Utrecht Named Event City of the Year 2026

03-09-2026

According to the jury, Utrecht received the title because of its strong and future-oriented event policy and the broad, accessible range of events. The jury report points to the coherent vision on events in the city. “Utrecht presented a coherent vision on events in which events are explicitly used to connect residents,” the jury writes.

The jury also mentions the way Utrecht works on improving event policy as an important point. Public investments are evaluated and the social benefits of events are examined. Attention to accessibility, diversity and inclusion, and the careful search for new event locations – with research and participation – are also mentioned in the report.

Alderman Eva Oosters (Events): “I am very proud of this award, ‘Utrecht as event city’. Events bring people together and make our city lively. They provide meeting and enjoyment. In recent years, together with organizers, volunteers and partners, we have made beautiful, accessible events possible, such as Utrecht Pride, the unpacking of the Dom Tower and the new New Years Eve celebration that emerged from the citizen council. At the same time, even when it was sometimes challenging, we consciously chose to continue making space for events – for example with location profiles, new subsidies and the designation of a new place for large events. This award is therefore a recognition of colleagues, organizers, partners and volunteers. And of course, we are not done yet, we will continue to work on a future-proof event city in the coming years.”

In recent years, Utrecht has worked on a future-proof event policy. This includes looking at the social value of events and how they contribute to meeting and connection in the city. Investments have been made in permanent event locations, new subsidy schemes and clear location profiles for organizers and residents. Efforts are also made to better spread events throughout the city and to find new locations so that the offer can grow with Utrecht. Residents and organizers are involved in research and decision-making.

During the same award ceremony, other National Event Awards were also presented. The anniversary program Amsterdam 750 won the award for Best Public Event. The Event Impact Award went to Pink Saturday Zaanstad, for its positive contribution to inclusion and living together. In addition, the light festival GLOW Eindhoven received the Grand Prix, an award for events that, due to their size, history and appearance, occupy a special place in the Dutch event landscape.