International Meet Up Friesland - #3 edition

Welcome to the International Meet Up Friesland - #3 edition! 🌍 Join us at Stadsschouwburg De Harmonie on November 13, 2025 at 6:30 PM (Central European Time) for a night of fun and cultural exchange. This event is the perfect opportunity to meet new and like-minded people, share experiences, and enjoy some good company. The first two editions of the International Meet Up attracted over 250 internationals and/or locals. This time we celebrate our language and culture and say: Language, no problem!

What can you expect?
The evening will begin with an opening speech by Sybrand Buma, Mayor of Leeuwarden. Followed by Siart Smit, the director of De Harmonie, who welcomes you in this beautiful cultural venue in the city center.

During the event, we’ll take a moment to reflect on the journey of the Language Café — a community initiative that has been bringing people together for informal language practice and cultural exchange at dbieb Leeuwarden for over 8 years – and we look ahead to what’s next.

After the plenary part, the evening continues with two inspiring options:
You can join the Language Café XXL, an extra special edition focused on conversations, new connections, and cultural exchange or

Attend a ticketed performance by Kristian Bezuidenhout in one of De Harmonie’s venues.

Performance by Kristian Bezuidenhout
Renowned pianist Kristian Bezuidenhout will be performing in one of the venues at De Harmonie. This South African musician is one of today’s most versatile and inspiring pianists, acclaimed worldwide for his refined, historically informed, and deeply personal performances. Attendees of the International Meet-Up will receive a €10 discount code to attend his performance this evening, a rare opportunity to enjoy one of his special performances together.

The program:

18:30 - Doors open, welcoming drinks and bites

19:00 - Opening speech by Sybrand Buma, Mayor of Leeuwarden

19:10 - Presentation by Siart Smit, Director of De Harmonie

19:30 - Reflecting on 8 Years of Language Café

20:00 - Networking at Language Café XXL or Performance by Kristian Bezuidenhout (optional, with €10 discount for Meet-Up attendees)

21:30 - End of the meeting

So, come meet new people, share experiences and enjoy an evening together! Can't wait to see you there!

Warm regards,

Gemeente Leeuwarden & International Welcome Center North (IWCN)
In collaboration with De Harmonie