121 events for the next 18 months
Three-session course on job applications: discover your strengths, write an effective cover letter and CV, and learn how to find work.
A story time session for young children at the library, designed to build language skills and early literacy.
An evening with Dutch performer Matthijn Buwalda at De Theaterbakkerij.
An open-access making space for 18-27 year-olds at the Chocoladefabriek, where you can freely explore programming, building, and design.
The Historical Reading Club discusses Cynthia McLeod's novel about life on a Surinamese sugar plantation during the Boni Wars. Free admission.
A story time session for young children at the library, designed to build language skills and early literacy.
Read Tolstoy's Anna Karenina together with others across three meetings. A classic of world literature shared in good company.
The Knock Out Comedy Crew presents an evening of stand-up comedy with at least five comedians testing new material and refining their acts.
Festival de Verwondering brings art, music and stories to unexpected venues across Gouda. Free entry, though some performances require tickets.
Evening viewing of an exhibition exploring Dutch slavery history through a 35-meter tapestry at the Chocoladefabriek in Gouda.
Miss Starling delivers sparkling indie-pop with electronic textures and memorable melodies. After winning the Amsterdam Pop Prize in 2024, she performs as an expressive live act blending intimate and danceable moments.
Informal café gathering for Dutch conversation and socializing at the Chocoladefabriek, no registration required.
Free help with writing your CV and applying for jobs.
Tribute Train performs three tribute shows (Kool & the Gang, Aretha Franklin, Nile Rodgers & Chic) in one evening, followed by DJ Funky Ron. Disco, funk and soul from the 1980s and 1990s.
A 35-metre handmade tapestry exploring the Dutch slavery past, created by over 600 South Holland residents, is on display at the Chocoladefabriek until 25 October.
An 18+ dance party in Gouda with DJ sets from Ovano, Lady Femm and Doctor of Conduction.
Grunge Alive Unplugged performs acoustic versions of classics by Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam and Nirvana, inspired by the legendary MTV Unplugged sessions.
A fortnightly writing workshop at the library offering a peaceful environment to work on your own projects.
Annual fair on Gouda's Markt with rides, games and food for families.
Writer Buddy Tegenbosch shares his experiences and discusses his books at an inspiration meeting for secondary and vocational students.
Author Buddy Teggenbosch joins the Story Seekers reading club in Gouda for a discussion of his novel 'Jimi Fender Johnson'.
A gathering place for teachers and adults passionate about children's books, featuring regular visits from authors and illustrators who discuss their creative work.
A practical course teaching you how to use an iPad for internet, email, photos, films, and staying connected.
Two folk bands in one evening: Plankenkoorts takes you on a pirate treasure hunt full of theatre, while Legiana Collective Quartet brings multi-part folk with cello, violin and traditional instruments.
Jörgen Raymann celebrates his 60th birthday with the Bigi Yari show, his return to the Dutch stage after five years away, exploring what it means to come home.
Guest speakers explore how textiles carry cultural identity and family stories, followed by a hands-on weaving workshop.
Oktoberfest at So What! Gouda: a German beer hall night with beer, Bratwurst and party atmosphere. Entry from 18 years old.
Children explore technology and engineering in the Techniekwerkplaats at Chocoladefabriek in Gouda.
Join So What!'s membership programme to get discounts on concerts, films, and theatre shows, plus several free concert entries each season.
Interactive quiz night where you compete individually using voting devices. Answer questions, complete challenges, and play games for a chance to win the grand prize.
Cesar Zuiderwijk, drummer of Golden Earring, shares his life story in a theatre evening with music journalist Jean-Paul Heck. Spoken word, anecdotes and drumming in College Tour format.
Celebrate your birthday with friends at the Technology Workshop in Chocoladefabriek, Gouda, with a focus on technology and engineering.
Gouda Library's Writers' Community hosts a monthly writing workshop. This session focuses on portraying a mother, with opportunities for peer feedback and potential publication of the best stories.
Gouda Library's Writers Community brings together aspiring and established writers for regular meetings. Connect with fellow writers every two months on the last Wednesday of odd months.
Alexander Broussard performs a musical journey through the 1960s with vocals, piano and personal stories about rock-'n-roll and socially conscious songs.
Leendert van der Valk presents his book exploring Dutch slavery history beyond the trans-Atlantic trade, uncovering overlooked stories and places.
Dutch trio Stuurbaard Bakkebaard returns with their sixth album, delivering raw, fuzz-driven rock on stage.
