Festival Rijp!

From Saturday 26 September to Sunday 4 October, the glass greenhouse at De Gerdeneer on Sitterskampweg will become the vibrant hub of late summer. With the first edition of ‘Festival Rijp!’, local artists, musicians, cider makers, market gardeners and village historians are joining forces for a ten-day celebration centred on the themes of food, drink, art, heritage and culture.

Festival Rijp! brings the rich atmosphere of autumn and harvest time to life with a varied programme centred on socialising and craftsmanship.

Art, nostalgia and intimate evenings
Throughout the festival, the Art Walk in the Greenhouse provides the backdrop, showcasing works by two local artists amidst the greenery and the autumn light streaming in (free entry). For lovers of local village history, the pop-up museum ‘De Schoolbel’ opens its doors. This exhibition briefly brings the Don Bosco School – which closed thirty years ago – back to life with old class photos, stories, memorabilia and traditional schoolyard games.

Furthermore, during the ‘Greenhouse Speakeasy by NORII’, the venue is transformed for one exclusive evening into a hidden nightclub, where funky jazz, soulful beats, signature cocktails, speciality sake and an oyster and bites bar take centre stage.

Centuries-old traditions from the world of cider
The orchard and the greenhouse provide the backdrop for a deep dive into cider culture.

• Cider tasting (Sunday 27 September): An in-depth tasting session in which local ciders are compared with flavours, cultures and spirits (such as calvados and pommeau) from leading cider-producing countries.
• Cider & Wassail Tradition: Visitors are introduced to the centuries-old Wassail ceremony, during which the orchard is ceremonially blessed for a healthy and bountiful harvest.
• Interactive Experience Walk: A route taking in information boards about international cider traditions, including an orchard tour, apple tasting and the Spanish Escanciar Challenge.
• Rijp! Party Night (Saturday 3 October): An atmospheric party night with captivating live music, cider and interactive rituals.
• Barbecue & live music (Sunday 4 October): Maggie’s Farm from Grubbenvorst will be making salsa and more from its chillies in the Gerdeneer greenhouse in a workshop-style session.

Practical information & Access

Location: In and around the greenhouse at De Gerdeneer, Sitterskampweg 105, Boekend

Access: Large parts of the programme (exhibition, museum, Sunday afternoons) are free to visit. For specific elements (such as the tasting session, party night and speakeasy), booking or ticket purchase is required.

Programme & Bookings: https://degerdeneer.nl/rijp/