Event venues and festivals
Here's where you'll find some of the venues, festivals and events we've either collaborated with or partnered up with in the past and on the regular.
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Want to know what's coming up next and where? Find out about all of our upcoming events here.
de helling
One can consider De Helling the musical pulse of the city. In part because of its amazing sound system but also because the venue plays a pioneering role as a stage for local talent development within the city and the district. That, in addition to its function as a beacon for (inter)national acts. With a capacity of 450 to 500 visitors, you’ll find many of the artists performing here with their own signature sound, many of whom operate off the beaten track. Their colourful program is diverse to say the least, located at the ends of the pop cultural spectrum and at the intersections of genres, with an emphasis on heavy, bass music, global sounds, hip hop and experimental.
Filmcafé
For those fortunate enough to have had the pleasure of frequenting this big community event venue where almost everything was possible, only fond memories of it remain. This was where the first Birdcage events took place, some of which were the biggest and craziest productions to date. This special venue saw many different collectives and music styles, from hip hop to psy trance and everything in between. The special and unique feature of this place were the owners and how much they truly appreciated Utrecht’s art and music scene and did everything in their power to give it a home. We miss you, Filmcafé but hey, at least one of those two owners is now behind KABUL!
karma kebab
You know how sometimes you get those cravings for food you’d only find at festivals? This is where their restaurant and bar come in to satisfy just that in the form of some delicious vegan food and tasty cocktails. And for that complete festival feel, Karma Kebab also has a gigantic event hall, bumper cars (yes), fire baskets, a DJ booth and a secret drinks cabinet! Intrigued? You should be.
moira
The building in which Moira calls home has a long history within the world of art and creatives. Back in 1983, the Moira complex was converted into a residential and art collective building, then in 1990, the Moira Foundation was founded to manage and operate the workspaces. Today, the venue hosts several activist collectives that organise workshops, events and exhibitions, plus there’s a weekly open mic night (on Wednesdays) and many other regular events taking place there!
nijverheid
If you're a creative seeking to take your skills and passions to the next level, De Nijverheid may be just what you're looking for. This cultural haven situated in the Werkspoorkwartier is where artists are not only able to create and display their work but also provides an opportunity to collaborate and experiment with other like-minded folk. Besides their exhibition spaces and stages, the venue also has an art cafe, a lovely terrace for when the weather is forgiving and interesting weekly cultural programmes! It's a place that inspires, pushes growth and encourages creative freedom and expression.
ekko
Located at Bemuurde Weerd, in the heart of Utrecht is a cultural venue that plays home to live shows and club nights that not only flaunts the developments of the moment, but also does well at accelerating them. Crossing the boundaries of genre and experience, it’s no surprise that EKKO has been the stepping stone for DJs, live acts and organizers who have since well-deservedly gone onwards and upwards. This stunning venue has a concert hall for 300 visitors along with a café and a fully equipped bar.
Kabul á gogo
Hailed as the first community-driven electronic music and cultural hub in Utrecht, this live music venue is located in the former Central Studios in the Werkspoor area. In it, you’ll find multiple rooms of multiple sizes to rent and party in. Currently, you’ll be able to find weekly concepts by KABUL but there’s also plenty of space for local collectives to throw a night.
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Located inside KABUL à GoGo, you'll also find Teatro, where you can catch theatre performances while enjoying some drinks with shows on the regular.
klein berlijn
Klein Berlijn’s name translates to ‘Little Berlin’ and for good reason! Especially when you check out their menu with its variety of German beers and its overall “Berlin’ish” vibe. That aside, Kleijn Berlin’s unique location (at the old industrial area near Rotsoord on the Vaartsche Rijn) offers itself as a creative haven for all types of artforms be it music, theatre, dance or DJs. Expect a quirky setting and brilliant atmosphere, all the while complemented by innovative and talented creatives.
nar
What is NAR? It’s a bar, club, stage, restaurant, an exhibition space and oh, they’ve also got a beach where you can chill out around the fire till late at night. They also play host to (young) event organizers who organize their own events; club nights, bands, exhibitions, art and theatre. So really, the question should be what isn’t NAR? We’ll also tell you that part. They’re not finished, never stagnant, constantly growing and evolving while tactfully soaking in ideas and suggestions by the community. Think of NAR as a fun place that not only facilitates, but stimulates creative ideas as well!
tivolivredenburg
It might as well be considered blasphemy if you’ve been to Utrecht and not visited the city’s most iconic live event venue. Rich in concert history dating back to 1823, it has over many, many years played host to legendary names like Prince, The Rolling Stones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, Iggy Pop and more. Whatever your musical preference may be, all genres come together under TivoliVredenburg’s roof, spread across its six rooms and the many spaces in between.