As always, we present you with five interesting events to attend in and around The Hague in the next few days (30 July - 1 August). All sorts of festivals are taking place right now. Choose from a Hindustani Festival in Zuiderpark, a Summer Festival on the Grote Markt, a Chamber Music Festival in Delft, a Flower Parade in Westland or a Summer Carnival in Rotterdam. The selection varies so much that there’s something for everyone this weekend. If nothing from our selection appeals to you, make sure you check out our Weekly Calendar, which lists all of the cultural events happening in and around The Hague. Have a nice weekend!

Milan Festival 2010

The 26th edition of Milan festival is taking place this year on 30 and 31 July and 1 August on the grounds of Zuiderpark in The Hague. The annual event places an emphasis on the culture and language of Indian and Pakistani immigrants.

Milan festival is unique in its kind, offering visitors a taste of Hindu culture and arts with a varied programme of performances in this genre by different ethnic groups and ages. This year, the theme of the festival is Health and Development. Information and education are also provided, with particular attention paid to current social issues.

Children are entertained with games, sports activities and rides and the market offers exotic stalls selling diverse products and culinary delights.

Entry to the festival costs € 3,50 per person. Children under 5 years of age may enter free of charge, and Ooievaars card holders pay just € 2 each.

Date & times:
Friday, 30 July 2010: 16:00 – 23:00
Saturday, 31 July 2010: 14:00 – 23:00
Sunday 1 August 2010: 13:00 – 23:00

More information: www.milanzuiderpark.nl

Summertime Festival!

This summer, the city center of The Hague will be buzzing with activity, thanks to the Summertime Festival. For three days, Friday 30 July, Saturday 31 July and Sunday 1 August, the Grote Markt will be transformed into the festival venue, where visitors can soak up the festivities surrounding this multi cultural event. Entrance is free!

Each of the three festival days has its own theme. The theme for Friday is 'percussion'. Saturday is all about 'strings' and Sunday's theme is 'piano'. Veterans and young talents from different cultures will play their instruments in their own unique way, drawing on these themes.

Dates & times:

Friday, 30 July, from 15:00
Saturday 30 July and Sunday 1 August, from 13:00.

Entrance fee: No charge!

For more information click here.

For the full festival programme, click here.

Concert on the Canals in Delft

From 31 July to 8 August 2010, the picturesque city of Delft will be alive with the buzz of the Delft Chamber Music Festival 2010.

To kick start the festivities surrounding this year’s Delft Chamber Music Festival, an Open Air Concert on the Canals will be taking place on 30 July from 19.30. The performers are the Rubens Quartet, Rick Stotijn and Liza Ferschtman.

This year’s edition of the Delft Chamber Music Festival hosts this concert on the canals for the first time ever. A typically Dutch boat docked at Delft’s Vrouwe Jutland will be the venue for the concert.

Admission to the concert on the canals is free of charge. The event promises a pleasant atmosphere which can be enjoyed in one of the many bars and cafes along the Vrouwe Jutland.

In the unlikely case of bad weather, the alternative location is the Maria van Jessekerk at Burgwal, also in Delft.

For the full Delft Chamber Music Festival programme, click here.

For all other information, please visit www.delftmusicfestival.nl

Varend Corso Westland 2010

The Verend Corso Westland is a unique and colorful annual event. From 30 July until 1 August around sixty boats, beautifully decorated with plants, vegetables and fruits, will be sailing some 70 km of canals in the municipalities of Westland, Midden Delfland, Vlaardingen, Rijswijk, The Hague and Delft.

Each day has its own route in the region. On Friday, 30 July the boats sail Rijnmonddag. On Saturday, 31 July the route is Westlanddag and on Sunday, 1 August, the boats take on Delflanddag.

This year the parade is based on the theme “Oddities”. Each boat has its own title. The organisation of this parade is in the hands of about 400 volunteers made up of musicians, actors and various other creative people.

For more information on routes and other attractions of this colourful festival, click here.

Summer Carnival in Rotterdam

Summer Carnival is an annual 3-day Caribbean Carnival in the city centre of Rotterdam. Summer Carnival, similar to the carnival in Rio, is a huge event where some 900,000 visitors come from all over Europe to dance to latin tunes and marvel at the colourful and amazing costumes and floats along the street parade.

On Saturday the Street Parade emerges in the city centre. At night there is plenty to see on the two live stages, so party the Brazilian way until the sun comes up. The event promises to be the most an unforgettable party!

When & Where: 30-31 July @ city centre of Rotterdam
Admission: Free

For more information check out: www.zomercarnaval.nl

Check out our Weekend Special every Thursday, and have a great weekend!

If you wish to comment or express an opinion about this article please e-mail the editor@TheHagueOnLine.com