostel right in the heart of nature? For a wonderful overnight stay, head to Stayokay Apeldoorn, located close to the Hoge Veluwe. So, if you combine the festival with a walk in the forest, this is the perfect getaway!
7. Nederlands Film Festival, September in Utrecht
Source: NFF
In September, the city of Utrecht becomes the film paradise of the Netherlands thanks to the Netherlands Film Festival (NFF). Here, the latest gems of the Dutch film industry are showcased, from indie films to big feature films. And what about the Golden Calf awards ceremony? It all happens here! From talented new filmmakers to established names, the NFF is the stage for the films you’ll see everywhere in cinemas after the festival.
Spend the night in
Utrecht
Stayokay Utrecht Centrum is located right in the heart of the famous 't Neude square, exactly where the festival takes place! This cozy hostel has everything for a great stay: a trendy interior, a lovely café, and a perfect location for a day out in the city. After a busy day filled with films, this is the ideal spot to unwind!
8. Film by the Sea, 12 - 21 Sept in Vlissingen
Film by the Sea is the jewel of the province Zeeland and one of the largest film festivals in the Netherlands. Here, you can enjoy over 100 films from all corners of the world, from book adaptations and French-language hits to stories from Zeeland. With a Panorama section full of new high-quality films and a fun side program (think Q&As, workshops, and performances), this festival is a hit for film enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.
Spend the night in
Domburg
And after a day full of films? Stayokay Domburg welcomes you with open arms in a 13th-century castle, recently fully renovated. Whether you're coming with the whole family, for a romantic getaway, or with friends, we always have the perfect (private or shared) room for you.
9. Cinekid Film Festival, 11 - 26 October, across the country
Image by Guido van Nispen on Flickr
Cinekid is the largest children's film and media festival in the world, and it's right here in the Netherlands! At more than 40 locations across the country, kids can enjoy a diverse range of films, workshops, and other activities. Instead of just sitting in cinema seats, children also have the chance to get creative with film, animation, and digital art.
10. IDFA, November in Amsterdam
Image by Arjen de Vries on Flickr
IDFA (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam) is the largest documentary festival in the world. In November, you can enjoy the best (inter)Ânational documentaries in our capital. What makes this festival so special? It's not just a place for films, but also for debate. You can talk to filmmakers, attend panel discussions, and dive into the stories behind the camera.
Spend the night in
Amsterdam East
Stayokay Amsterdam Oost is a great base for IDFA. This modern hostel is located in a trendy neighborhood, and you’re just 15 minutes from the city center. After a busy day of films and debates, you can relax in your own room or unwind in the cozy lounge.
Open air cinema's in the Netherlands
In addition to film festivals, you can also enjoy smaller events on warm summer evenings in the Netherlands. In every region, including your own, there are sure to be outdoor movie nights organized. Just bring your chair, a blanket, and let the films roll!
For example, how about:
- Watching a film with a breathtaking view at the Rooftop Cinema in Utrecht?
- Enjoying a movie in the Kloostertuin in Dordrecht at Brasserie De Witt?
- Or watching films all summer long on the roof of the Focus cinema in Arnhem!
Already feeling the Festival vibe?
Do you also plan to explore more festivals in 2025? No matter the season, there’s always something to do in every region. Because: the Netherlands is a festival country! And if you need more festival inspiration, check out our other blog:
