top of page
The Sugarville

Sugarville is the yearly swing festival organized by Sugarspin, the Lindy Hop dance association of Groningen. Named after Groningen’s sweetest export product - sugar - Sugarville is a weekend filled with swing dance parties, workshops, theme classes and fun activities. We aim to bring together dancers from different places and backgrounds to form a close-knit community for a few special days - and hopefully long thereafter! Sugarville aims for history, community, and sweetness 🤩


Sugarspin/Sugarville has been awarded with a Culture Prize for Amateur Art by the Province of Groningen.

Sugarville party
Groningen

Groningen is a vibrant and historic city in the north of the Netherlands, known for its youthful energy and rich cultural scene. As the country’s largest student city, Groningen boasts a lively atmosphere, with cozy cafés, live music venues, and a thriving arts scene. The city is also famous for its cycling culture—almost everything is within biking distance, making it easy to explore. Whether you're strolling through the charming streets of the old town or visiting the striking post-modern architecture of the Groninger Museum, there's always something to discover.

 

Despite its modern energy, Groningen has deep historical roots. The city dates back over a thousand years and played a crucial role in Dutch trade and politics. Its medieval Martinitoren (Martini Tower) dominates the skyline, offering a breathtaking view of the city. The historic warehouses along the canals remind visitors of its past as a major trading hub, while the many green parks and open squares provide a perfect setting to relax and take in the surroundings.

 

Groningen is also a place where creativity thrives. The city regularly hosts music festivals, art events, and dance gatherings, making it an ideal home for a swing dance festival like Sugarville. With its warm and welcoming community, Groningen invites dancers from all over the world to experience not just the joy of swing, but also the charm of this dynamic Dutch city.

Groningen
Transport
  • The best way to move around Groningen is by bike. You can rent a bike for ~€10 a day from places such as Fietsverhuur Groningen (Gedempte Zuiderdiep 95; 8 minute walk from the train station).

  • If you have a personal (not anonymous) OV chipkaart (Dutch public transportation card), you can also rent a bike cheaply from OV Fiets at the train station.

  • You can take the bus for longer distances, it might even be faster! To check connections use 9292.nl. You can check in and out on the bus using your credit or debit card, and buy your ticket this way. It is not possible to use cash to buy a ticket on the bus!

  • If you plan to travel in the Netherlands more, you might want to consider buying an anonymous OV-chipkaart, which will allow you to buy cheaper tickets. An (empty) card costs €7.50; you can charge it at the ticket machine with a balance you expect to spend on tickets. The same card can be used for trains.

At Sugarville, we want everyone to feel safe, seen, and supported. That’s where The Sweethearts come in! Whether you need someone to talk to, help navigating a tricky situation, or just a quiet moment to regroup, we’re here for you. You’ll find us around the venue wearing our hearts on our sleeves ready to listen with kindness and respect. We’re also here to support our Code of Conduct, which helps keep Sugarville a respectful and inclusive space for all.

Merel
Joanna
Emma

Joanna

Emma

Merel

Languages: English / Polish

(some Dutch)

Language: English

Languages: Dutch / English

Leen

Languages: Dutch / English

(some Spanish / Italian)

Liucija

Languages: English / Lithuanian

bottom of page