On Saturday 17 October, the American-Netherlander, Greg Shapiro will be bringing his solo show ‘KING ME: 250 Years of Donald Trump’ to the Theatre Luden, Voorburg.
On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate 250 years of independence… by bringing back the king. With Donald Trump in power, it feels as though 250 years have already passed. “What a perfect moment for a new American revolution,” exclaims Dutch-American comedian Greg Shapiro. Yet Shapiro also dares to take an optimistic view of the US. He predicts that Trump’s tyrannical behavior won’t last long—provided Europe stands strong. Mark Rutte calls Trump ‘Daddy,’ but Ursula says: “Mama is angry.” If the Epstein files prove anything, it is that certain world leaders are attracted to anything but strong, mature women.
‘KING ME’ is a blend of stand-up comedy and storytelling, with a dash of Trump-inspired improvisation. ‘KING ME’ is Shapiro’s ninth solo show.
Greg Shapiro has been associated with the Boom Chicago Theater in Amsterdam since 1994. He hosted ‘Comedy Central News’ on Comedy Central Netherlands and has appeared on BNR, BNN-VARA, VPRO, and ZDF (Germany). And yes, he is known as the voice of Trump in the viral video ‘The Netherlands Second’, which has garnered over 50 million views. Greg has authored books such as How to Be Dutch: the Quiz and The American Netherlander: 25 Years of Expat Tales.
KING ME: 250 Years of Donald Trump’ Saturday 17 October – 20:30 Luden Theater, Burg. Feithplein 95, 2273 BW Voorburg
Something new is coming to our city. A dog-friendly event! The Story Cafe brings you the Dog P(ART)Y — a few relaxed hours in the morning with you, your dog, and a small group of like-minded individuals.
Here’s what to expect:
Delicious bites for you and your dog
A doggy artwork activity, where your dog gets to make art (yes, really)
A small, cosy group of other owners and their dogs
When: Saturday 31 October 2026 Where: The Story Cafe, Appelstraat 175 Tickets and extra info can be found here Good to know: Dogs must be friendly and socialised, and kept on a leash. You are ultimately responsible for your dog’s behaviour and safety. There will be 2 sessions – one for smaller dogs and one for larger breeds. Check out the link above for full details.
We wanted to create a space where your dog not only feels welcomed, but gets to engage with you in a fun, safe activity. Grab a ticket, bring your best boy or girl, and try something new!
The Netherlands is one of the most dog-friendly countries in the world, and as a dog owner myself, it’s been a joy watching my rescue, Lily, explore and settle into life in The Hague after getting her from Romania. From the dunes to dog-friendly café terraces, this city makes space for dogs in a way that still surprises people who move here.
Dogs have also come to mean more than just companionship at home. More and more owners are recognising the real benefits that come with having one, from lower stress to a built-in reason to get outside and meet people. Walking Lily has certainly been mine; some of my favourite discoveries about this city have come from the places she’s dragged me into.
So here are my favourite spots to enjoy together in The Hague.
The beach. Scheveningen and Kijkduin are among the best places in the country to let a dog loose, but the rules shift with the seasons. In winter, from 1 October to 15 May, dogs are welcome on the whole of the Den Haag beach. In summer, dogs are limited to certain stretches during the day, so check the signs at each beach entrance or the municipality’s website before you go. Make sure you clean up after your dog.
If you want a reliable summer option, locals point to the Noorderstrand, beyond the last beach access at the Zwarte Pad, where dogs can run freely all day.
The dunes. The dunes of Westduinpark and the Hollandse Duinen National Park are beautiful for a long walk, but dogs must stay on the lead. Loose dogs disturb the nesting birds and wildlife that live here, so keep to the paths and read the signs at each entrance.
The Haagse Bos. For shade, space and a quieter pace, the Haagse Bos is a favourite for dog walkers. Look for the “uitrengebied” signs that mark areas where dogs may run free.
Zuiderpark. The Hague’s largest and oldest public park is a major green space, sports hub and cultural venue all in one. A few smaller areas allow off-lead running, but for the rest, it makes for a lovely on-lead walk.
Coffee with your companion
A good dog-friendly café doesn’t just tolerate your dog, it makes room for them. My favourite spots include:
Bartine – the famous bakery on Piet Heinstraat doesn’t just have great coffee, service and pastries, it also makes for a lovely spot to enjoy with your dog.
Arket’s café – the chic Swedish fashion store houses a café serving great cappuccinos and provides the perfect setting for “fika.” The staff love seeing dogs, so expect fresh water to be brought out for yours on arrival.
