From August 12 to 16, 2026, Haarlem will be introduced to a new, festive event: Haarlem Live. For five days, the historic city center will transform into one large festival where live music and culture take center stage. With a diverse program on the three main stages at the Grote Markt, the Botermarkt, and the Klokhuisplein, as well as in various surrounding cafes and cultural venues, Haarlem Live promises to be an accessible celebration for everyone.
From classical and jazz to soul, blues, funk, rock, indie, pop, and dance, there is something for everyone at Haarlem Live. The organizers invite visitors to stroll from location to location and discover new artists, unique hotspots, and surprising performances along the way.
Haarlem Live deliberately opts for an open festival concept. Not an enclosed festival site, but a celebration in which the entire historic city center forms the backdrop. By spreading the program throughout the city, a welcoming atmosphere is created with plenty of room for socializing and meeting people. The festival is free for visitors.
In addition to big names like Van Dik Hout, Thijs Boontjes, Gallowstreet, and Fuse, there is ample attention for talent from Haarlem and the region. Visitors can enjoy performances by Eskalatie, Tante Leen Back, Gumbo Kings, Cocobolo, Dutch Coast, and the William Barrett Band, among others. Together with young creators and local entrepreneurs, they form the heart of Haarlem Live. In this way, the festival aims not only to inspire a broad audience but also to further strengthen Haarlem's entire cultural ecosystem.
