Autumn in the Leiden Region

With the leaves turning red and the weather getting colder, the many canals and charming old houses in the Leiden region become even more beautiful. This is also a great time for both indoor and outdoor activities. On this page you can find tips on how to make the most out of autumn!

Celebrate 450 years of parades in Museum De Lakenhal and uncover Leiden's passion for them.
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Get pulled into orbit at Rijksmuseum Boerhaave with their fascinating exhibition about black holes.
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With the exhibition In Brilliant Light, Wereldmuseum Leiden gives a platform to contemporary art from Africa, celebrating the richness and diversity of art from Africa and the diaspora.
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Uncover the rich history of the Romans in the Netherlands at the fascinating exhibition in the National Museum of Antiquities, showcasing rare artifacts that reveal the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire on Dutch soil.
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The Castle Duivenvoorde in Voorschoten, will open its doors to the public from April 6th to December 18th.
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Triceratops horridus: this giant herbivore is an icon of the dinosaur era. And extremely rare too, only a handful of skeletons can be seen worldwide. Until now!
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Leiden's Ontzet

Leiden's 'Ontzet' ('relief') refers to the liberation of Leiden city on the 3rd October 1574 from the Spanish forces. It has been commemorated every year since, with celebrations throughout the city.

A range of activities and events take place during this time, starting from the 1st October and continuing until the 3rd.

We are on the eve of a special celebration: in 2024 it will be 450 years ago that Leiden was liberated. We have a special mission for this anniversary year: 3 October by and for everyone. We do not only want to look back on our shared history, but also look ahead to our shared future.

Learn more about Leiden's Ontzet

Leidse Hout
Leidse Hout

Join Kimberly from Wildwood Wisdom for a peaceful walk through Leidse Hout - the foresty area of Leiden to re-connect with nature and with one another.

Find more information here
Escape the City
Escape the City

Are you going on a city trip to Leiden and do you plan to explore the city? With an Escape the city you can turn this visit into a super fun lasting memory. Take a city walk and play this interactive puzzle game during the walk.

Find more information here
The Hidden Stories of Leiden
The Hidden Stories of Leiden

Embark on a journey to find hidden gems, famous sights and unique places through this self-guided audiotour!

Find more information here

Meet&Mingle

Would you like to meet other internationals over a drink and in a cozy atmosphere during the colder Autumn days?

We know that meeting new people can sometimes be hard, which is why we organise our monthly Meet&Mingles! Joining is free, and we encourage everyone living or working in the Leiden region to come.

Paint and/or carve your own pumpkin at Boerderij 't Geertje. Make your most beautiful creation!
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Come and play at BubbleJungle. An indoor park for kids, young and old!
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Sinterklaas has informed us that he will visit our city again this year! His arrival in Leiden will be celebrated once again on the 16th of November.
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Food & Drinks

The Leiden region has plenty of cozy restaurants, bars and cafés to offer.

You can warm up at one of the terraces on a rainy afternoon or grab a bite after a museum visit. Or do you want to meet a friend for coffee? You will find that there is something for everyone, from street food to fancy restaurants, from popular places to hidden gems.

Discover the culinary hotspots in the region

Market in Voorschoten
Market in Voorschoten
Those who visit Voorschoten will certainly notice the joyous atmosphere that is almost tangible in the town centre...
weekly
Reveille
Reveille
The morning of October 3rd traditionally begins with the Reveille, an event that you absolutely cannot miss. The...
Thursday 3 October
Work Cafe
Work Cafe
Are you currently unemployed, but would you like to get started? Are you in danger of losing your job or are you...
weekly
October Meet&Mingle
October Meet&Mingle
Meet new people in the Leiden region during this edition of our Meet&Mingle!
Thursday 10 October
LKO Symphony Orchestra
LKO Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1989, the LKO Symphony Orchestra has grown into a vibrant symphony orchestra with 40 passionate members...
weekly
Art Route Leiden 2024
Art Route Leiden 2024
The Art Route is coming again! On September 21 and 22, 2024, professional artists in Leiden will open their studios...
21 and 22 September
Dutch Classes for Children Information Session
Dutch Classes for Children Information Session
Your children are starting school but don't speak Dutch? Learn more about International Language Classes (ITK)!
weekly
Workshop: Hosting events (EN)
Workshop: Hosting events (EN)
Storytelling workshop with Xina Mercken
Monday 2 December
Book Club (Reading Circle) English Literature
Book Club (Reading Circle) English Literature
Do you read English literature with relative ease and pleasure and do you enjoy exchanging thoughts in English...
2 October, 6 November and 4 more days
Discover Leiden with a city walk
Discover Leiden with a city walk
Do you opt for a walk past all the highlights? Or are you delving into Rembrandt's Leiden? Or would you rather...
until 1 January 2026
The Hidden Stories of Leiden
The Hidden Stories of Leiden
Discover the stories behind Leiden's hidden gems, famous sights and unique places through this self-guided audio...
until 1 January 2026
Brein & Bios
Brein & Bios
Cinema for free in the week of World Alzheimer's Day
until 21 September
Grand Parade “Leiden Regions”
Grand Parade “Leiden Regions”
450 years ago Leiden and surroundings fought against the Spanish for freedom. We have been celebrating this freedom...
Thursday 3 October
Documentary "Neutrino - The Poet Among the Elementary Particles
Documentary "Neutrino - The Poet Among the Elementary Particles
Documentary, followed by a discussion and Q&A
Thursday 26 September
Leiden Run Club
Leiden Run Club
Join the Leiden Run Club! We run the Singelpark together every 1st and 3rd of the month.
until 6 July 2025
Reading to Kids in Portugese
Reading to Kids in Portugese
The BplusC library offers free reading sessions to kids in Portuguese, this occurs every 1st Saturday of the month...
monthly
Bronze Age Exhibition
Bronze Age Exhibition
The major overview exhibition Bronze Age – Fire of Change is about a fascinating period in our history. The Bronze...
18 October 2024 until 16 March 2025
Triceratops: the herd
Triceratops: the herd
Triceratops horridus: this giant herbivore is an icon of the dinosaur era. And extremely rare too, only a handful...
18 October 2024 until 31 August 2025
Registration Herring & White Bread and Hutspot
Registration Herring & White Bread and Hutspot
On the third Thursday in September, the registration for both Herring & White Bread and the Big Hutspot meal traditionally...
Thursday 19 September
Market in Zoeterwoude
Market in Zoeterwoude
Every Thursday afternoon, there is a small-scale weekly market in Zoeterwoude.
weekly
Shaping the Wellbeing of the Employees: Tips & Tricks
Shaping the Wellbeing of the Employees: Tips & Tricks
Join an open session covering remote work and working abroad, home buying, taxation and the new Dutch pension law....
Tuesday 8 October
Tell Me More Storytelling (EN) : The Afterlife
Tell Me More Storytelling (EN) : The Afterlife
Listen to captivating stories and music at Theater De Generator's monthly TELL ME MORE storytelling evenings –...
Friday 6 December
Life Science Café - September
Life Science Café - September
Every third Thursday of the month, theLife Science Café takes place at Grand Café De Stal. Connect with entrepreneurs,...
Thursday 19 September
Show Me The Expert
Show Me The Expert
Show Me The Expert is coming to Leiden, a day to meet all the Experts your business needs!
Tuesday 8 October