Event Details
Lentebock Festival Utrecht – Spring Beer Festival at Janskerkhof
The Lentebock Festival transforms Janskerkhof in Utrecht into the Netherlands' largest spring bock beer celebration from 27 to 29 March 2026. More than 25 different spring bock beers from breweries including Grolsch, Brouwerij 't IJ, Maximus, vandeStreek and Hommeles are on tap, alongside live music from local bands and DJs, artisan food trucks and the popular Topbock public vote. Whether you are a craft beer enthusiast or simply looking for a lively spring weekend in one of Holland's most beautiful city centres, this festival delivers.
Highlights
- More than 25 spring bock beers from well-known Dutch and international craft breweries
- Live music from Utrecht-based bands and DJs across all three days
- Beer tastings (proeverijen) led by international beer sommelier Arvid Bergström
- Topbock competition – a public vote to crown the best spring bock of the year
- BBQ dishes from the smoker and food trucks from local Utrecht restaurants
- Sunday family afternoon with face painting, crafts and Circus SNOR circus school for children
- All beers served in the official festival glass with a refundable deposit system
Program & Opening Hours
The festival runs across three days, each with its own atmosphere:
- Friday 27 March: 16:00 to 00:00 (minimum age 21; regular ticket entry closes at 20:00)
- Saturday 28 March: 13:00 to 00:00 (minimum age 21; regular ticket entry closes at 19:00)
- Sunday 29 March: 13:00 to 20:00 (family day; children under 13 free when accompanied by an adult)
Beer tastings can be booked alongside your entry ticket in advance. Sommelier Arvid Bergström guides participants through the distinct styles of lentebock, including rare special edition brews.
Tickets
Entry tickets are required for all visitors and must be purchased online in advance. Prices for the 2026 edition are as follows:
- Friday: €8.95
- Saturday: €9.95
- Sunday: €4.95
- Children under 13: free admission on Sunday afternoon, accompanied by an adult
If you are unable to attend, tickets can be resold via TicketSwap. In case of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, all tickets are automatically transferred to the next edition at no cost. The festival is cashless and card payment only.
Breweries 2026
Confirmed breweries for the 2026 edition include Grolsch, Brouwerij 't IJ, Eeuwige Jeugd, De Leckere, Weihenstephaner, Oudaen, Seagull, Maximus, vandeStreek, Brothers in Law, Oproer, Kromme Haring, Texels, Schelde, Broeder Jacob, Egmond, Naekte Brouwers, Hoop, Bird, Moersleutel, Gooische Brouwerij, Brouwerij van Muifel, Bax Bier, Leeghwater, Enigma and Hommeles. This breadth makes the festival the best single opportunity of the year to explore the full range of the lentebock style.
Getting There & Practical Info
- From Utrecht Centraal station, Janskerkhof is approximately 15 minutes on foot.
- By bus: lines 2, 7, 8, 18, 28, 51, 52, 53, 55, 74, 77 or 251, stop Janskerkhof.
- Driving is strongly discouraged; limited paid parking is available at Janskerkhof, with city-centre car parks at Springweg, Hoog Catharijne, Paardenveld and Kruisstraat as alternatives.
- Bicycles can be parked in the existing bike racks around Janskerkhof.
- No glass is permitted on the festival grounds; personal glass bottles or cups are not allowed.
- The venue is wheelchair accessible; accessible toilets are available at nearby café Hofman.
- Dogs are generally welcome but the grounds become very busy, so exercise caution.
Visitor Tips
- Buy tickets well in advance online as the festival has sold out in previous years.
- Book a spot on the beer tastings early, as group sizes are limited.
- Dress in layers: late March in Utrecht can be cool and unpredictable.
- Book accommodation in Utrecht early for a weekend stay, as the city fills up during the festival.
- Return your festival glass at the exit to reclaim the deposit.
