Zaanse Schans Events
Zaanse Schans Events: moments that connect!
The Zaanse Schans hosts large and small events, each with its own character, atmosphere and target audience. Events about the Zaanse Schans or at a heritage location. The events at the Zaanse Schans not only strengthen the bond with visitors from the region, but also contribute to the vibrancy of our unique Zaan heritage. The combination of tradition, culture and experience ensures that the stories of the Zaan region remain alive and relevant, even for new generations.
From historical crafts and traditional costumes to sporting events and children’s activities on the water: each event showcases a different facet of Zaan heritage and the Zaan region. This means that heritage is not only viewed but also experienced.
Pinksterzaan, Optimist on Tour and the Pre-run Dam tot Dam are organised by external partners and are regular fixtures on the Zaanse Schans events calendar. Folklore Day is an initiative of the OVZS business association, in collaboration with the Zaanse Schans Foundation, and is a cultural highlight that combines hospitality and history.
In addition to the regular events, smaller and larger activities organised by heritage organisations take place at the Zaanse Schans throughout the year.
Pinksterzaan
Pinksterzaan: celebrating freedom at the Zaanse Schans, where the Spanish Fort once stood.
During Pinksterzaan, May 25th 2026, we celebrate freedom at the Zaanse Schans. The Spanish Schans, a military stronghold dating from 1574, once stood on the site of the Zaanse Schans, which later became a symbol of resistance and liberation. In this spirit, Pinksterzaan has grown into a colourful and unifying event for young and old alike.
Whit Monday is the perfect opportunity to experience the historic heritage of the Zaan region: visitors can wander past stalls selling local products, discover traditional Dutch crafts, enjoy live performances and take part in children’s activities, workshops and street theatre. For one day, the Zaanse Schans is transformed into a vibrant meeting place full of music, creativity and connection. A contemporary celebration of freedom with deep historical roots.
Optimist on Tour Zaanse Schans
Optimist on Tour: Water sports for young adventurers. June 17-20th, 2026
During Optimist on Tour, children from the region are introduced to sailing in an accessible, playful and safe way, amidst the unique backdrop of the Zaanse Schans. The national programme of the Watersportverbond (Water Sports Association) comes to the Zaan region every year, where young participants take to the water in Optimists, small sailing boats. With a view of turning windmills and historic buildings, they learn to steer, tack and work together.
In addition to sailing, there are interactive games and educational activities about water safety and sustainability, as well as plenty of opportunity for sporting discovery. Optimist on Tour lets children literally feel the wind in their sails, in a place where water has been central for centuries.
Folklore Day
Folklore Day Zaanse Schans: a day filled with lively singing, dancing, and music in traditional costumes
Folklore Day 55th edition August 15th, 2026: take a step back in time during this event at the Zaanse Schans. During Folklore Day, the Zaanse Schans comes to life with colourful traditional regional costumes, music and dance from times past, and traditional crafts. The fire brigade gives its annual demonstration from the fire brigade museum, which is open especially for Folklore Day. Visitors will meet folklore groups from all over the Netherlands.
This day is all about storytelling: traditional customs, family traditions, and the history of the Zaan region. Watch demonstrations of lace-making, batik, and woodcarving, and stroll through the charming market. The market stalls are filled with products and creations that reflect traditional crafts, such as paintings, woodcarvings, textiles, screen prints, and traditional craftsmanship.
Folklore Day is a celebration for young and old, a great event at the Zaanse Schans and a unique opportunity to see what daily life used to be like in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
Pre-run Dam tot Dam
Pre-run Dam tot Damloop, een unieke hardloopwedstrijd over de Zaanse Schans, August 28th, 2026
The pre-run of the Dam tot Damloop is a sportive race held one week prior to one of the largest running events in the Netherlands, the Dam tot Damloop. Le Champion has been organising this fantastic event for years, on the last Friday evening of August, with 1,000 runners participating annually.
The runners start at Kalverringdijk for an atmospheric and motivating route along the Zaanse Schans and Enge Wormer, before returning to the finish line along the authentic windmill panorama with the Zaanse Molens. The run is divided into 3.5 English miles (5.6 km) and 7 English miles (11.3 km). These are ideal distances to prepare for your Damloop by night and the NN Dam tot Damloop.
The combination of historic surroundings and sporting energy creates a unique experience. Whether you come to run or cheer, the pre-run exudes enthusiasm and connects people through movement.
Permanent exhibitions museums at the Zaanse Schans
Zaans Museum
- Polders. The land in your hands| 16 October to 3 May 2026
- Greetings from the Spaghetti Flat | 14 January 2025 to 17 May 2026
- Cherished. Preserved works by Nelly and Tine Honig | 30 May to 11 October 2026
- Dreams in wood. The story of the Zaanse Schans | 6 June 2026 to 6 September 2027
- Where We Live | 30 January 2025 – end of July 2026
- Art from the Zaan region
- Verkade Experience | Here you can imagine yourself in an early 20th-century biscuit and chocolate factory, where the original machines are still in full swing and the history of Verkade comes to life.
