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10x Must-sees of DE OPENING

  • 4 min
  • 16 jul. 2026
Optreden De Opening

From 28 to 30 August, Eindhoven transforms into a hub of culture and creativity. Open your world during DE OPENING: a free, nationwide festival packed with theater, music, dance, film, and art. Want to know the must-see highlights? Keep reading!

Download the DE OPENING app to explore the full program!

Stage at the Markt

On Saturday, the stage at the Markt spotlights young, up-and-coming Eindhoven talent. From R&B and rap to drum 'n' bass and spoken word: EMOVES, Kunstival, and TROMP serve up a mix of performances by Chanou, Vinny, Iris Penning, and the grand finale: Eindhoven cult band, Stuurbaard Bakkebaard. On Sunday, the focus shifts to world music, storytelling, and flavors, both at the Markt and in the Muziekgebouw. And yes, entry is free!

Stage at Stadhuisplein

With a festival named DE OPENING, you need a proper kickoff. On Friday, 28 August, Stadhuisplein comes alive with a jam-packed lineup. Magician Hans Klok adds a touch of wonder, followed by symphonic orchestra Philzuid,[KK3.1] featuring artists like Fresku, Zoë Livay, Aylin Sezer, and Joël Borelli. On Saturday, Philzuid raises the bar with Philmob XXL, while Brabants Trots throws a party with Philharmonie Brainport and Björn van der Doelen.

Hit The City

Who hasn't heard of Hit The City? This free city festival runs from Thursday, 27 August, to Saturday, 29 August, showcasing hundreds of artists across seventeen locations in Eindhoven. Think S10, Jonna Fraser, Typhoon, Yīn Yīn, and Slow Crush. Pro tip: want a front-row spot? Come early!

De Opening - Iris Penning © Fitchd

All museums for one ticket

With one single ticket, you get to explore all of Eindhoven's museums. For this occasion, all the exhibitions revolve around time and time travel, from forgotten stories to future dreams. Wander through the city and discover Van Abbemuseum, Next Nature Museum, Philips Museum, DAF Museum, MU Hybrid Art House, and the brand-new Museumpark VONK.

More art to explore

Can't get enough museums? Don't miss Eindhoven's exhibition spaces: Foundation We Are, Onomatopee, De Fabriek, Kazerne, Salon Veneman, Pennings Foundation, and Van Abbehuis. Check the DE OPENING app for all the details.

Open days

Ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at Eindhoven's cultural hotspots? During DE OPENING, Sectie-C, Carte Blanche theater company, United Cowboys, TAC, Parktheater, and Muziekgebouw Eindhoven open their doors. For more info, check the app!

Workshops

Feeling creative? Eindhoven is bursting with workshops! Make music at CKE, try an improv workshop, start your own band at Muziekgebouw Eindhoven, or learn DJing in an ableton workshop, the powerful software for music production and beatmaking. Who knows? You might uncover a hidden talent!

Next Nature Museum © Tom Doms

Open-air cinema at Lichtplein

In the heart of the city, with iconic Philips buildings as your backdrop, the cinema LAB-1 presents nine films under the stars. For just ten euros, settle in for a blockbuster or a feel-good movie. Keep an eye on the app for the schedule!

Bibliotheek Regio Eindhoven

On Friday evening and Saturday, the Bibliotheek Regio Eindhoven swaps quiet study for a night of board games, mini-workshops, and speed-dating with book clubs. It's a fun way to get acquainted with their new program!

Musical spectacle

And, last but not least, on Sunday, Eindhoven hosts the biggest musical celebration in the Netherlands. The Musical Awards: The Kick-Off brings the country's top productions to Stadhuisplein, with over 400 artists and exclusive performances. Don't miss it!

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