On Saturday, October 18, Gouda will once again transform into a living medieval setting for a single day. During CRAZY SATURDAY—a free festival for all ages—visitors will discover a city filled with lively street theater, music, crafts, and children’s activities. The event is the perfect tip for a day out during fall break and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the Netherlands every year. The program has now been announced and once again features countless activities for all ages this year.
Just like in previous editions, countless travelers, market vendors, town criers, musicians, and theater groups will set up camp around Sint-Jan and Achter de Waag this year as well.
A program full of experiences
Highlights for day-trippers from across the country include:
- The Zotte Parade: a festive procession of jesters, musicians, and theater groups from Cultuurhuis Garenspinnerij through the city center to St. John’s Church, where the festive and musical opening of the festival will take place.
- Medieval Craft Fair: Around St. John’s Church, there are over 50 stalls run by merchants and artisans. Sample freshly baked pastries and mead.
- Martial arts demonstrations by the St. Michael's Guild, Achter de Waag.
- Erasmania, a mini-museum filled with quirky objects from the Erasmus Society in St. John’s.
- Street theater & music: funny acts, improvisation, and comedic skits inspired by Erasmus.
- For children (new): Erasmus Scavenger Hunt, storyteller Erik Maassen, an interactive puppet show, and a theatrical walking tour of the city with “Erasmus’s mother.”
- Gouda Museum: Free guided tours titled "With a Madman to the Scaffold" through this former medieval hospital, including the pharmacy, the militia hall, and the infamous and eerie medieval torture chamber.
: The Perfect Day Out With countless activities spread throughout the city center, plenty of free entertainment, and plenty of food and drink, Zotte Zaterdag is a fun and varied outing for all ages. Combine the festival with a city walk along Gouda’s canals or a visit to the world-famous St. John’s Church. The city center is within walking distance of Gouda Station—perfectly accessible for day-trippers from all over the country.
This year marks the thirteenth edition of Zotte Zaterdag, organized by Cultuurhuis Garenspinnerij - De Kunstmachine.
“Crazy Saturday is the ultimate day out during fall break. A unique blend of entertainment, culture, and history, for young and old alike, right in the heart of Gouda’s historic city center,” according to the organizers. The festival is made possible in part by the Municipality of Gouda, GoudApot, the Society of Count Floris V, De Markt Gouda, Albert Heijn, and 2Rent4You.
CRAZY SATURDAY - free medieval day out in the historic city center of Gouda
Saturday, October 18, 2025, between 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
For more information, visit: www.zottezaterdag.nl or view the full program.
