Groningen:

Noorderzon

The Noorderzon performing arts festival is winding down this weekend in the Noorderplantsoen. Even if you don’t have tickets to any of the performances, a stroll through the park to take in the ambience is always a great way to spend an evening, and there is a free performance at Het Dok on the pond at 10:30 p.m. every night. On Friday, French duo Agar Agar will take to the stage, followed by Amsterdam-based band EUT on Saturday. Meindert Talma and Omar Souleyman will round off the Nooderzondag programme on Sunday night.

When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Where: Noorderplantsoen

Price: free

Balloon Fiesta in Meerstad

The skies above the Groningen neighbourhood of Meerstad will be filled with dozens of hot air balloons this weekend during the annual Balloon Fiesta. This year’s edition will feature a number of balloons based on comic strip character and the largest hot air balloon in Europe: The Motorcycle is 38 meters tall and 44 meters wide.

When: Friday and Saturday

Where: Meerstad

Price: free

Friesland:

Biergarten

This is the fourth weekend that the biergarten at the Stadsoase in Leeuwarden has welcomed visitors to sip a tasty beverage and musical performances. On Friday afternoon, a drum and bass programme will drop the beat inside the former Aegon building right across from the Leeuwarden train station.

When: 2 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday

Where: Stadsoase (corner of Zuidersingel and Sophialaan)

Price: Free

IepenAirBios: “De Wilde Stad” and “Moonlight”

As part of the weeklong introduction festivities for new students in Leeuwarden, a number of outdoor film screenings are being held throughout the city. This weekend. On Friday and Saturday, the Bilgaard at the Leeuwarder Bos will respectively screen the Dutch documentary about wildlife in the urban landscape, “De Wilde Stad”, and the Best picture Oscar winner “Moonlight.”

When: Friday and Saturday, 8:30 p.m.

Where: Bilgaard

Price: Free

Drenthe:

Chestnut Festival

At the Baggelhuizerplas in Assen, a new family-friendly festival will make its debut in Drenthe this weekend. The festival is organised in conjunction with the annual beach volleyball tournament held at the lake and will feature music, activities and rides.

When: Friday, Satuday and Sunday

Where: Baggelhuizerplas

Price: Free general admission, but tickets for musical acts in the evenings will charge an entry fee

Flower Parade Eelde

Elaborate flower arrangements and decorated floats will take to the streets of Eelde this weekend during the Flower Parade. Marching bands and street theatre acts will perform along the parade route, and a special dahlia fair will be held on Saturday.

When: Saturday and Sunday

Where: Eelde city centre

Price: 3.50 per person per day