Crazy Saturday

On Saturday, October 17, Gouda’s historic city center will once again be transformed into a lively medieval spectacle. The program for the 14th edition of ZOTTE ZATERDAG has been announced.

During Zotte Zaterdag, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Erasmus, with music, street theater, historical figures, demonstrations, storytelling, and activities for children and families. This year, the free festival takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. around De Waag, De Mark, Arti Legi, and in the garden of Museum Gouda.

Zotte Parade and opening
The day begins at 11:15 a.m. with the Zotte Parade. A colorful procession of medieval figures and musicians will set off from Buurthuis de Speelwinkel on the Raam, winding its way through the city center to De Waag. Along the route and after the parade, you’ll see Erasmus and his mother Margaretha, Jacoba of Bavaria, the Hooghe ladies, peddlers, swordsmen, fishwives, beggars, and lock keepers, among others. In front of De Waag, the festival will be officially opened at 12:00 p.m. by Erasmus together with a number of distinguished guests!

From street theater to medieval food
There’s plenty to experience in the historic city center all afternoon. Children can enjoy jugglers, magicians, and the interactive performance “Martinus Defeats the Dragon.” Lovers of stories and music can listen to medieval musicians and tales told by the Storyteller and Erasmus’s mother, who recounts stories of Gouda in days gone by during a walking tour.

Medieval “food and drink” are also well represented. Behind De Waag, you can sample savory and sweet pastries, waffles, mead (honey wine), and the famous Gouds Kuitbier, among other treats.

Anyone interested in learning how things used to be can check out various demonstrations. The St. Michielsgilde Gouda will showcase historical fencing, while traditional crafts such as weaving, spinning, and candle-making will be demonstrated in the Museum Garden. The Gouda Lock Keepers’ Guild will also be present at the Donkere Sluis.

Visitors can also step back in time to the Middle Ages for a moment. At the photo booth or with the quick-sketch artist, they can have their picture taken to capture the historic atmosphere.

For the complete program and the parade route, visit the Zotte Zaterdag website.

A nod to Erasmus
Zotte Zaterdag is an inclusive family event held on the first Saturday of fall break and is a cheerful nod to the famous Gouda native Erasmus. The festival brings the Middle Ages to life in an accessible and playful way and pays homage to Erasmus’s ideas and his book *The Praise of Folly*.

The theme of this edition is a quote from Erasmus: “What is beautiful takes effort.” The organizers also see this theme as a tribute to the many volunteers, participants, and organizations in Gouda that make the festival possible.

Transition to a new organization
The 2026 edition will have a more compact, so-called “light” format. The festival marks the transition to a new independent foundation, which will organize Zotte Zaterdag starting in 2027. Starting that year, the large crafts market and the theatrical skits will also return.

The 14th edition is organized by a team of volunteers and is made possible in part by the City of Gouda, Cultuurhuis Garenspinnerij - De Kunstmachine, De Waag Gouda, De Markt Gouda, Gouda Gastvrij, Albert Heijn, 2Rent4You, Buurthuis de Speelwinkel, de Verbeeldingsfabriek, Stichting Najbaro, and De Firma Kunstcentrum Gouda.

Crazy Saturday – Gouda City Center Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Free admission

For more information and the full program: www.zottezaterdag.nl