- Chocolate Experience | Daily from 10.00 – 17.00
- Claude Monet in Zaandam | In 1871, Claude Monet visited Zaandam. The world-famous French painter was so impressed by the Zaan landscape, the windmills, wooden houses and the River Zaan that he produced no fewer than 25 paintings and 9 sketches. Of these, only four are on display in the Netherlands and just one in the Zaan region.
Read more about the exhibitions on the Zaans Museum website.
World of Windmills Museum
- Exhibition: The Calf and the Water Wolf
- Treasure hunt at the Mill Museum
Read Read more about the exhibitions on the World of Windmills website.
Zaan Time Museum
- Pimp your Zaanse Clock
- A journey through time
- Highlights Collection: 50 Years of Museum Zaanse Tijd
- Treasure hunts in the museum
Find out more about the exhibitions on the Zaan Time museum website.
Zaanse Schans events calendar
Freedom at the Table: 5 May
Zaans Museum: Freedom at the Table: 5 May, a national holiday celebrating freedom in the Netherlands. Read more https://zaansmuseum.nl/zien-doen/vrijheid-aan-tafel-5-mei-in-het-zaans-museum/
National Mill Day
Zaansche Molen: Friends Lottery National Mill Day. Read more Vriendenloterij Nationale Molendag – De Zaansche molen
Luilak Mill De Bonte Hen
Zaansche Molen: Luilak Mill De Bonte Hen. Read more Luilak bij het Molenmuseum en De Bonte Hen – De Zaansche molen
Pinksterzaan
Zaanse Schans: Pinksterzaan. Read more Pinksterzaan – De Zaanse Schans
Sari Walkathon
Zaanse Schans: Sari Walkathon. Read more Sari Walkathon – A shine of brightness and happiness
Help, I've got a clock
Help! I have a clock; bring your clock to the Zaanse Tijd Museum and have it assessed and/or valued. Read more Museum Zaanse Tijd
Optimist on Tour
Zaanse Schans: Optimist on Tour. Read more Optimist on Tour Zaanse Schans – De Zaanse Schans
Folklore Day
Zaanse Schans: 55e Folkloredag. Read more Folkloredag Zaanse Schans – De Zaanse Schans
Pre-run Dam tot Dam
Zaanse Schans: Pre-run Dam tot Dam Le Champion. Read more Pre-run Dam tot Damloop Zaanse Schans – De Zaanse Schans
Open monuments Day
Noorderhuis, Kalverringdijk 17 Zaanse Schans. Read more: Open Monument Days in the municipality of Zaanstad – Noorderhuis – De Zaanse Schans
Museum Zaanse Tijd | Tower Clock Cycle Tour
Zaansche Molen: IFIKX festival
Zaansche Molen: IFIKX maak mee festival. Read More ifikz-maakmee-festival-zaanse-industrie
Closer to the Times
Museum Zaanse Tijd: Closer to Time, poets have written an ode to their favourite clock.
Zaanse Schans events: moments that connect
The Zaanse Schans is not an event location where anything goes. There is a selective approach to what can and cannot take place at the Zaanse Schans. For more information about using the heritage site of Zaanse Schans for an event, please contact the Marketing & PR department by email at communicatie@dezaanseschans.nl or call +31 (0)75 681 77 97.
Experience more on the Zaanse Schans: culture, crafts and events. A visit to the Zaanse Schans is a journey through time. During Zaanse Schans events, our unique Zaan heritage comes to life. Amidst the wooden façades, working windmills and museums, you can experience the Zaan area as it was for centuries, driven by industry, trade and craftsmanship. Here, you can not only see how it was, but you can also experience it first-hand.
The Zaanse windmills are still in operation, sawing wood, pressing oil and grinding natural pigments for paint. In Tiemstra’s Coopery (cooperage), you can smell the wood and hear how barrels are made by hand. In the Weaver’s House, you can discover how families used to live and work under one roof while weaving sails. In the Styling-Chambres of the Noorderhuis on the Kalverringdijk, you can see the interior of a wealthy 19th-century Zaan merchant’s home, complete with original Empire-style details.
The Zaanse Schans events fit in perfectly with the historic perception. During Folklore Day, traditional costumes, old crafts and dance come together in a lively historical scene. There is also a market with crafts and regional products. On Whit Monday, we celebrate the freedom of the Zaankanters during Pinksterzaan with a colourful and unifying event for young and old. Optimist on Tour introduces children to water sports and teaches them about water safety and sustainability between the windmills and the Zaan. The Pre-run Dam tot Damloop offers sports enthusiasts a unique route through the historic heritage landscape in preparation for the NN Dam tot Dam loop.
In 2025 and 2026, a fantastic collaboration with the Sari Walkathon was held at the Zaanse Schans. A colourful walk-in where women in traditional sarees walk together to raise awareness about health, women’s care and empowerment. The Noorderhuis was opened especially for the Saree Walkathon to connect cultures. This international initiative uniquely connects culture and vitality with the Zaan heritage history.
Whether you want to absorb culture, roll up your sleeves and get involved, or enjoy outdoor activities, the Zaanse Schans has it all. Combine your visit to an event with a visit to a museum, a demonstration in a craft centre, or a walk along the iconic windmill panorama of the World of Windmills. At the Zaanse Schans, history not only comes to life: it turns, claps, smells, tastes and works. Just like the old days back in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
Zaanse Schans Events: moments that connect