Dear residents and interested parties,
In this newsletter, you can read more about:
1. Zumba at the Hoeskamer on Thursday 11 June
2. Social map
3. Driving proficiency sessions
4. SDG invitation
5. Bonbonnière on its way to a new lease of life
6. JekerJazz Live Art 2026
7. Possible expansion of the Vrijthof fair in 2027
8. Change of board at the City Centre Neighbourhood Network
1. Zumba at the Hoeskamer on Thursday 11 June
Fancy some exercise, music and a bit of fun?
Join the free introductory Zumba Gold class at the Hoeskamer Sterzaol. This class is accessible, cheerful and suitable for all ages. You move at your own pace, led by Letje Selder.
A great way to stay fit, meet new people and, above all, have fun together.
Everyone is welcome! Sign up via info@hoeskamer-sterzaol.nl or visit hoeskamer-sterzaol.nl
2. Social Map
We would like to inform you about the Maastricht Social Map.
What is the Maastricht Social Map?
The Maastricht Social Map is a digital guide providing an overview of social organisations and services within the municipality of Maastricht. These include care and welfare institutions, neighbourhood and community centres, help and support centres, and voluntary initiatives. The website helps you quickly find the right help, meeting place or activity in our neighbourhood.
How does it help you?
The Maastricht Social Map also contains information about initiatives in our neighbourhood. You can easily find out:
· What’s on in your neighbourhood;
· Where you can meet your neighbours;
· Where you can go for support or advice;
· How you can get involved in our neighbourhood (for example, through volunteering initiatives).
Feel free to take a look: www.socialekaartmaastricht.nl
Do you run an organisation or initiative yourself?
Are you part of a charity or organisation working in the social sector, or are you involved in an initiative that belongs on the Maastricht Social Map? If so, you can register your organisation or initiative for free using the registration form: https://www.socialekaartmaastricht.nl/aanmelden-organisatie
Questions or comments?
The Maastricht Social Map is an initiative of Maastricht City Council. For questions or comments, please email: socialekaart@maastricht.nl
pmerkingen kunt u mailen naar: socialekaart@maastricht.nl
3. Driving skills refresher courses for the over-50s by VVGM
On Wednesdays 1 July and 16 September 2026, the Maastricht Road Safety Group Foundation will once again be organising two refresher courses on driving skills for the over-50s. This course is designed to allow experienced drivers to refresh and strengthen their road knowledge and driving skills in a relaxed and informal setting.
This is not an exam, but is about awareness, safety and confidence on the road. The afternoons are made possible thanks to a contribution from Maastricht City Council via the Participatory Budget, and participation is free of charge.
Each course takes place from 13:00 to 17:00 and consists of the following components: Important to know:You can register for the driving skills sessions from 1 July until 17 June 2026 at the latest, and for the driving skills sessions from 16 September until 31 August 2026 at the latest. If you have any further questions, please contact VVGM via info@vvgmaastricht.nl.
- Refresher on traffic rules
- Eye and hearing test
- Driving proficiency test in your own car
- Personal advice from a driving instructor.
- It is not a driving test.
- The course has no implications for your driving licence.
- The results remain confidential between the participant and the instructor.
- The aim is to enable participants to take part in traffic safely, independently and with confidence.
4. SDG Invitation
On Friday 26 June 2026, SDG House Maastricht is once again organising an SDG Café. This edition focuses on the Sustainable City and brings together residents, neighbourhood initiatives, civil society organisations and the municipality to discuss the future of Maastricht.
Maastricht faces significant challenges and opportunities in the areas of sustainability, quality of life and climate resilience. Based on the Maastricht Environmental Vision, work is underway to create a city that is greener, healthier and future proof. At the same time, a sustainable city does not arise solely from policy; it is residents, neighbourhood networks and local initiatives that play an indispensable role in this.
During the SDG Café, we will explore together the question:
How can residents and local initiatives contribute to Maastricht as a sustainable city?
In neighbourhoods across the city, residents are already demonstrating how sustainability starts close to home. Think of façade gardens, community gardens, energy initiatives, meeting places and projects that enhance the quality of life and sense of community in the neighbourhood. These initiatives are making Maastricht greener, more social and more resilient, step by step.
We warmly invite you to attend the SDG Café on:
Friday 26 June 2026
4.00 pm – 7.00 pm
The Social Hub Maastricht
We would also like to ask you to share this invitation within your network, for example via your newsletter, social media, neighbourhood platform or other communication channels. This way, together we can reach as many residents as possible who are interested in a sustainable future for Maastricht.
Would you like to attend? You can register here.
5. Bonbonnière on the way to a new lease of life
Maastricht City Council is continuing to work on the future of the Bonbonnière. At the end of 2025, the council approved a plan to transform the listed building back into a vibrant and accessible space for the city.
The Bonbonnière is to become an open house where culture, amateur art, folk culture, knowledge, debate and social initiatives come together. Residents, associations, creators, students and organisations can meet there.
Significant steps have now been taken. The council has reached an agreement with Heineken regarding the termination of the leasehold. As a result, the Bonbonnière will return to the council’s management. People have also been appointed to prepare for the redevelopment. They are working on the strategy, organisation, communication, structural renovation and future programming.
In the coming period, work will focus on an action plan, a business case, an operational framework, a programming vision and a step-by-step plan for the renovation. Consideration will also be given to whether parts of the building can be opened earlier, on a temporary and phased basis, for activities.
6. JekerJazz Live Art 2026
On Sunday 21 June 2026, JekerJazz Live Art will take place in the charming Jekerkwartier in Maastricht. During this major art market, you can enjoy art, live music and a pleasant stroll through the neighbourhood.
More than 65 artists will be presenting their work. Admission is free.
A wonderful opportunity to discover art, meet artists and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Jekerkwartier.
More information: jekerjazz.com
7. Possible extension of the Vrijthof funfair in 2027
The Buurtnetwerk Binnenstad has learnt that there are plans to extend the Vrijthof fair in May 2027 on a one-off basis from 10 to 12 days. This would mean that the fair would run from Ascension Day, Thursday 6 May, to Whit Monday, 17 May 2027.
There are concerns about this extension in the area around the Vrijthof. Residents and business owners have indicated that two extra days of noise and light pollution in the evenings are not desirable. There are also questions about what this extension means for the so-called 60-day standard.
8. Change of leadership at the City Centre Neighbourhood Network
In April, there was a change of leadership within the City Centre Neighbourhood Network. Khanny Jongen is the new chair. Bèr Prevot remains active on the board as vice-chair.
Frans Hermans has indicated that he wishes to step down as a board member.
Are you interested in a board position? Or would you like to contribute ideas about the neighbourhood? Please feel free to contact us.
We would like to thank Bèr for his continued dedication and Frans for his commitment and hard work for the Buurtnetwerk Binnenstad.
Kind regards,
The board of Buurtnetwerk Binnenstad Maastricht
On behalf of the board,
Marco Maessen