haarlemSep 22, 2026, 12:00

New ideas for Haarlem during the Initiative Café

Haarlem will host an Initiative Café on October 6, 2026, where residents can present community improvement projects to a jury and receive feedback from fellow citizens. The event serves as a platform to foster collaboration, with successful past initiatives including elderly care projects and local event planning.

The city of Haarlem is set to host a new edition of the Initiative Café on October 6, 2026, at De Oerkap. This community-focused event encourages residents to present projects aimed at making the city more sustainable, social, and attractive. Attendees are invited to offer their own expertise and feedback to help participants refine their proposals, with a jury panel selecting the best initiative for a cash prize to support further development. The jury includes Alderman Bas van Leeuwen, Jorien Stoop, Adriaan Everaars, and Winston Brandon.

Past editions of the event have already seen successful outcomes, such as the interactive video project Samen Terugblikken for elderly residents and the Haunted Transue Hotel, a local haunted house experience launching in late October. Those with fresh ideas for the community are encouraged to utilize HaarlemLink, the official municipal platform for local initiatives, to gather support and access educational resources. The event begins with presentations at 5:00 PM, followed by a networking session.

Culture Haarlem Netherlands

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by haarlem. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Don't get angry! Here's what's happening during National Games Week in Haarlem

Haarlem is hosting the National Board Game Week from October 26 to November 1 to encourage social interaction through tabletop games. Residents of all skill levels are invited to participate in various activities at locations like the Teylers Museum and the youth center @ease.

Chatterbox Roderik connects people with each other

Roderik Schaepman has launched the Week of the Conversation, an initiative aimed at encouraging social interaction to combat loneliness and declining communication skills. By setting up designated spaces at locations like the Haarlem train station, he encourages people to overcome social hesitation through simple steps like greeting and complimenting strangers.

Museum of the Mind in Haarlem raises 11,500 euros for mental health

The Museum van de Geest in Haarlem raised 11,500 euros during its Walk & Talk charity event to support youth mental health awareness. The proceeds will fund educational projects aimed at helping young people address issues such as stress, depression, and burnout.

Old church tower in Spaarndam restored

The tower of the Oude Kerk in Spaarndam has been fully restored, featuring repairs to its clockwork, bell installation, and structural exterior. The project was completed in time for the church's 400th anniversary celebrations, which are scheduled to begin in 2027.

Viewing tip! This Haarlem museum is coming to television

The Teylers Museum in Haarlem will be featured in the Avrotros television program Nu te zien! on November 3. Museum director Marc de Beyer will present the Zeker Weten? exhibition, highlighting the importance of creative inquiry in science.