Eurosonic Noorderslag is an annual musicfestival in Groningen. Many music lovers have been looking forward to the festival for months. There is a lot of music to discover, even if you didn't manage to get a ticket. The side-programme is at least as diverse as the main programming. And the big advantage: you don't need a ticket to get in. We show you where to find the smaller, free stages and what music you can listen to there.
Grunnsonic | Wednesday to Friday
Multiple locations in the city center - Grunnsonic is the showcase festival of Groningen acts that is freely accessible for everyone. It takes place at the same time and in collaboration with Eurosonic and is held in multiple locations in the city center. The programming consists entirely of acts from the province of Groningen.During the showcase, POPgroningen and ESNS offer local acts the opportunity to present themselves to both a large audience and the professionals present. From 20:30 to 01:00, admission is free.
Synagogue Showcase | Wednesday & Thursday
Synagogue Groningen - In the mood for a serene evening with stipped-down performances amid the hustle and bustle of Eurosonic? Come to the synagogue in the Folkingestrata when the sun has set. This beautiful historic building is the setting of the synagogue showcase on Wednesday and Thursday, a place where indie/folk acts can perform for an international audience. From 19:00 to 23:00, admission is free.
NOORD in OOST | Wednesday to Friday
OOST - NOORD (former House of the North) is the place to go for some pop culture from the Northern Netherlands during ESNS. A place to meet, work or to have lunch or dinner. In addition there are showcases, panels and workshops. NOORD is an official location from ESNS 2020, but is accessible without the festival wristband. From 20:00 to midnight, admission is free.
Eurosonic Air | Thursday & Friday
Grote Markt - Eurosonic Air is the largest and most central stage of the festival. The festival tent at the Grote Markt is impossible to miss and accessible to everyone. They have a varied line-up, from an experimental theater party spectacle organised by the international dance company Club Guy & Roni and Slagwerk Den Haag, to Dutch pop diva Davina Michelle. This is the place to be on Thursday and Friday if you want to get a taste of the Eurosonic madness without buying a ticket. From 20:30 to midnight, admission is free.
Platosonic | Thursday to Saturday
Plato - From Thursday to Saturday Plato and the Coffee-Company are filled with acts who are playing at Eurosonic Noorderslag. No fewer than 46 acts will play for 20 minutes. Just like in previous years admission is free, but full is full. From 12:00, admission is free.
Tiny Room Concert | Thursday to Saturday
The Student Hotel - Tiny Room Concert is an itimate stage for acoustic music. A cozy living room where music sessions are given. Discover new music and chill on a couch at the same time. The best way to recharge your batteries for another day of musical entertainment. From 17:00 to 20:00, admission is free.
Wild Wild West Party | Friday
EM2 - In the mood for a party? A dry and steaming EM2 is only an 8-minute bike ride away from the city center. No long queues with grumpy securety, no wristbands and no plastic. EM2 stands for freedom and real music. Because the connoisseurs know: right there on the edge is where it happens. From 16:00 to 04:00, admission is free.
Grasnapolsky presents | Saturday
The Dog's Bollocks - Winterfestival Grasnapolsky returns in the weekend of March 7th! The festival is the place to enjoy music and art at a unique location. And that is exactly what you will get a preview of during Grasnapolsky presents, with performances from an indiefolk act, an artist and a solo mini set from with Dutch 80's synthpop. From 15:30 to 19:00, admission is free.
The Martinitower plays Blanks
Martinitower - Saturday will be an important day for the Groningen musician Simon de Wit alias Blanks, because he gets to perform his catchy songs at Noorderslag. To encourage him, carillonneur Auke de Boer will play his songs from the Martinitower between 11:00 and 12:00. The public will get to decide what songs are played by voting on Blanks' Instagram on Thursday (@musicbyblanks).
Would you rather go for the full ESNS experience? There are still tickets for available.
Look here for more information and tickets.
