De Parade is a traveling festival that makes its home in city parks across the Netherlands, and Utrecht is one of the cities it regularly visits. Before you go, it helps to understand that De Parade doesn't work like a typical festival: you don't buy one wristband that covers everything. Instead, you pay an entrance fee to get onto the grounds, and then buy separate tickets for each theater, dance, or music performance you want to see. This two-part pricing system can take some getting used to, but once you understand it, you can plan a night (or a whole weekend) that fits your budget. A deeper look at the festival's quirks is available in our full De Parade Utrecht guide.
How De Parade Ticketing Works
The festival's ticketing is split into two clear parts: site access and show tickets. To get onto the festival grounds at all, you need either an entrance ticket or a ParadePas (more on that below). Once you're inside, you'll find that each performance in the theater tents—there are around 95 different theater, dance, mime, and music performances across the festival—has its own ticket. The average performance lasts about 30 minutes, which means you can easily plan to see two, three, or even four shows in a single evening. To make that work smoothly, the organizers recommend scheduling at least 30 minutes between performances to account for walking between tents, queues, and the occasional overrun.
Because each performance is ticketed separately, you'll need to decide in advance which shows are must-sees for you. The festival's program is typically announced a few weeks before each city's run, and show times are published on the website and at the venue once they're confirmed. You can buy tickets online via the festival's website, at the Kiosk (the central box office on the grounds), or at the tent hosting the performance. It's worth noting that the program varies from city to city, so if you're visiting during the Utrecht leg, you'll want to check the schedule for that specific city.
Entrance Fees and Site Access Options
To get onto the festival grounds, you can buy a single-day entrance ticket at the gate or online. The organizers usually wave the entrance fee during the first opening hour of each day (except on the official opening Friday of a city's run), so arriving early can save you the ticket cost entirely. Children up to age 11 get in free, while visitors aged 12 to 17 and adults pay a tiered fee—though the exact price varies by city, and you should check the current rates for Utrecht on the official site. Members of We Are Public and Podiumpas typically receive free site access on presentation of a valid pass, and the festival runs various other discount offers in each city, such as a reduced-price Monday ticket.
For bigger spenders, the festival also sells entry tickets that include extras. For instance, the 'Parade Pakketten' (packages) sometimes bundle site access with drink vouchers or other perks, which can be good value if you're planning to eat and drink on the grounds. But if you're mainly interested in the shows, a standard entrance ticket is all you need. Remember to bring a valid ID if you're using a discount card like We Are Public, as you may need to show it at the entrance.
ParadePas: Unlimited Access and How to Buy It
If you plan to visit De Parade on multiple days—or across multiple cities, since the festival travels—the ParadePas is often the most cost-effective option. This personal pass gives you unlimited access to the festival grounds in all participating cities for the entire season, which typically runs from mid-June to the end of August. The official festival page lists the ParadePas price, so check there for the current cost. Unlike the single-day entrance ticket, the ParadePas is designed to be used repeatedly, so it's ideal for locals who want to pop in for a few hours each day.
Buying a ParadePas requires a bit of advance planning because it's personalized. To purchase one, you need to create an account on the festival website and upload a photo, which will be printed on your pass. Orders are typically ready for pickup at the entrance box office within 24 hours, so you can't buy it on the day and use it immediately. Each pass is linked to a unique account and email address, and you can only buy one per order. There's also a gift option: you can buy a ParadePas gift certificate online, which comes as a digital voucher that the recipient redeems for a personalized pass.
Show Tickets: Online, at the Kiosk, or at the Tent
Show tickets can be bought in three ways: online via the festival's website, at the Kiosk (the central box office on the grounds), or at the specific theater tent where the performance is taking place. Most shows are available online in advance, which is the safest way to guarantee a seat. When you buy online, you'll receive e-tickets directly by email—there's no need to pick up physical tickets at the venue. The festival allows you to buy up to 10 tickets per performance per order, and for larger groups you'd need to contact the box office directly.
However, not every performance is sold online. Some shows are marked 'tickets available on site only,' meaning you'll need to buy them at the festival itself. For popular shows, a portion of tickets is often held back for day-of sales at the Kiosk starting at 17:00, so even if an online showing is marked 'sold out,' you may still have a chance if you're on the grounds early. The festival's advice is to plan at least 30 minutes between shows to avoid being late—and they don't offer refunds if you miss a performance because you underestimated walking time.
Pricing Overview for Performances and Attractions
Ticket prices for theater performances and attractions range from €3.50 to €13.50 per show, depending on the type and popularity of the performance. These prices are set by the festival and apply across all participating cities, though there may be slight variations. Children's shows (KinderParade) tend to be on the lower end, while evening performances by well-known acts can be more expensive. To get an accurate feel for what you'll spend, browse the program online before you go and note the prices for the shows that interest you.