Illustrator Harmen van Straaten reads from his work and leads a drawing lesson featuring his animal illustrations at the Gouda Children's Book Festival.
A major children's book festival featuring authors and illustrators at Chocoladefabriek, part of Children's Book Week.
Children's author Claudia Jong shares her two books about life online and invites young readers to imagine along with her.
Popidou stages 'The Sister of Little Red Riding Hood' at the Children's Book Festival, featuring Little Red Riding Hood, the Wolf and Rumpelstiltskin in an exciting adventure.
Vroeg Pieken hosts an evening at So What! in Gouda featuring live music and an energetic atmosphere.
A practical course teaching you how to manage your banking securely and easily online, one step at a time.
The Gouda Philosophy Reading Club dedicates an evening to Arthur Schopenhauer. Free entry, no preparation needed, but registration is welcome.
Femke Vernij invites you into her ADHD mind with music, humour and sharp observations about daily life.
Combine knitting, crochet or embroidery with conversations about textiles as a soft yet challenging medium, featuring guest designers Marcos Kueh and Mina Abouzahra.
Two Gouda singer-songwriters: Yasmina brings vulnerable pop with a playful edge, Rositha crafts poetic intimate art on pop-rock melodies.
TABOE is a powerful performance about domestic violence and trauma, following a young woman's journey from age seven to twenty-five. Every ticket sold supports Het Vergeten Kind.
Music quiz night at So What! with questions spanning from the 1950s to today. Teams of up to four compete for glory.
The eighth edition of the Gouds SKAasfestival features five ska bands at StudioGonz. The previous edition sold out completely.
Seasoned Dutch musicians perform the complete UB40 catalogue in an intimate Undercover Session, from reggae classics to beloved ballads.
Bestselling author Patricia Snel discusses her new novel 'The Orphan of Westerbeek', a true story about two women in the Colonies of Charity.
Tegenlicht Meet-Up hosts an evening about sustainable fashion and choosing clothes that genuinely work for you.
Music bingo night at De Theaterbakkerij with a mix of guilty pleasures, classics and forgotten gems. Hosted by Gino Martin, with nine chances to win prizes.
The Come Up 0182 presents the results of their writing camp with live performances by Frase & MDG and Iker & Azarya at So What! in Gouda.
Interactive detective game in teams: question suspects, solve puzzles, and unmask the culprit in the 'The Superheroes' scenario at Theaterbakkerij Moordmysteries.
Gouda's Pride Night returns with queer anthems, pop classics and fresh releases at So What!. An inclusive evening for everyone, regardless of age or background.
Children's activity featuring Anansi the spider: listen to exciting stories and craft your own spider with invented superpowers.
AC2DC brings AC/DC's classic rock hits to life with authentic guitar riffs, drums and vocals, complete with period costumes and stage show.
A tribute band celebrating Toto's hits and deep cuts with eight musicians, multi-part harmonies, and authentic guitar work.
A tribute band delivering all the classic Rolling Stones hits, featuring a convincing Mick Jagger lookalike.
A rock night for dancing and singing along in So What! Gouda. Entry from 18 years old, doors close at midnight.
40+ Live brings an evening of 1980s and 1990s music with SoularVibe & The Galaxy Horns, a tribute band with brass section playing funk, soul and R&B. Everyone is welcome.
Rocco Ostermann reimagines Johnny Cash with his band, moving between apocalyptic gospels and country-blues. A tribute to Cash as poet and rebel.
Popronde is an annual traveling music festival where dozens of emerging Dutch bands and artists perform free of charge across twenty venues in Gouda in one night.
Elles Pleijter leads a theatre reading series of Shakespeare's Macbeth, where participants read and discuss the play in the context of modern power relations.
Fantasy author Stephanie Holm guides participants through building fantasy worlds in this hands-on writing workshop based on her own craft.
Alexander Broussard performs 'Una Storia Italiana', a personal show blending Italian songs from his life with stories and humour, part of the Songbook Sessies series.
Learn how to use the internet safely and responsibly in this practical workshop at Chocoladefabriek.
Experiment with robotics, LEGO programming, and laser cutters at this open makerspace run by the Techniekwerkplaats.
Pene Corrida transforms pop hits into metal versions: a jubilee concert celebrating 15 years of party-metal covers with humour and high energy.
