When it comes to the various things to do in the Netherlands, many people associate Scheveningen with sandy beaches, a lighthouse, a nice pier and the modern North Sea resort area that it has best become known for. But for a handful of August nights, the sky over Scheveningen becomes lit up with some of the finest fireworks in the world as part of the annual Scheveningen International Fireworks Festival. And as far as tourist attractions and things do in Holland are concerned, this fireworks festival is absolutely free to attend.
Scheveningen International Fireworks Festival: The Basics
While described as a “festival,” the Scheveningen International Fireworks Festival is also a competition. Specifically, the festival consists of teams from various countries, all trying to out-do each other to take home the festival’s top prize – the Fireworks Trophy Scheveningen. Each country must operate by set guidelines. For instance, each team has the same amount of money to spend on fireworks, and the majority of all fireworks displayed must be produced in the team’s country of origin.
This year, the festival will take place on Friday, August 12, Saturday, August 13 and the following weekend on Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20. The fireworks show will run from 9:45 p.m. to 11 p.m. and each evening will feature two fireworks presentations above Scheveningen Beach. The fireworks are deployed from a pontoon out in the North Sea and are best viewed from the beach, boulevard and various area sidewalk restaurants.
Other Key Info About the Scheveningen International Fireworks Festival
While the festival will take place over the course of four nights from August 12 to August 20, it’s important to note that the fireworks shows are subject to cancelation. For instance, in the event of strong winds or poor weather, the event will be halted.
Also worth noting is that the festival is very popular, so much so that it attracts about 100,000 visitors each year. On that note, it’s worth stating that if you want to get a good spot to enjoy the fireworks, make sure to arrive to Scheveningen early. Arriving early is especially helpful, as traffic routes are normally altered around festival time. Accommodations in the area also book up very quickly, so if you’re planning to stay in Scheveningen for a day or two of the festival, make sure you make arrangements well in advance.
In addition to the fireworks spectacle, other entertainment includes dance groups, music groups and fire eaters.
