Keistadfeesten 2026
Fri, Sept. 4–Sun, Sept. 6
During the Keistadfeesten, Amersfoort’s history doesn’t just stay neatly in a book—it comes alive right in the city center. Join the historic parade in which, as is tradition, the Amersfoortse Kei is paraded through the streets; stick around for live music and games; or take the little ones to the cozy Clowntjeshof.
Program for Friday, September 4
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Groenmarkt
Kick off the Keistadfeesten in style with live music by singer-songwriters from 8:00 p.m. to midnight.
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Lieve Vrouwekerkhof
From 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., you can enjoy food and drinks on the square. From 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the tribute band Rubber Soul will bring the music of The Beatles to life, interspersed with sets by DJ Lesther.
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Appelmarkt
From 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., there will be a tap takeover, and from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., a delicious BBQ will be served. The cozy background music, which plays until 8:00 p.m., creates a relaxed atmosphere and makes every bite even more delicious.
Join the historical tour
Saturday, September 5, the Amersfoortse kei will be paraded through the city, just as Everard Meyster did in 1661. The parade starts at 3:30 p.m. in De Nieuwe Stad.
And you can be part of this historical spectacle: you can join the parade in historical costume. Registration will open in due course via the Levende Geschiedenis website.
Curious to see who’s participating? - Along the way, you’ll come across:
- “Living History” takes the lead and tells the story behind it along the way
- You can spot Everard Meyster with his wife and child in a horse-drawn carriage
- Juliana Show & Marching Band
- Two military vehicles
- The Amersfoort Rescue Brigade with a boat on a trailer.
- The Soest Gilde, consisting of forty people, including ten flag bearers. Upon arrival at the Hof , these flag bearers will put on a 10-minute show.
Take a look at the route below or view it online.
Program for Saturday, September 5 - City full of music & spectacle
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The Hof
From 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., you can settle in at one of the outdoor patios and enjoy live music. At 4:45 p.m., things will quiet down briefly for the arrival of the parade and the “Kei.” Starting at 5:30 p.m., DJs will take over the stage, interspersed with performances by musicians Thimo van Haaren, Wilbert Pigmans, and Jake Monteira.
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Lieve Vrouwekerkhof
From 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., you can get to know Amersfoort’s clubs and organizations during the Club Fair, while from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., you can test your strength, stamina, and sense of humor during the record-breaking show. Starting at 5:00 PM, join us for food and drinks in the square with music by DJ Lesther. At 9:30 PM, the amplifiers will be cranked up with live music from the Beatles tribute band Rubber Soul. DJ Lesther will wrap up the evening from 11:00 PM to midnight.
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Groenmarkt
On this evening, the Groenmarkt is anything but inexperienced. Between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., local talent takes the stage, after which the live music continues until midnight. Among others, the Leuk Dat Je Peter Band provides a healthy dose of energy and fun.
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Appelmarkt
Appelmarkt
The Appelmarkt will be a place to hang out and enjoy yourself. From 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM, there will be a tap takeover, and starting at 5:00 PM, Charles will be hosting a BBQ. Relaxing background music will play until 6:00 p.m.—perfect for a long afternoon of drinks, snacks, and toasting.
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Kafé Koppelpoort
Kafé Koppelpoort
At Kafé Koppelpoort , you’re in for a treat from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a musical afternoon on the terrace. Mohr & More provides the live music; you just need to find a spot in the sun and enjoy a refreshing drink.
Keistadfeesten meets Lepeltje Lepeltje
This year, there’s a double celebration in Amersfoort: the Keistadfeesten coincide with Lepeltje Lepeltje Lokaal.
That’s why the parade is making a special stop at Lepeltje Lepeltje. Everard Meyster, his wife and child, and a group from Levende Historie will walk onto the grounds for a brief festive moment on stage. Afterward, the group will rejoin the parade, and the procession will continue through the city.
This is where two Amersfoort festivals come together beautifully: history, music, a festive atmosphere, and local delicacies.
Sunday, September 6
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Strolling through the city center
Between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., you might just run into the Rock City Horns in the city center. This Amersfoort-based brass band brings an energetic mix of jazz, funk, rock, and brass to the streets. Do you hear horns, a groove, and the sounds of a party somewhere? Then you know where to go.
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The Hof
At De Hof , from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, it’s party time for the youngest visitors during the Clowntjeshof. Expect cheerfulness, silly antics, and plenty to do for kids who love a bit of theatre, humor, and fun. Check out the full kids’ program.
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Lieve Vrouwekerkhof
Set your alarm and start your Sunday at 7:00 a.m. with an early-morning climb up the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren. Later that day, you’ll feel like you’re in France at the Lieve Vrouwekerkhof : from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., you can play jeu de boules with live music and French chansons playing in the background. A little aiming, swaying along, and above all, enjoying yourself.
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Groenmarkt
From 12:00 to 17:00 on the Groenmarkt , enjoy some old-fashioned fun with traditional Dutch games, a game of “kop van jut,” and cotton candy. Between 2:00 p.m. and 5:45 p.m., a singer-songwriter will provide live music on the square. Settle in on a terrace, test your skills, and let the atmosphere surprise you.
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Appelmarkt
On Sunday at the Appelmarkt, you can sample all sorts of things. Bierwinkel HOP is hosting a grand beer tasting from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. In between, you can delve into a special piece of the city’s history during a screening of *The Miracle of Amersfoort* at 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., or 5:00 p.m.
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Kafé Koppelpoort
At Kafé Koppelpoort , you’re in for a musical afternoon from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Singer Mike Angelo provides live music while you settle in for a drink, a great atmosphere, and a view of one of the city’s most beautiful spots.
Kids’ Program on Sunday
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Clowntjeshof
1:00 – 1:30 p.m. Children’s Show
1:30 – 2:00 p.m. Kids’ Karaoke
2:45 – 3:15 p.m. Children’s Show 2
3:15 – 3:45 p.m. Kids’ Karaoke
4:30 – 4:40 p.m. Fire show
Help make the Keistadfeesten 2026 possible!
In 2024, the Keistadfeesten took place again after a 15-year hiatus. It was a huge success, and we want to build on that in 2026. Will you help us?
Unfortunately, the finances are not quite settled yet for several parts and so we ask for (jo)your help, because the Keistadfeesten have always been a festivity made possible by and for many Amersfoorters! Every donation is welcome.
Becoming a sponsor as a company is also possible: we would like to talk to you about the details and consideration. Various sponsor packages are listed on the website and sponsoring a specific part is also possible.
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