De Oude Tol – the classic South African lunchroom near The Peace Palace has a lovely outdoor terrace, perfect for warmer days with your furry friend.
Parkoers – housed in Zuiderpark, this makes for a delightful stop after a morning walk with your dog. The menu serves standard Dutch classics, but the atmosphere is properly gezellig.
The Story Café – this cosy neighbourhood café on Appelstraat serves up delicious meals, and they even have pup cups on the menu!
Beach clubs like Hito, De Staat and Zuid – perfect stops after a run on the beach!
Policies can change, so it’s worth a quick message or a look at the door before you go. My rule is to sit outside when the weather allows, and pick somewhere quieter in winter so your dog can settle under the table while you enjoy your meal.
What I love most about walking a dog in this city is how it shapes your day. The same park at the same hour, the same café table — these become a rhythm, and rhythms turn into community. People who would never have spoken to each other end up knowing each other by their dogs’ names.
Lily is not just a dog to me, she’s part of my family. Seeing how excited she gets to explore new places and try new things inspired me to create a dog-friendly event, which I’m delighted to share. On 31 October, I’m teaming up with The Story Cafe’s owner, Meryem Hammiche, and artist Ale, to host Dog P(ART)Y — a few relaxed hours in the morning with you, your dog, and a small group of like-minded individuals.
Here’s what to expect:
Delicious bites for you and your dog
A doggy artwork activity, where your dog gets to make art (yes, really)
A small, cosy group of other owners and their dogs
When: Saturday 31 October 2026 Where: The Story Cafe & Concept Store, Appelstraat 175 Tickets and extra info can be found here Good to know: Dogs must be friendly and socialised, and kept on a leash. You are ultimately responsible for your dog’s behaviour and safety. There will be 2 sessions – one for smaller dogs and one for larger breeds. Check out the link above for full details.
We wanted to create a space where your dog not only feels welcomed, but gets to engage with you in a fun, safe activity. Grab a ticket, bring your best boy or girl, and try something new!
Reach out to sherika@thehagueonline.com for all lifestyle topics and events
Sherika Rooplal-Clappers is a contributing writer for The Hague Online, covering culture, lifestyle, and local events. With a passion for storytelling and international perspectives, she highlights the people, places, and experiences that make The Hague a dynamic city.
Synchromie Muziek presents there is no place for me on this map, a piano recital by Dutch composer and pianist Dante Boon at SoundHouse Den Haag.
In his first collaboration with Synchromie, Boon brings together six works written in the last decade, including four world premieres, alongside music by Elisabeth Lutyens from 1962.
The programme moves between musical systems and personal experience: algorithmic composition, serialism, remembrance, friendship and departure. A tribute to composer Clarence Barlow and music marking a friend’s departure from the Netherlands sit alongside a nocturne written for pianist Beth Levin. “SoundHouse is meant to be a place where adventurous music can feel personal and immediate.” says Synchromie Muziek director Elizabeth Huston. “Dante’s programme is exactly the kind of work we want to make space for: music that takes risks, but is also rooted in friendship, memory, and real human experience.”
Presented in SoundHouse’s intimate setting, the evening offers listeners a chance to encounter new piano repertoire at its first public hearing.
GUEST BUSINESS CASE STUDY WITH VASSIA SARANTOPOULOU
Every business has a story. We usually see the finished version: a professional website, a recognizable brand, confident communication.
But how did it get there?
What happened before? Which decisions made a difference? What didn’t work? And how much of what we see today was carefully planned, rather than figured out along the way?
This October, we’re introducing Inside the Brand, a new series of Profile Studio Business Club meetings where we invite business owners to share what happens behind the scenes of building their businesses.
We’re putting her professional expertise aside for the evening and meeting her as a fellow business owner. We will find out how she built her brand, what made her change direction, where she invested her time and money, and what she learned along the way.
We’ll also look at how her visual identity has evolved, from earlier photographs and website designs to the way she presents her business today.
Think of it as a conversation around the kitchen table with someone who is willing to share the part of entrepreneurship we don’t usually see on LinkedIn.
What We’ll Explore
Together with Vassia, we’ll talk about:
✅ The early days of her business and what she would do differently today
✅ The decisions, investments, and turning points that shaped her brand
✅ How her website, photography, messaging, and visual identity have evolved
✅ The business challenges, experiments, and mistakes that taught her the most
✅ How she approaches positioning, client relationships, and communicating her value
✅ What it actually takes to build a recognizable brand while running the business behind it
How We’ll Work
An informal conversation with Vassia, a look at her brand’s evolution, and plenty of room for your questions.
