The Parade, the renowned travelling theatre festival in the Netherlands, is returning for the 35th time, stopping by four beautiful city parks in the Netherlands where you can enjoy over 80 different theatre, music and dance performances for all ages.

About The Parade theatre festival

The Parade is a travelling theatre festival that will have been running for its 35th year this summer in Eindhoven, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Amsterdam. The 2025 programme contains over 80 theatre, dance, mime and music performances, most of which have been created especially for this festival! Performances for non-Dutch speakers are indicated in the programme with the LNP (language no problem) logo.

Photo credit: Erik van t'Hof

Travelling theatre festival locations

The Parade will be travelling to four festival locations and will occupy parks in major Dutch cities:

• June 20-29 in Museumpark, Rotterdam 
• July 4-20 in Westbroekpark, The Hague
• July 25 - August 10 in Martin Luther King Park, Amsterdam
• August 15-30 in Moreelsepark, Utrecht

The Parade’s 35-year history

Creator Terts Brinkhoff started the Parade 35 years ago, with a grand image in his head of an inside-out circus where the initiative would lie with the audience and the individual artists. His festival was named The Parade, after the term "parade maken", which was what carnival performers did to attract people to their tents.

Throughout the years, the festival programme of the Parade has been adjusted to create a good balance between easy and challenging theatre, focusing more on content and less on the circus theme. The Parade has become a unique combination of large productions and interesting smaller performances.

Photo credit: Neeltje de Vries

Delicious food at The Parade

The Parade offers a variety of delicious food, from snacks to full dinners by participating restaurants. You can also enjoy a colourful cocktail or a selection of fine wines. The Parade kitchens will be serving until late in the evening, while supplies last.

The Parade entry and performance tickets

Entry and performance tickets can be purchased on location at The Parade. Check out The Parade website for more details.

Thumb photo credit: Joep van Aert