Noorderzon

Noorderzon is an annual international performing arts festival held in Groningen, Netherlands. Founded in the late 1990s, it has developed into a multi-disciplinary event that presents theatre, dance, music, performance art, circus, and visual arts. The festival takes place in and around the Noorderplantsoen, a park near Groningen’s city center, typically in late August and early September, and lasts about two weeks. The program combines international guest performances with Dutch artists, often including premieres and works created for the festival.

Noorderzon operates several stages and venues within the park and adjacent spaces, featuring outdoor as well as indoor presentations. In addition to live performances, the festival includes installations, late-night programs, and a range of food and drink stalls, contributing to a festival atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The event is organized by Stichting Noorderzon, a foundation that coordinates programming, production, and logistics.

The festival emphasizes contemporary performing arts with an international scope, encouraging cross-genre collaborations and new work. It also serves as a platform for emerging artists and small companies, while drawing a broader audience to Groningen during the summer. Noorderzon’s impact extends to the city’s cultural calendar and local economy, and the event has become a recognizable annual feature in the Dutch festival circuit.