Behind the Scenes of Dune Fest 2026 Preparation

If you’re counting down to Dune Fest 2026, you’re not alone. This family-friendly evening festival at Camping de Lakens brings together live music, playful kids’ activities, and easygoing dining in the dunes. In this behind-the-scenes look, you’ll learn how the team turns the Gestrand playground into a festival space, what you can expect on the night, and how to plan a smooth, joy-filled visit.

What is Dune Fest 2026?

Dune Fest 2026 is an on-site highlight at Camping de Lakens: an evening event where the playground beside Restaurant Gestrand transforms into a mini-festival. Expect a welcoming vibe, live music for grown-ups, and plenty of activities for kids, backed by a foodtruck and outdoor bar.

• Location: The playground of Gestrand, set right in the dunes on the campsite
• Time: We start at 17:00 and celebrate until 21:00
• Vibe: Cozy, community-first, and designed for all ages
• Food & drinks: Tasty bites from the foodtruck and refreshing drinks from the bar

Select event dates include:

• 16 May (Ascension Day)
• 9 July
• 16 July
• 23 July
• 30 July
• 6 August
• 13 August

For current details and updates, see the Dune Fest page.

How we turn a playground into a festival space

Transforming the Gestrand playground into a festival-worthy setting happens with careful, guest-first planning. Because the area is nestled “midden in de duinen” (in the middle of the dunes), every choice aims to keep things comfortable, safe, and nature-aware.

Layout and flow

• Clear zones help everyone find their space—kids gravitate toward activities, while adults can relax near the live music area.
• Open sightlines keep families connected so parents can enjoy the set while easily keeping an eye on the kids.
• Wayfinding touches (signage, informal guidance) gently direct the flow toward the stage and dining spots.

Foodtruck and outdoor bar setup

• The foodtruck anchors the casual dining experience with quick, tasty options.
• The outdoor bar brings festival ease to the dunes—think refreshing drinks that fit a summery evening.
• Both are positioned to reduce queuing and keep sound and movement flowing toward the music.

Music and atmosphere

• Live music sets the tone with warm, upbeat energy and room for families to dance.
• Lighting accents guide the evening from golden hour into a cozy night, maintaining a safe, calm atmosphere.
• Evening timing (17:00–21:00) complements the relaxed camping rhythm and keeps the experience approachable for younger guests.

Family-first by design

Dune Fest is built for togetherness. Kids can jump into activity-led fun while adults unwind with live music, a good bite, and conversation.

• Kids’ activities: Crafted to entertain and engage, so little ones feel the magic of a festival made with them in mind.
• Grown-up ease: The bar, foodtruck, and live sets make it simple to settle into the evening.
• All-age comfort: Spacious areas, gentle transitions between zones, and an easygoing flow keep everyone happy.

Tip: Looking to fill your day before the evening show? Explore our broader Activities, from relaxing wellness to energizing outdoor fun in and around the dunes.

Nature-first choices (and how you can help)

Camping de Lakens is nestled in Zuid-Kennemerland National Park and proud of a sustainability mindset recognized with a Green Key certification. That nature-first approach extends to Dune Fest preparation and execution.

What that means in practice:

• Thoughtful placement: Stages and service points respect the natural dune setting.
• Smart timing: The evening window keeps the experience lively yet relaxed.
• Light-touch operations: We keep the setup efficient and focused on essentials that matter.

How you can help:

• Bring a reusable water bottle.
• Use marked bins and keep the dunes clean.
• Walk or cycle if you can; on-site you can rent bikes via our Facilities.

If you’re inspired to do more during your stay, consider joining a beach clean like the on-site Plastic Soup Walk.

Your Dune Fest game plan

Make the most of the evening with a few practical moves:

1. Check the dates and times: Dune Fest runs 17:00–21:00 on select evenings. See the latest on the Dune Fest page.
2. Eat with ease: Arrive a bit earlier to beat the dinner rush, or make a quick stop at our on-site SPAR Supermarkt for snacks before you head over.
3. Dress for dunes: Layers help as the evening cools, and comfy shoes make moving between zones simple.
4. Bring festival basics: A light blanket for kids, a small reusable cup or bottle, and a phone with enough battery for photos.
5. Plan your stay: If you want to weave Dune Fest into a longer break, explore Stay options from camping to unique accommodations.

Staying on a tent field like Beachspot Schelpengat? Good to know: there’s a large shared gas BBQ available on that camping field, perfect for a relaxed pre- or post-fest meal at your pitch. Read more about BBQ options here: Barbecue and explore the Beachspot itself: Beachspot Schelpengat – tent.

Beyond the festival: make it a full dune escape

There’s always more to see and do around Dune Fest nights:

• Settle in for dinner or a lazy lunch at Restaurant Gestrand, right by the festival area.
• Spend the day swimming or trying watersports, then roll into the evening. Start with our Watersports overview.
• Explore the trails and wildlife of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park and return for the music.
• Check what else is on during your stay in our on-site Activities. Families often love character-led fun across the season—meet Zep de Zeemeeuw and discover the wider recreation program.

Quick answers (for fast planners)

• What time does Dune Fest 2026 start and end? 17:00–21:00.
• Where is Dune Fest held? At the playground by Restaurant Gestrand, in the dunes on the campsite.
• What can I expect? A cozy, family-friendly evening with kids’ activities, live music, a foodtruck, and an outdoor bar.
• Are there multiple dates? Yes—select evenings across late spring and summer. See dates on the Dune Fest page.
• Can I get food and drinks on-site? Yes, via the foodtruck and outdoor bar.

Practical takeaways

• Aim for a 15–30 minute early arrival to settle in before the music starts.
• Pack light layers and a small blanket for kid breaks.
• Keep your evening hands-free by using pockets or a compact sling instead of large bags.
• Explore nearby essentials ahead of time: SPAR Supermarkt, Facilities, and Restaurant Gestrand.
• Turn it into a mini-vacation with Overnight stays—from tents to unique accommodations.

Conclusion

Dune Fest 2026 is where Camping de Lakens’ community spirit truly shines: a welcoming evening in the dunes with live music, fun for kids, and easygoing dining—all thoughtfully set within a beautiful natural environment. Ready to join us? Check dates and details on the Dune Fest page and explore your stay options to make it a weekend to remember.