No formal presentation. No polished success story. Just an honest conversation about business, decisions, and lessons learned.
What You’ll Walk Away With
💡 A rare look at the decisions and challenges behind an established business
👀 A better understanding of how branding and visual storytelling evolve in practice
📝 Ideas you can adapt to your own business, without having to repeat someone else’s journey
🤝 Honest conversations and fresh perspectives from fellow entrepreneurs
Who Should Attend?
✔️ Small business owners, solopreneurs, and independent professionals
✔️ Entrepreneurs who are building or reconsidering their brand
✔️ Anyone curious about the decisions behind another business owner’s journey
✔️ People who enjoy learning through real stories, questions, and shared experience
🗓 Date and Time: Oct. 8th, 6.30PM
📍 Location: Profile Studio, Frederikstraat 481, the Hague, the Netherlands
🎟 Only 8 spots available – We keep our table small so everyone has a chance to take part in the conversation.
Come with your curiosity and the questions you don’t normally get
As business owners, especially those running one-person operations, it’s easy to miss the camaraderie and collaboration of having colleagues. The Profile Studio Business Club bridges that gap, offering a place where you can:
Share and brainstorm ideas, plans, and visuals for your business.
Seek feedback on your projects, services, or events in a friendly and constructive environment.
Build a circle of trusted peers who understand your challenges and celebrate your wins.
Find business friends and collaborators to help you take your ideas to the next level.
Whether you’re refining your brand, launching a new product, or simply looking for a group of like-minded entrepreneurs to connect with, this club offers the perfect opportunity to grow personally and professionally.
What to Expect
Each meeting includes:
Casual Networking: A chance to connect with fellow entrepreneurs in a relaxed setting.
Idea Sharing: Bring your concepts, visuals, or plans to the group for constructive feedback and inspiration.
Mini Focus Group: Use the club as a sounding board for your ideas and gain valuable insights from diverse perspectives.
Creative Brainstorming: Collaborative discussions to generate fresh ideas and innovative solutions for your business.
Professional Guidance: As a photographer and entrepreneur, I’ll offer my expertise to help you refine your brand visuals, storytelling, and overall presentation.
Why Join?
The Profile Studio Business Club isn’t just a meeting – it’s a community. You’ll leave each session with:
A sense of belonging and connection to like-minded individuals.
Actionable feedback and fresh perspectives on your business.
Useful and practical topics for reach meeting for non-stop learning opportunities.
Ideas and inspiration for moving forward with confidence.
Relationships with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.
The Deputy Mayor decided today at 1:54 PM to disband the demonstration on the Malieveld under the banner ‘We Are the People’. Notification had been given for the demonstration, under which the organization also intended to march through the city center.
Serious disturbances of order occurred during the demonstration. Violence was used against police officers and the Mobile Unit (ME), and heavy fireworks were thrown in the direction of the police. In addition, several demonstrators continued to wear face-covering clothing, despite indications that this was not permitted.
The right to demonstrate is a great asset
In The Hague, there is ample room for people to express their concerns and demonstrate. The right to demonstrate is a fundamental right. Therefore, more than 3,000 demonstrations are facilitated in The Hague every year. This time, too, agreements were made in advance with the organization regarding how the demonstration could proceed. However, violence in all forms is unacceptable and action is taken against it.
Route through the city was cancelled
Due to the situation that had arisen, Deputy Mayor Richard de Mos decided that the demonstration would take place exclusively on the Malieveld and that the announced route through the city would not proceed. Demonstrating on the Malieveld therefore remained possible. Due to the ongoing violence, the Deputy Mayor considered it irresponsible to take the risk, given the situation, that new disturbances would spread to The Hague city center.
Demonstration subsequently disbanded
When the disturbances and violence persisted, the demonstration was disbanded by order of the Deputy Mayor. To restore public order and safety, demonstrators were escorted out of the area. An emergency order was also issued.
Violence unacceptable
Deputy Mayor Richard de Mos: “Demonstrating is a fundamental right, and people have every right to express their concerns. But as soon as police officers are attacked, heavy fireworks are thrown, and public order is seriously disrupted, a line is crossed. We all remember the misery of last year. My responsibility as Deputy Mayor is to protect the city and ensure the safety of everyone. That is why we initially cancelled the march and kept demonstrating on the Malieveld possible. When the violence persisted, termination was necessary. My sincere thanks go to the police. They were once again well prepared and managed to keep the situation on the streets under control.” Every demonstration is assessed based on the facts and circumstances at that moment. The content or background of a demonstration is explicitly not taken into account in this assessment.