It's also worth remembering that entrance is not included in show tickets—you need both. A typical evening might cost you around €10 for entrance plus €3.50–€13.50 for each show, so a night with two shows could run anywhere from €17 to €37 per adult, before food and drinks. The Monday discount (where entrance is just €3) is a great budget option if your schedule is flexible. For the most up-to-date prices, check the official website, as rates can change between editions.
Free and Discount Options
De Parade is committed to staying accessible, and there are several ways to save. The most reliable is the free admission during the first opening hour each day, and children under 12 always enter free. On Mondays, the entrance fee drops to just €3 for everyone, making it one of the cheapest days to visit. Members of We Are Public and holders of a Podiumpas get free site access, and We Are Public members can also see two selected performances for free from Sunday to Wednesday—though those free show tickets are only available on the day itself at the Kiosk, so you'll need to be early.
Podiumpas holders have an even better deal: on Mondays and Tuesdays, they can attend any theater performance for free, but they must reserve their tickets online in advance by selecting the 'Podiumpas' ticket type and entering their pass number. The reservation is held until 30 minutes before the show, so you need to arrive in time to claim it. Both membership programs require you to register your pass at the entrance box office on your first visit, so factor that into your plans.
Cashless Payments: What to Know
De Parade is completely cashless. That means you can't pay with coins or bills anywhere on the festival grounds—not for entrance, shows, food, or the swing ride. Instead, you'll need to pay by debit card, credit card, mobile app, or phone. This speeds up transactions and reduces queues, but it does mean you should remember to bring a card or a charged phone. If you're visiting from abroad, make sure your card works in the Netherlands and that you're aware of any foreign transaction fees.
Tips for Budgeting Your Visit
The key to a budget-friendly De Parade visit is planning. Start by deciding which shows you really want to see—those tickets are your main expense. Use the online program to book them in advance, as that gives you the best choice of times and avoids the risk of sold-out performances. If you're flexible, aim for a Monday when entrance is only €3, or take advantage of the free first hour. Also remember that the music stages at Hotel Vilé and the Katrina are completely free to attend, so you can enjoy live bands without spending a cent on show tickets.
Food and drink are separate from the ticketing system, but they can add up quickly. The festival doesn't allow you to bring your own food, so you'll be buying from the on-site vendors. Setting a budget for food and drinks before you go—and sticking to it—can help keep your total spend in check. If you're planning multiple visits, the ParadePas is a smart investment, as it pays for itself after just three visits compared to the standard adult entrance fee.
How to Avoid Queues
The biggest queue at De Parade is usually the entrance, especially during the first free hour. To skip it, buy your entrance ticket online in advance and arrive slightly later, after the initial rush. If you have a ParadePas, you can walk straight in via the designated entrance line, where staff scan the QR code on your pass—no need to queue at the box office. For shows, buying online is the best way to avoid the ticket lines at the Kiosk and the tents.
Still, some performances are only available on site, and those can sell out well before showtime. If you're set on a particular show, head to the Kiosk or the relevant tent at least 30 minutes in advance to buy a ticket. Another tip: the festival recommends planning at least 30 minutes between shows to avoid rushing, but if you have a tight schedule, you can also use that time to grab food or visit the swing ride, which often has a shorter queue in the early evening.
Plan Your Visit
De Parade's ticketing system may seem complex at first, but it's actually straightforward once you break it down: entrance is separate from shows, and planning ahead saves you both money and stress. For more details on the festival's unique character, our De Parade Utrecht guide covers what to expect. If you're also curious about other festivals in the Netherlands, check out our roundup of festivals in Netherlands for inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter De Parade Utrecht?
Entrance fees for De Parade vary by age and city. The official website lists current prices for each location, including Utrecht, so check there for the exact adult and youth rates. Children under 12 enter free, and there are discounts on Mondays and free admission during the first opening hour of each day.
How do tickets work at De Parade?
De Parade uses a two-part system: you pay an entrance fee to access the festival grounds, and then you buy separate tickets for each theater or dance performance you want to see. Show tickets can be purchased online, at the Kiosk on site, or at the individual theater tents. All tickets are e-tickets when bought online.
Can I buy De Parade tickets at the door?
Yes, you can buy entrance tickets at the gate and show tickets at the Kiosk or theater tents. However, popular performances often sell out in advance, and some shows are only available on site. For the best choice, buy online before you arrive. The festival also holds a limited number of on-day tickets for certain shows.
What is a ParadePas?
A ParadePas is a personalized season pass that gives you unlimited access to De Parade grounds in all participating cities during the festival season. The official website lists the current price and validity period. You must order it online, upload a photo, and pick it up at the entrance box office 24 hours later. It does not include show tickets.
Is De Parade cashless?
Yes, De Parade is completely cashless. You can only pay by debit card, credit card, mobile payment apps, or phone. Cash is not accepted anywhere on the festival grounds, so be sure to bring a card or a charged phone.
