Only one week left until Noorderzon starts

More than 10 locations across the city centre become stages for theatre, dance, and circus from around the globe – from Australia to Lebanon. We explore themes about and with women, about rebellion and protest, and about Groningen and its surroundings. There are concerts under the stars and beneath the trees, a sparkling literary programme filled with readings, performances, and encounters, short theatre pieces, creative workshops and playful installations for children, a container programme featuring local heroes, an open-air cinema, and an extensive free-to-access programme. With over 150 events, Noorderzon brings the world to your feet – and your feet to the grass. All the information can be found on this website.

International Headline Programme: From Circus to AI Choreography
This year, Noorderzon presents a bold and thought-provoking international theatre and dance programme throughout the city – from Forum to Grand Theatre, and from Vera to Martiniplaza. Expect cutting-edge circus, AI-driven choreography, a guided dance walk through the city, theatre as a form of resistance, and powerful stories from around the world. From the Catalan creators of Cabosanroque to the dancers of Guangdong Modern Dance Company from China, and from intimate solo performances to experimental shows from Lebanon – Noorderzon 2025 invites you to experience the world in ways you’ve never seen before.

Children’s Programme: Short Performances and Creative Activities
During Noorderzon 2025, the Speelweide in the Noorderplantsoen will be transformed into a cheerful festival village for children for eleven days. With short theatre performances, creative workshops, and playful installations, there’s something new to discover every afternoon – specially designed for children aged 0 and up, along with their (grand)parents or caregivers. Tickets for the performances are available now via noorderzon.nl or on-site. Tokens for the hands-on activities (Speelweide coins) can be purchased at the field.

Music: Free Apollo Stage and Intimate Concerts
Noorderzon promises to take you on an adventurous musical journey this year – from dreamy indie folk to driving tropical grooves. At the large open-air Apollo stage in the Noorderplantsoen, you’ll see artists such as: MT Jones (UK), Raúl Monsalve y los Forajidos (VE), LA LOM (US), MJ Lenderman & The Wind (US), Hanggai (CN), Hamish Hawk (UK), Trousdale (US), Rogê (BR), Rolando Bruno Band (AR), and more. Every evening at 22:30 – free entry. In the intimate settings of the Pollux spiegeltent and the Lutheran Church, you can enjoy atmospheric, ticketed concerts by artists including Zinadelphia, Chartreuse, Allman Brown, and Zubin Kanga. As of today, the full local (and free) music programme on Callisto and De Raaf is also available at noorderzon.nl

Container Performances, Open-Air Cinema, and More Park Programming
Of course, Noorderzon once again features short performances in small, intimate locations throughout the Noorderplantsoen. At four different spots, clusters of containers serve as unique stages for these shows. This year also marks the debut of Cinema Nova – an open-air cinema presented in collaboration with the Groninger Archives and Filmvereniging Groningen. Tickets for these events are only available on-site during the festival. In addition, there’s a wide range of free programming, including an art installation in collaboration with Kunstpunt, live podcasts, poetry, and lightning talks. You can find all the details at noorderzon.nl.