Local events

Every year in October, Valkenburg aan de Geul is all about the Buck! The buck is a symbol of the town’s history and culture—a history of which Valkenburg is proud.

Every year throughout the month of October, there are various activities to enjoy—from musical performances to family-friendly events… Come experience it all with a good glass of bok beer in one hand and a tasty snack in the other. But watch out! The Bokkenrijders are keeping an eye on you…

On Sunday, October 4 , the Valkenburg Bokkenweken will kick off , as is tradition, with the festive Bokken Parade and the arrival of the first keg of bok beer.

Around 2:00 p.m., a horse-drawn wagon will make its way through the city center, loaded with the season’s first bokbier—from Brand Bier, Broewersjap d’n Haokeman, La Trappe, and the Maastricht City Brewery.

Museum Valkenburg is hosting an exhibition on the Bokkerijders throughout the month. Torchlight tours are held on various days in the caves.

A twenty-minute drive through the hills brings you to Christmas Town Valkenburg, from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Two underground Christmas markets in the Gemeentegrot and Fluweelengrot caves make Valkenburg unique; above ground, WinterGlow on the Walramplein is free to enter. Come on a Saturday or Wednesday evening for the Christmas Parade through the town centre: Saturdays at 7.30 pm (14, 21 and 28 November, 12 and 19 December) and Wednesdays at 7 pm (9, 16, 23 and 30 December).

Good to know: the caves are open from 13 November to 30 December, weekdays from 11 am to 7 pm and weekends from 10 am to 7 pm. Book your timed tickets online, as weekends often sell out. Weekdays are quieter.

Hiking the Gulperberg by day, lights and mulled wine in Valkenburg by night: book your winter stay at EuroParcs Gulperberg and enjoy Christmas in the South Limburg hills.

From EuroParcs Gulperberg you are on the Vrijthof in 30 minutes, where Magical Maastricht takes place from Friday 27 November to Sunday 27 December 2026. Entry is free: stroll between the beautifully lit chalets of the Christmas market with a hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand. The showstoppers are the 1,000-square-metre covered ice rink and the 45-metre Ferris wheel with enclosed glass gondolas and views across the city. Little ones love the carousel, and the Grand Café and the Almhütte are the places to warm up again.
 

Practical: open Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to midnight and Friday and Saturday until 1 am; the Christmas market closes daily at 10 pm. On 24 December the square is open until 6 pm, on 25 December from 11 am to 6 pm. Dogs on a lead are welcome, and weekdays are quieter than weekends. After skating, dining and shopping in Maastricht, you are back in the peace of the park within fifteen minutes. 

Book your December stay at EuroParcs Gulperberg  and combine city and hills.

Carnival in Limburg, also known as Vasteloavend, is an exuberant celebration with strong traditions. In all villages there are parades with floats and zaate hermeniekes. In Gulpen there is a big party on Tuesday, this is the conclusion of carnival 2027, this is called the Groeete Gulpener Vasteloaves Finale. Various artists will perform.

On Saturday, April 18, the Amstel Gold Race Tour Edition will provide a stage for no fewer than 15,000 international recreational cyclists to participate.  On Sunday, April 19, the world's best men and women will compete for first place in Limburg's only cycling classic.

On Sunday, the Market Square in Maastricht will be the bustling backdrop for the start of the Amstel Gold Race. The women will kick things off at 9:55 a.m., followed by the men at 10:40 a.m. After the start, the peloton will wind its way through the beautiful hills of South Limburg, passing through municipalities such as Stein, Sittard-Geleen, Voerendaal, Gulpen-Wittem, and the cycling town of Valkenburg. The finish line is located between Berg en Terblijt and Vilt, where the women are expected to arrive around 2:00 p.m. and the men around 5:00 p.m.

Both the touring version and the pros will pass the entrance to our park.

Marly Grav, presented by Shimano, is back! On May 7, 8 & 9, 2027, Valkenburg will once again be the place to be for all gravel lovers. For three days, the Shimano Experience Center, Home of Gravel, will host a UCI gravel race, touring, bikepacking, bike expo, social rides, workshops and a relaxed festival atmosphere. Score your ticket and ride the beautiful South Limburg gravel strips of the 2027 Gravel World Cup in spring.

Andre Rieu’s Vrijthof Concerts offer a unique musical experience at the iconic Vrijthof. You’ll enjoy a wonderfully atmospheric moment; together with thousands of fans, this will be an unforgettable evening. There are also options to book the concert in combination with a dining package at a restaurant near the Vrijthof. 

Since 1986, this has been the open-air event where a lively, convivial atmosphere, music and good company come together. For three days, the heart of Gulpen buzzes with live bands, Limburg artists, DJs, delicious beer and tasty food.

What began as a local festival has grown into a household name in the region, attracting around 15,000 visitors every year. And the best bit? Thanks to nearly 100 enthusiastic sponsors, entry remains free for everyone!

The Gulpener Beer Festivals are for young and old alike. Whether you’re coming to dance with friends, have brunch with family, enjoy the seniors’ afternoon or have a go on the rides at the children’s fair, everyone feels at home here. This year marks the 39th edition. It’s about a 15-minute walk from our park to this lively event.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)