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Event Details
Welcome to the Crossing Border Festival 2026 in The Hague
The Crossing Border Festival 2026 takes place from 3 to 8 November in The Hague and is one of the leading international festivals for literature and music in the Netherlands. At the Koninklijke Schouwburg and other central venues, international authors, musicians and spoken-word artists come together for a unique multi-day programme.
Highlights & Attractions at Crossing Border Festival in The Hague
- Over 120 international and Dutch writers, musicians and artists
- Exclusive conversations, readings and performances by leading literary figures
- Alternative music acts in intimate live shows
- Main festival evenings on 6 and 7 November with continuous programming
- Daytime programmes, Young Adult programme (NXT) and spoken-word formats
- Crossing Border Kids programme for children and families
- European Literature Prize ceremony and pop-up bookshop
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Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2026
The festival runs from Tuesday 3 November to Sunday 8 November 2026. The main festival evenings take place on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November from approximately 18:00 to 23:30 at the Koninklijke Schouwburg and in the festival tent (Red Eyed Fly) on Lange Voorhout. Additional daytime programmes, the YA event Crossing Border NXT, the Dutch-language format You’ll Have to Scream Louder and the Kids programme on 8 November complete the schedule. The festival blends literature, music and spoken word in a continuous, cross-genre format. The main language is English, with support for Dutch contributions and interpretation where needed.
Tickets & Admission for Crossing Border Festival The Hague
Admission is ticketed. Day tickets for the festival evenings cost around €36 (early-bird prices may be lower), with passepartouts for both evenings at approximately €51–61. Individual daytime events and author sessions start from around €11–16. Discounts are available with CJP and certain passes. Tickets can be purchased via the official website. The minimum age for the main programmes is generally 16 years.
Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in The Hague
- The Koninklijke Schouwburg is about a 10-minute walk from Den Haag Centraal station and well connected by public transport.
- Warm clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended, as events take place across indoor venues and a festival tent.
- Book accommodation in the city centre or near the station early, as the festival attracts many visitors.
- Parking is available in nearby garages (e.g. Museumkwartier or Malieveld); bicycle parking is provided.
- Check the official website for the latest programme and exact timings, as the line-up and daily schedules continue to be updated.
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.