Haagse Popweek Celebrates 25 Years with Grand Finale: Haags Popgala

This December, The Hague music scene comes together – in true extravagant style

This year, The Hague Pop Week celebrates its 25th anniversary edition from December 6 to 13 – and it’s doing so in style. On Saturday, December 13, the week will conclude with the very first HAAGS POPGALA at PAARD: a glamorous night full of live music, pop awards, red carpets, and chic outfits. Popradar, PAARD, and the Popdistrict are inviting the entire Hague music scene (and their entourage) to come together and celebrate the musical year in a way only The Hague can – with pride, humor, and a touch of chaos.

HAAGS POPGALA

The Haags Popgala aims to be the “Boekenbal” (Dutch Book Ball) of The Hague music scene. This first edition promises to be a grand gala event, complete with a red carpet, elegant outfits, gritty bands, subtle rappers, and playful intermezzos. During the show, the Haagse Popprijzen (The Hague Pop Awards) will be handed out. In addition to the main Haagse Popprijs, awards will also be presented for Best Music Video, Best Release, Best Initiative, the Music Support Award, and the Nightlife Award.

“Right now, as we’re being driven apart by algorithms, AI-generated playlists, and politicians, it’s more important than ever for The Hague’s music scene to come together. That’s why we’re going big this year,” says Joeri Gordijn from PAARD.

The gala will take place in PAARD’s Grolsch Hall and is open to the general public, who are encouraged to dress up for the red carpet. The line-up will be announced soon.

HAAGS POPDINER

Before the Popgala kicks off, the first-ever Haags Popdiner will be held – an exclusive opening dinner for 250 invited guests, including established musicians from The Hague, legends from the past, up-and-coming talent, key players, and event organizers. The menu is still under wraps, but there’s a “finger-lickin’ good” guarantee. The dinner is organized by Popdistrict and Grote Markt.

“The Hague music scene is the best in the Netherlands – period. The way we get things done together here is truly unique. Only in The Hague can you grow from playing in a rehearsal space to performing in a sold-out Grolsch Hall at PAARD, via spots like De Zwarte Ruiter and countless other stages. It’s time we properly celebrate that!” says Marco Bijsterbosch from Popdistrict / Grote Markt.

Haagse Popweek

The Haagse Popweek is organized by Popradar and offers a full week of events across the city. In addition, Popradar will host workshops, panel discussions, and speed dates with programmers, bookers, and other professionals from the music industry. The full program will be announced in the coming weeks.

“This year, the Pop Week is getting a major boost,” says Tijs van de Poll, Head of Programming at Popradar. “We want to put Hague musicians firmly in the spotlight. They deserve to be seen and heard – not just in the city, but beyond. The Pop Week is the moment to let their talent shine.”