Haarlem has been brewing beer since the Middle Ages, so it is only right that the city throws a weekend-long party for bokbier, the dark, malty autumn beer the Dutch go slightly misty-eyed about. Instead of one big tent, the Herfst Bok Weekend spreads itself over a string of proper brown cafés in the centre.
Expect tasting boards, blind tastings, a bock beer quiz, bokbier stew with chips, sing-alongs and, on Sunday evening, a bokworst eating contest. It is a cosy, local affair and a great excuse for a pub crawl with friends who think all Dutch beer is lager.
- When: Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October 2026, with events from the afternoon into the night
- Where: Participating cafés across Haarlem city centre, including Café de Roemer, Lokaal Dutch Beer Bar, Café de Lift and Proeflokaal In den Uiver
- Tickets: No entry ticket; you pay per item, for example a three-glass tasting board with sausage for €12.50
- Getting there: Haarlem station is a 10-minute train ride from Zandvoort or 15 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal, and the cafés are all walkable from there
Good to know: Check the official site for the full programme per café before you set off, and pace yourself: bock beer is stronger than it tastes.
Planning your year? See everything on the events calendar.
