Sneek Band Day

On Saturday, October 3, Sneek’s downtown will once again be all about music, fun, and lots of brass band action. During the 14th edition of the Sneeker Dweildag, no fewer than 24 brass bands from all over the country will head to Sneek to turn the event into one big musical celebration. 

In a relatively short time, the Sneeker Dweildag has grown into one of the largest and best-known brass band festivals in the Netherlands. The participating bands come from all corners of the country and compete against each other in two categories: the Leutklasse and the Wedstrijdklasse.

They compete for the highest honor, attractive cash prizes, and various fun prizes. But just as important, of course, is the atmosphere: making music, having fun, and entertaining the crowd in downtown Sneek.

The 24 bands can be heard and seen throughout the day at five different locations in the city center.

Joint kickoff on Marktstraat

At 10:45 a.m., the 14th Sneeker Dweildag will be officially opened by Alderman Petra van den Akker. Following that, in keeping with tradition, “Het Sneeker Dweillied” will be sung by Sneek singers Jan-Joost and Fokko Dam, together with all the musicians in attendance.

At 11:15 a.m., the musical extravaganza kicks off. Until 4:45 p.m., the bands will play at five locations throughout the city center.

Grand Finale with the Putkapel and Helemaal Hollands

At 4:45 p.m., everyone returns to Marktstraat for the grand finale program. The Sneeker Putkapel will provide the musical atmosphere, followed by the well-known party act Helemaal Hollands.

Around 5:30 p.m., the awards ceremony will take place, and the day will be concluded by Councilman Henk de Boer.

New: The Battle for the Golden Bell

New to this edition is “The Battle for the Golden Bell.”

Bands hoping to win this special prize must play a song or medley of no more than three minutes in which “the bell for the final round” takes center stage.

And the musicians have plenty of creative freedom here. Think, for example, of “De Hoogste Tijd” by Rudi Carrell or “Het Laatste Rondje” by André Hazes. But songs in which a bell plays an important role or even appears in the title—such as “Saved by the Bell,” “Ring My Bell,” and “Jingle Bells”—are also fair game.

In short: creativity, musicality, and a healthy dose of humor will undoubtedly go hand in hand in this new contest.

The Putplein and the Dorstlessertje

This year’s traditional photo op will also take place at a special location. At café ’t Ouwe Vat, the patio will be transformed into the Putplein especially for Sneeker Dweildag.

The Sneeker Putkapel will perform several sets here throughout the day, and the participating bands will be photographed there.

And anyone visiting Sneek should, of course, take home something typically Sneek-like. That’s why all musicians at Putplein will be “treated” to the official Sneeker Dweildag shot: the Dorstlessertje.

Off-Key Blowing Contest: The Off-Key, the Better!

A now-legendary part of Sneeker Dweildag is the Off-Key Blowing Contest at Café De Bakkersdochter on Scharnestraat, which has been renamed the “Weduwe Joustra Steeg” for this day. Before, during, or after enjoying a Joustra Beerenburg, the bands can demonstrate that playing badly is sometimes even harder than playing well. The challenge seems simple: play a song for one minute, first as well as possible and then as out of tune as possible. There’s just one important condition: the original melody must remain somewhat recognizable. It goes without saying that this leads to hilarious scenes year after year. Just to be safe, the earplugs are already ready! 

Sneek is buzzing on October 3

With 24 brass bands, five performance venues, hundreds of musicians, the Leut and Competition Classes, the new Battle for the Golden Bell, the Putplein, the Dorstlessertje, the Valsblaaskonkoers, and a festive finale, the 14th Sneek Brass Band Day promises to be another extraordinary event.

On Saturday, October 3, Sneek will become one big musical stage. 

Sneeker Dweildag 2026 Program

10:45 – 11:00 a.m.
Opening of Sneeker Dweildag on Marktstraat.
Sneeker Dweillied: Jan-Joost & Fokko Dam and all participating bands.

11:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Performances by the bands in the city center.
(See the schedule on the other side.)

4:45 – 5:00 p.m.
Performance by De Putkapel on Marktstraat.

5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Performance by Helemaal Hollands on Marktstraat.

5:35 – 6:10 p.m.
Awards ceremony on Marktstraat, beginning with the “Sneeker Dweillied.”

6:15 – 6:30 p.m.
Performance by the winning band in the Competition Class.

6:30 p.m.
End of Sneeker Dweildag.