Castricum Taste Makers Festival | Saturday, 29th and Sunday, 30th August 2026
- Myrthe Broers
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
Food, music and good vibes… sometimes you don't need anything else for a wonderful weekend.
On Saturday, August 29th and Sunday, August 30th, the center of Castricum will once again transform into a large open-air festival. This year is extra special, as the Castricum Smaakmakers Festival celebrates its fifth edition. For two days, everything will revolve around delicious food, live music, culture, and above all, a fantastic atmosphere.
And quite honestly? We would go just for the atmosphere.
Trying things out, listening, and strolling around
The beauty of Smaakmakers is that there's no need to rush. You stroll from the village square to the church square, grab a bite to eat from a food truck along the way, stop briefly to listen to a band, and before you know it, you've completely lost track of time.
There's something to experience everywhere in the heart of the village. From local restaurants and food trucks to a lively craft market and performances on three different stages.
Hey... we know him!
When we saw the program, we just had to smile.
BuccaSwing Rhythm Rollers and UnderCover will perform on Sunday. Do these names sound familiar? They might, as both bands are also playing this summer as part of the Open Tuinen Podium in the garden of Boutique Stay.
Did you miss them there? Then you simply get a second chance at the Smaakmakers Festival. And believe us... it's no punishment at all.
Practical and good to know
Date: Saturday, 29th and Sunday, 30th August 2026
Location: Village square, church square and school street in Castricum
Times: Saturday from 1:45 pm to 11:00 pm, Sunday from 2:15 pm to 11:00 pm
Admission free
Curious about all the artists, food trucks and the full program? Then take a look at the festival's official website.
Why you shouldn't miss this
We love events where you don't have to constantly watch the clock.
Just strolling around, trying something, listening to a band, unexpectedly meeting someone and thinking: "Should we go for another walk?"
Smaakmakers evokes precisely this feeling. And perhaps that's why so many people return year after year.
Our event calendar
This event is part of Uitgeest's local events calendar. The full events calendar can be found at https://www.boutiquestay.nl/uitagenda
5 interesting facts
Don't come on an empty stomach. From English pies to oliebollen, and from local restaurants to food trucks – sampling is simply part of the experience here.
Your pedometer will be working overtime. Not because it has to, but because you keep seeing things that make you think, "Oh, let's take a quick look at that."
Three stages mean there's always music playing somewhere. Can't stick with one band? Just walk fifty meters further. Chances are good that your favorite music is playing there.
Shopping is permitted, but not required. Between performances, you'll naturally stumble upon the craft market. Chances are good you'll take something lovely home with you, even if you hadn't originally come.
It's one of those festivals where you say, "Just one more round..." and before you know it, two hours have passed. That's usually a good sign.