The Gouda Pop Week looks back on a tropical edition and moves to the fall break

The Gouda Pop Week looks back on a successful edition with many well-attended events, but it was also a challenging one. The 10-day music festival took place during an exceptional heat wave, with a code red heat advisory and temperatures reaching 37 degrees. While events such as the Gouda Cheese Market and Gouds Montmartre were canceled due to the weather conditions, the Cultural Surprises Foundation chose to let Popweek go ahead as planned.

The third edition featured several new program elements. For example, visitors enjoyed an inspiring masterclass by Anne Pater at Stadskant, a music quiz at Check’s, a clothing swap at the Goudse Schouwburg, and the first-ever Women in Music Meeting. Familiar events also returned, such as the pop-up festival Gouda Leeft, the Popmarkt, the Open Podium at Cultuurhuis Garenspinnerij, a breakfast concert at Kruim, a jam session at Gouwestrand, living room concerts, and the traditional opening ceremony at the Sint-Janstoren. In addition, concerts took place at various locations throughout the city, including So What! and StudioGonz.

Based on the experiences of this edition, the organizers have decided to hold Goudse Popweek during the fall break starting next year. The next edition is scheduled for Friday, October 16, through Sunday, October 25, 2027.

“With summers getting warmer and warmer, we’re noticing that June is becoming a less obvious time for a festival like this,” says Marcel. “In addition, we want the Popweek to help strengthen the city’s cultural offerings without getting in the way of other events. This year, the Popweek partially overlapped with the World Cup and Gouda Jazz. Although that collaboration turned out well, you also notice that the audience, artists, and volunteers have to make choices. By moving it to the fall break, we’re creating more space for everyone.”

With the new dates, the organization hopes to continue building a festival that showcases Gouda’s pop music scene, connects local artists, and introduces new audiences to the city’s musical talent.