Theaterbakkerij PubQuiz with Quizzzit: an evening of trivia across different themes, videos, and music. Play in teams of 4-6 and compete for prizes.
Italian tribute band QueenVision performs Queen's biggest hits and deep cuts at De Theaterbakkerij in Gouda.
Hauntfest is a new alternative festival in Gouda featuring black metal, death metal, punk and crust. Hellevorst, Arteria, Grit, Vomit Scraper and Legion X perform.
Halloween party at So What! in Gouda with a costume contest. Dress up and compete for prizes; doors close at midnight.
The Books of Comfort Reading Club dedicates its second edition to Toon Hermans, exploring the work of the cabaret performer, painter and poet.
Two Dutch thrash metal bands Grindpad and Razorblade Messiah deliver an evening of aggressive riffs, moshpits and spectacle at So What! in Gouda.
Practical course on money management, record-keeping, and debt resolution across two sessions.
Laurens de Groot plays all thirteen characters in this absurdist one-man-show about neighbours on an ordinary street. A blend of spoken theatre, song and visual surprises.
Alexander Broussard presents a selection of highlights from the Songbook Sessions series, featuring music from Billy Joel to Joe Jackson and Italian repertoire.
Glory Days, Britain's longest-running Bruce Springsteen tribute band, delivers an authentic evening of The Boss's greatest hits and rock classics.
Heath is a five-piece from The Hague playing psychedelic rock with complex arrangements and narrative vocals. Their debut album 'Isaak's Marble' is about to be released.
Lekker Raven Ouwe is a late-night party at So What! that starts mellow and builds toward house and hardcore. The Darkraver is among the headliners.
Dollyverse brings a tribute show to Dolly Parton with classics like Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You, performed by frontwoman Pieternel and a band of seasoned musicians.
Iskander Moon brings his personal singer-songwriter music, drawing from a rich background in classical music, rock and fusion.
An interactive music game at De Theaterbakkerij where teams compete to recognize hits and place them correctly on a timeline, with live band Party Pulse performing across two rounds.
Pick your favorite songs from a collection of 800 vinyl singles and send them to the dance floor. An interactive disco night featuring 1980s hits.
The Metallicas perform a tribute to Metallica with a full band in De Theaterbakkerij.
Pubquiz with live music from MaChistraal at De Theaterbakkerij. Teams of 4-6 answer questions on current events, sports and music, with prizes and drinks.
Bauke Bakker and his band Crime Of The Century perform the classic hits of Supertramp at De Theaterbakkerij.
Dutch singer-songwriter Rena Holt celebrates her EP release at So What! in Gouda, blending country rock with intimate ballads, alongside a performance by Maya.
Elektronische Maschine delivers live EDM, EBM and Synth-Pop with custom sounds, keyboards and vocals. DJ Marsmeijer bookends the night with Tech House and 90s Dance.
Beer advent calendar with 24 different breweries from Europe and North America. Delivery on Saturday 28 November in the Gouda region.
A tribute to Deep Purple's classic MKII era, featuring musicians from De Staat, Navarone and other Dutch bands. Raw and authentic renditions of tracks from 'In Rock', 'Machine Head' and 'Fireball'.
New Cool Collective, the legendary Amsterdam jazz band led by saxophonist Benjamin Herman, plays at So What! in Gouda. An evening of innovative horn arrangements and orchestral influences.
Interactive detective game in teams at Theaterbakkerij Moordmysteries. Question suspects, solve puzzles and codes, and uncover the culprit in this Holiday-themed mystery adventure.
SRV Undercover performs a tribute session featuring songs by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, with guest musicians from Normaal, Robby Valentine and Ruben Hoeke.
Dutch tribute band Yellow performs Coldplay's biggest hits at De Theaterbakkerij, featuring songs like 'Viva la Vida', 'Clocks' and 'A Sky Full of Stars'.
An interactive evening of duelling pianos featuring two pianists, saxophonist and drummer playing hits from across the decades - audience requests welcome.
Jan Akkerman, one of the Netherlands' most respected guitarists, performs with his live band My Focus. An evening of rock, jazz and blues from a legend named the world's best guitarist by Melody Maker in 1973.
A festive singalong evening with Christmas classics, guilty pleasures and Top 2000 hits - lyrics on screen, live band, and audience participation encouraged.
Cover band Party Pulse performs three hours of Top 2000 classics at Theaterbakkerij: from the sixties to today, disco to rock.
A hands-on course covering the fundamentals of using an iPhone, from email and web browsing to social media and photography.
