Black in Utrecht: a guide for expats, students and newcomers

Moving to Utrecht as a Black expat, student or newcomer? Where to find community, events, afro hair care, African and Caribbean food, and people who get it.

Utrecht is one of the most diverse cities in the Netherlands, with large Surinamese and Caribbean communities and growing communities from Ghana, Nigeria, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Cape Verde, Angola, Congo and beyond.

Omroep AfroNet is the independent broadcaster of the Black community in Utrecht. We put together this guide for everyone who is new here and wants to find their people.

Events and nightlife

Afrobeats and amapiano parties, kizomba socials, gospel concerts, theatre, film and talks. Big moments in the year are Keti Koti on 1 July, the commemoration and celebration of the abolition of slavery, and Black Achievement Month in October.

Afro events in Utrecht Keti Koti Utrecht

Afro hair, barbers and braids

Afro hair salons, barbershops and hair product stores can be found on the Amsterdamsestraatweg, in Hoog Catharijne and in Overvecht. Many braiders work from home.

Afro hair and braids in Utrecht

African and Caribbean food

Surinamese roti and pom, West African jollof and suya, Ethiopian and Eritrean injera, Cape Verdean cachupa. Toko shops for African and Caribbean groceries are on the Amsterdamsestraatweg and the Kanaalstraat.

African and Surinamese food in Utrecht

Students

Utrecht University, HU University of Applied Sciences and HKU University of the Arts have thousands of international students. At Utrecht University you will find the African and Caribbean Heritage Network. There are also Surinamese, Antillean and African student associations in the Netherlands.

Church and faith

Utrecht has international and African churches with services in English, French, Portuguese and other languages, as well as gospel choirs, mosques and Ethiopian and Eritrean orthodox communities.

Connect

Join the AfroNet community for free. Find people from your city, your country of origin or your field, and share questions on the community board. Our site is available in English, French and Portuguese as well.

Join the community Black entrepreneurs in Utrecht

Coming up in Utrecht

• Fri 20 November Krav Boca + Emirhan X De Helling, Utrecht
• Fri 20 November The Sun De Helling, Utrecht
• Sun 22 November Delany TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht
• Fri 11 December Mama Africa: 9 Year Anniversary TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht
• Thu 17 December The Selecter TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht
• Sat 19 December Tropenrooster De Helling, Utrecht
• Sat 23 January Yong Yello De Helling, Utrecht
• Sat 13 February Footprints Festival 2027 TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht
• Sat 6 March Angélique Kidjo & Metropole Orkest TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht

Full agenda

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Black community in Utrecht?

Yes. Utrecht has large Surinamese and Caribbean communities and growing African communities. Omroep AfroNet is the independent broadcaster of the Black community in Utrecht and keeps an agenda, news and a community platform.

Where can I find afro hair care in Utrecht?

Afro hair salons, barbers and hair product stores are found on the Amsterdamsestraatweg, in Hoog Catharijne and in Overvecht. See our guide to afro hair and braids in Utrecht.

Where are afrobeats parties in Utrecht?

At venues like TivoliVredenburg and De Helling and at parties by local organisers. Our agenda is updated every morning.

How do I meet other Black expats and students in Utrecht?

Join the free AfroNet community, come to events in our agenda, and check the African and Caribbean Heritage Network if you study at Utrecht University.

More guides

• Afro events en feesten in Utrecht
• Afro kappers, braids en barbers in Utrecht
• Afrikaans, Surinaams en Caribisch eten in Utrecht
• De Afrikaanse en Caribische gemeenschap in Utrecht
• Black community in Utrecht
• Black entrepreneurs in Utrecht
• Black journalists in the Netherlands