Although Sint Maarten is still the closest thing to Trick or Treating in the north, Halloween is still undeniably growing in popularity. From the true horror lovers looking for a frightening night to more family friendly daytime activities, there is something for everyone in Groningen, Drenthe and Friesland this October.
Groningen
15 October through 28 October: Halloween at Landgoed Nienoord
Kids of all ages can have a brush with the supernatural at the Nienoord Estate’s family park this October. Youngsters are guaranteed to encounter spirits and witches while helping to break the spell on the park.
Cost: entry prices vary
26 through 31 October: Haunted House at De Kast
In the summer of 2018, people started going missing without a trace across Groningen. Rumour has it that their disappearances were connected to a girl in a white dress with long black hair, dragging them away. At De Kast, hidden away on the Oosterstraat, thrill seekers may encounter zombies and demons in the dead of night. The haunted house, which is being held inside a former gay club, is being organised by Warrior Events.
Cost: 7.50 euros
31 October through 22 December: Groningen Ghost Tour
Organised by Theatre Group Entropy, Marjolein Wiersma and Corina Onderstijn will lead walking tours through the “narrow alleyways and ancient churchyards” of Groningen, telling tales of urban legends and classic folk stories inspired by the lives of Stadjers. The tours will start on the 31stof October and will be held every Saturday in November and December (through the 22nd).
Cost: 10 euros
31 October: Halloween at Groninger Forum
The Groninger Forum is pulling out all the stops this Halloween: a three course murder dinner, a virtual reality haunted playground and a screening of cult classis “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” sounds like an irresistible for the lovers of all things spooky.
Cost:
Dinner: 22.50 euros (at 6 p.m.)
VE haunted playground: 7.50 euros (6 euros for students and younger guests) (at 8 p.m.)
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”: 10 euros (8 euros for students and younger guests) (at 10 p.m.)
You may have encountered your fair share of haunted houses, but have you ever heard of a haunted car wash? Well, Groningen has one this year: the Century Wasstraat on the Bornholmstraat will be transformed on Halloween. Anyone looking to get their car cleaned can pay a little bit extra to have the pants scared off of them after closing time.
Cost: 15 euros
Friesland
23 October: Bloody make up tutorial at the jongerencafe in Harlingen
Kids 16 and up can learn about to make realistically – and grossly – bloody wounds with Halloween make up on Tuesday night. The workshop will start at 7:30 p.m., and participants can get their photo taken in all their gruesome, gory glory.
Cost: 2 euros
25 October: Halloween karaoke party at Café Shooters in Leeuwarden
Café Shooters is getting into the Halloween spirit with a theme night of karaoke hits. Guests are encouraged to come in costume, but it remains to be seen if the singing will be the most frightening part of the night.
Cost: free
26 October: Halloween at Wrotterploech in Drachten
For kids from 6 to 12 years of age, the Wrottersploech in Drachten will host a Halloween party and pumpkin carving event from 2 to 4: bring your own carving spoon and tea light, and the organiser will provide the kid-safe pumpkins and carving knives.
Cost: unclear, but there are a limited number of spaces, so signing up in advance is recommended
27 October: OBSKUUR at De Kanselerij in Leeuwarden
Sister Saloma will face a fiery trial for her role in a series of mysterious disappearances inside one of the most iconic historic buildings in Leeuwarden: De Kanselerij. This terrifying event is not for the little ones and is rumoured to also feature dark magic.
Cost: 15 euros
27 October: R&B Exclusive 058 Halloween Special at Club Red in Leeuwarden
Your worst nightmares will become a reality at Club Red in Leeuwarden as the dance club becomes the creepiest spot in town, full of “scary freak shows, creepy tales, terrifying characters, sweet special effects and much more”. This event will also have a costume contest for best individual and best group costumes, all the while spinning R&B and hip hop tracks.
Cost: 15 euros and 10 euros
31 October: Halloween Horror Night (16+) in Sneek
CineSneek is screening scary movies – this year’s films are “Hellfest” and Halloween” – and will crown a winner in its annual costume contest. The evening portion of this creepy event is decidedly not kid-friendly, but there is a screening of “Goosebumps 2” and costume fun for the younger crowd during the afternoon.
Cost: 13.50 (adults), 9.50 (kids)
Drenthe
24 October and 27 October: Halloween at Drouwenerzand Theme Park
Drouwenerzand Theme Park in Drenthe is all about Halloween in October: hay bales, pumpkins and decorative gourds fill the park, which features haunted houses, a decked out main square and other free activities, and a fireworks show finishes off the night.
Costs: 15 euros per person, group tickets for 11 euros, Halloween VIP tickets for 19.99
26 October and 27 October: Halloween in Hoogeveen
The Hoofdstraat in Hoogeveen will become the new Elm Street this weekend from 6 to midnight. Sixty costumed baddies will be hiding around every corner in the city as night falls, and kids can go trick or treating at decorated shops sporting jack-o-lanterns.
Cost: free
31 October: Theater Trots in Oudemolen celebrates Halloween
On Halloween, Theater Trots is getting creepy with theatre games, performances, song and dance and plenty more.
Cost: free
