De Parade is a traveling theater festival that pops up in several Dutch cities each summer, including Utrecht. It is not your typical festival with big stages and headliners; instead, it creates a cozy village of theater tents, food stalls, a swing ride, and a silent disco, where visitors wander between short performances. The Utrecht edition has been held at Moreelsepark in recent years, so check the official website for the confirmed location each season.
What makes De Parade unique is its format: around 95 theater, dance, mime, and music performances are presented in tents, each averaging 30 minutes. That means you can easily see two, three, or even four shows in a single evening. Because most performances are created specifically for the festival, you will not find them anywhere else, so part of the fun is discovering something new.
This guide focuses on the Utrecht edition and gives you practical advice on choosing shows, understanding the program, and making the most of your evening. If you are also interested in other music and film festivals in the city, we have separate guides for those.
How De Parade Works: Village Setting and Short Performances
De Parade sets up a temporary village with theater tents, food vendors, and a central area with a swing ride. The vibe is relaxed and informal: you can stroll between shows, grab a bite, and soak in the atmosphere. Performance times are spread across the afternoon and evening, allowing you to create your own schedule.
The festival is cashless, so bring a debit card or phone to pay for entry, tickets, and food. Dogs are not allowed, except assistance dogs, and you can’t bring your own food or drinks. For more details, see the house rules on the official site.
Each performance lasts around 30 minutes, and the program runs from late afternoon until midnight, sometimes later on weekends. That means you can fit in three or four shows in an evening, with breaks for dinner or a ride on the swing.
Reading the Daily Program and Schedules
Daily performance times are published on the official website, on the program board at the festival, and at the Kiosk, which is the central box office. You can also pick up a printed program newspaper at the entrance, the Kiosk, or the Parade Shop. The program changes each day, so you cannot plan too far ahead.
The program is organized in blocks, often called a blokkenschema, which groups shows by time slots. This helps you see which performances overlap and which you can combine. For example, if you want to see two shows back-to-back, check that they do not start at the same time or that you have enough time to walk between tents.
Since the schedule changes daily, you cannot rely on a single printed list. Instead, check the website or the on-site board each day to plan your evening. The Kiosk staff can also help you find shows that match your interests.
How to Choose Shows: Tips for Reading Descriptions
Choosing shows at De Parade is easier if you read the performance descriptions carefully. They tell you the genre, language, and sometimes the target age. For example, you will see labels like ‘theater,’ ‘dance,’ ‘mime,’ or ‘music.’ If you are new to the festival, you might start with genres you already like, but be open to discovery.
Most descriptions are in Dutch, but the festival offers a special program for non-Dutch speakers called No Dutch Required. On the official page for internationals, you can find a list of performances that are suitable if you don’t speak Dutch. Look for shows by companies like Jakop Ahlbom Company or Conny Janssen Danst, which often rely on visual storytelling.
Another strategy is to look for shows that are described as ‘suitable for all ages’ or ‘family friendly’ if you are visiting with children. The KinderParade section of the program lists performances specifically for younger audiences.
The No Dutch Required Programme
De Parade is a Dutch-language festival, but it does not exclude non-speakers. The No Dutch Required program includes performances that rely on movement, music, mime, or visual comedy, so you can enjoy them without knowing Dutch. The official international info page lists these shows, and you can also ask the Kiosk for recommendations.
Popular companies that often appear in this program include Jakop Ahlbom Company, known for surreal physical theater, and Conny Janssen Danst, a contemporary dance group. Acts like the Ashton Brothers and Släpstick bring slapstick comedy that transcends language.
If you are worried about language, check the program for a ‘No Dutch Required’ symbol or ask the box office. This way, you can focus on the experience rather than translation.
Combining Shows: Scheduling Strategies and Pacing
Since each performance lasts around 30 minutes, you can easily see three or four shows in an evening. The key is to pace yourself and plan breaks for food or relaxation. Start with a show early in the evening, then wander, eat, and catch another show later.
Check the program blocks to see which shows are scheduled at the same time and which are sequential. If you want to see a specific act, arrive early to secure a spot, as tents can fill up. Otherwise, you can always find something new.
Combining different genres can add variety: for example, see a dance piece, then a music act, and finish with a comedy. This way, you experience the range of the festival.
Practical Information: Opening Hours, Admission, and Tickets
De Parade is open in the afternoon and evening, with gates typically opening around 3:30 PM on weekdays and 2:00 PM on weekends, depending on the city and day. On Fridays and Saturdays, the festival closes at 2:00 AM, while on other nights it closes at midnight. These hours are from the official international info page, but they can vary by city and year, so check the current schedule on the official website before you go.
Admission to the festival grounds is separate from performance tickets. Children up to 11 years old get in free, and there are reduced rates for teenagers. A ParadePas gives unlimited access for a set fee, and there are also special offers like €3 Mondays. Performance tickets are sold separately, either online, at the Kiosk, or at the theater tent. For exact current prices, refer to the official website.
The festival is cashless, so bring a bank card or mobile payment. There are no ATMs on site, so be prepared. Ticket sales for performances open in advance online, but you can also buy them on the day at the Kiosk or the tent entrance.
Food, Swing Ride, and Other Attractions
Besides theater, De Parade offers a range of food stalls with diverse cuisines, so you can have dinner or a snack between shows. The famous swing ride is a favorite for all ages and is located in the heart of the venue. As night falls, the Silent Disco starts, and there is often a live band performing each evening.
These attractions are included in the festival grounds, so you can enjoy them even if you do not see a show. The swing ride and silent disco are popular spots to unwind after a performance.
What to Know Before You Go
Plan ahead and check the official website for the latest dates and location in Utrecht, which has been Moreelsepark in recent years. The festival moves through several cities, so confirm the schedule for the Utrecht leg.
Accessibility is taken seriously: staff can assist visitors with disabilities, and some performances are interpreted in Dutch Sign Language. If you have specific needs, contact the festival in advance or speak to staff at the entrance.
Remember to follow house rules: no outside food or drinks, no smoking in tents, and no dogs. Be respectful of the park and local residents when leaving.
Plan Your Visit
De Parade offers a unique way to experience theater in a casual, village-like setting. By understanding the program and using the No Dutch Required list, you can select shows that match your taste without language barriers. Plan to see at least two or three performances and leave time to enjoy food and the swing ride.
Before you go, check the official De Parade website for the current year’s dates, times, and prices, as these change annually. For more festival ideas, explore our guide to festivals in Netherlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose which shows to see at De Parade?
Read the performance descriptions on the program to see the genre, language, and target audience. If you don’t speak Dutch, look for the No Dutch Required program, which lists shows that are accessible without language. You can also ask the box office for recommendations based on your taste.
What is the No Dutch Required programme at De Parade?
It is a selection of performances that do not rely on spoken Dutch, such as mime, dance, physical theater, or music. These shows are marked in the program, and a list is available on the festival’s international info page.
How many shows can I see in one evening at De Parade?
Since each performance lasts around 30 minutes and the festival is open from late afternoon until late night, you can typically see three to four shows in an evening, depending on the schedule and how you pace yourself.
