The strength of The Parade lies in its versatility. With more than a hundred performances and shows, the festival offers an unprecedented broad program. Names like Ellen ten Damme, Donny Ronny, Ashton Brothers, Jakop Ahlbom and Gershwin Bonevacia share the stage with dozens of other creators. The result: a dynamic mix of theater, dance, mime and cabaret that feels different every night.
What sets De Parade apart from traditional festivals is its pace. Performances average about thirty minutes, making it easy to catch three or four shows in one evening. You step into a tent, get surprised and then roll right on to the next experience. Tents like the Lion Cage and themed areas like Parallel Realities make for a playful exploration of the grounds.
Things are also buzzing outside the tents. In the middle of the grounds, the iconic carousel spins its rounds, while the smell of fresh food lures you toward the food stands. From Artistic Crepes to King Louie, there is plenty to make your evening culinary complete. Meanwhile, live music forms the soundtrack of the evening, with a different band each day effortlessly taking the crowd into the wee hours of the morning.
“At The Parade, you don't have to choose - you just follow your curiosity, and that's exactly where the magic begins.”
For those who still have energy left after that, the Silent Disco awaits. Dancing under the stars, headphones on, in the middle of the park - it's exactly that playful combination of culture and freedom that makes De Parade so beloved. The festival is practical too: the grounds are completely cashless and easily accessible from all over the city.
With accessible ticket prices and a ParadePas for the real enthusiast, the festival remains accessible. And perhaps that is its greatest charm: you don't have to plan anything, just go and be surprised. Like other iconic Amsterdam events, De Parade knows exactly how to make culture light-hearted and accessible.