2025: a successful year for events in Heerlen

In 2025, no fewer than 340 events were held in our city. From neighborhood parties to large multi-day events such as Cultura Nova, IBE, and ParkCity Live. Together, these events in Heerlen attracted no fewer than 430,000 visitors to our city, not including the regular activities in cultural institutions. With such impressive figures, we can look back with pride on a successful year of events. 

Upward trend

In recent years, there has been an upward trend in both the number of visitors and events. In 2023, Heerlen attracted 300,000 visitors, in 2024 that number increased to 380,000 visitors, and in 2025, 430,000 visitors. The number of events has also increased significantly in the past two years: from 273 events in 2023 and 321 events in 2024 to 340 events in the past year. We would like to thank all the organizers and volunteers who bring Heerlen to life every year.

Alderman , Jordy Clemens: “Our city is buzzing like never before. The generous range of events on offer shows how vibrant, creative, and connected our community is. We are proud to welcome so many people to enjoy everything our city has to offer together.”

  • During the breakdance event 'The Notorious IBE', Heerlen hosted dancers from more than 40 different countries.
  • The Hoensbroek Fair attracts around 100,000 visitors every year and is considered the largest fair in the southern Netherlands.
  • The Dutch Mountain Film Festival (DMFF) celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2025. What started as a small event has now grown into a 5-day festival, held at multiple locations in Parkstad and even across the border in Aachen.
  • During the Popronde in Heerlen, visitors to shops and barbershops were surprised by live performances by artists.
  • Limburg's Most Beautiful starts and finishes in Heerlen. More than 70% of participants come from outside South Limburg.
  • Heerlen is seeing an increase in the number of vocational and higher professional education programs in the field of events and tourism. These students also organize events themselves or do internships with the many event organizers.

Would you like to organize an event in 2026? Then apply for your permit at the Event Desk (www.eventloket.nl). Do you have any questions or would you like to discuss whether a permit is required? Then send an email to: evenementen@heerlen.nl.