Up The Irons, an Iron Maiden tribute band with over 25 years of experience, performs a setlist of classics and deep cuts. The band has toured with original Maiden members and earned praise from Steve Harris himself.
Practical course teaching you how to get the most out of your Android smartphone for internet, email, social media and photography.
Pieternel and the Blue Grass Boogiemen deliver an intense acoustic set blending Americana, folk, and bluegrass.
Top Dutch musicians perform a tribute to The Smiths at an Undercoversessie in Gouda.
Solve a murder mystery as a team in a prison-themed interactive game combining detective work and escape-room puzzles.
Actor and cabaret performer Guido Spek presents his new musical cabaret show about procrastination and unfulfilled dreams at De Theaterbakkerij.
Top Dutch musicians perform a tribute to Duran Duran in a special undercover session at De Theaterbakkerij.
Maartje Mikx presents a personal stand-up about womanhood, dating and love, packed with sharp humour and honest stories. This is a try-out of her new show.
A tribute band recreates the Texas blues-rock sound of ZZ Top, performing hits like "La Grange" and "Sharp Dressed Man" with a five-piece lineup.
Interactive detective game in teams on Frase Island: decipher codes, question suspects and unmask the murderer of bartender Gregor Fitch. With snacks and drinks.
![Smells Like Nirvana - MTV Unplugged Show [30 year anniversary] — So What!, Gouda](/images/events/5481.webp)
Smells Like Nirvana recreates the iconic MTV Unplugged concert from 1993, featuring cello, guitars, bass, percussion and accordion. A tribute to Nirvana's most legendary performance.
Dutch musicians perform a tribute to Lenny Kravitz at this Undercover Session in Gouda.
Moss performs 'Lost in Motion', an album about growing older while keeping your eyes on the future. A concert for those who grew up with this music.
Corinne Bronsink shares her personal journey of growing up in an unsafe family and her path to recovery in this powerful, humorous performance. A confronting yet hopeful show recommended for those with similar experiences, their loved ones, and professionals.
Arjan Kleton explores what happens if a child suddenly enters his life in this try-out show 'Unwanted'. With sharp wit and disarming honesty, he examines fatherhood, the desire for children, and what it means to be unwanted.
A musical tribute to Donna Summer featuring disco classics and 80s hits, performed by drummer Chris van der Meer, vocalist Anne Postma and The Originators.
A story time session for young children at the library, designed to support language development and early literacy.
Last 17 events that already happened.
Merijn van Haren presents Michael Jackson Unplugged, an acoustic try-out featuring world hits like Billie Jean and Thriller in an intimate arrangement.
The Caribbean Book Club discusses Xillan Macrooy's debut novel, a story about a Black queer boy coming of age in Suriname.
A gaming afternoon at the Chocoladefabriek where gamers gather to play together and make new connections.
The Thriller Reading Club Gouda discusses Freida McFadden's psychological thriller 'The Intruder'. Free to attend.
Hawaiian Luau-themed End of Summer party at So What! - dress up with flower garlands and celebrate the end of summer.
Mark Lotterman performs at Free Music High Fidelity in Gouda.
Three Dutch metal bands - Zeitwende, After Taste and Caracea - deliver dark rock, industrial-gothic and alternative metal in one night.
U2 Two delivers a convincing U2 tribute show with frontman Sam Kramer as 'Klono', the Dutch Bono. Classic hits including Beautiful Day and With or Without You take centre stage.
The Queer Book Club Gouda discusses 'Love in the Big City', a South Korean novel exploring the life of a queer millennial.
The Book Bitches Reading Club discusses Elizabeth Strout's "Tell Me Everything", a novel about the friendship between lawyer Bob Burgess and writer Lucy Barton.
So What! in Gouda kicks off the season with an opening party for guests aged 18 and up.
Skyloth performs a concert at StudioGonz.
The Taalhuis and partners run a market stall offering free language advice and conversations about language.
A regional drag competition where queens, kings and performers battle for the Groene Hart Best Drag Artist title, with the winner advancing to the Holland Best Drag Artist final.
An interactive murder mystery game where you question suspects and solve puzzles to uncover the culprit in teams. Theme: A Night at the Oscars.
A reading club for young adults dedicated to Dutch literature. Free to join.
A six-week summer tech workshop for children aged 6-12 featuring LEGO building, Minecraft, drone flying, and stop-motion filmmaking.
