Show Night 2026
Read here all about the different acts to find on this evening!
August 15th, 20:00 sharp, the sun sets, and the city centre of Wageningen transforms into a beautiful stage alive with colour, rhythm and wonder. Show Night is the place to enjoy artists from all over the world for free. Wander through a collection of unique worlds brought to life by musicians, dancers, fire-breathers and other interactive acts. Each performance invites you into a new experience, filling the evening with laughter, entertainment, and a touch of magic. Do you dare to wander?
Hall of Harmony
WSKOV
Music has the power to bring people together, and that's exactly what WSKOV does. As Wageningen's student choir and orchestra, the association gives students the opportunity to perform classical music together under the guidance of professional conductors. During Show Night, WSKOV will fill the evening with beautiful live performances, creating a moment to slow down and enjoy the harmony of voices and instruments. Whether you're a fan of classical music or simply curious, this is the perfect place to experience the musical talent within Wageningen's student community.
→ Find WSKOV in the Hall of Harmony
De Ontzetting
De Ontzetting is Wageningen's student symphonic wind orchestra, bringing together around 65 enthusiastic musicians. Besides rehearsing weekly, the orchestra performs at events throughout the year and even tours internationally. During Show Night, they will present an energetic live performance featuring the powerful sound of a full wind orchestra. Expect an inspiring mix of music, passion and student spirit that showcases what makes this association so unique.
→ Find De Ontzetting in the Hall of Harmony
The World of Wonders
De Uitvinderij
Creativity knows no limits at De Uitvinderij. Led by inventor and future artist Erik, this Wageningen-based collective transforms imagination into spectacular creations. Having appeared at major festivals such as Lowlands, Mysteryland and Oerol, De Uitvinderij now brings a unique performance to Show Night. Prepare to be surprised by a ten-minute show full of innovation, creativity and unexpected inventions that will leave you wondering what's possible.
→ Find De Uitvinderij in The World of Wonders
The Wishing Realm
Wishing Wall
Life can get overwhelming, that is why it’s important to pause, reflect and look ahead sometimes. What better way than to do this at our AID Wishing Wall! Write down your hopes, dreams or goals for the coming days, your first year as a student, or even your future beyond university. Leave your own message, read the wishes of others, and become part of a growing wall filled with inspiration and new beginnings.
→ Leave your thoughts at the Wishing Wall in The Wishing Realm
The Rhythm Village
Hiparikaan
Feel the heartbeat of West Africa with Hiparikaan. Through the powerful sounds of the djembe, this interactive performance introduces visitors to traditional rhythms from countries such as Guinea, Senegal, Mali and Côte d'Ivoire. Each rhythm tells its own story, celebrating moments like harvests, births and festivals. After an energetic performance, everyone is invited to join the workshop and experience the joy of drumming together. No experience is needed, just bring your enthusiasm and feel the rhythm!
→ Find Hiparikaan in The Rhythm Village
The Enchanted Canvas
Art Wall with Cantastic
Become part of a growing piece of art at the Art Wall, created in collaboration with Cantastic. Throughout the evening, visitors are invited to add colour, write their name or leave a personal message on a large collaborative artwork. Guided by artists, every contribution becomes part of one vibrant design that reflects the creativity of the AID community. The finished artwork will remain on display during the AID Festival: Breaking Ground, making your contribution part of this year’s AID lasting memories!
→ Join the artwork in The Enchanted Canvas
The Luminous Playground
WagaStorm
WagaStorm celebrates diversity, inclusion and self-expression through unforgettable performances. During Show Night, they present a vibrant drag show with a unique twist: silent disco headphones immerse you completely in the music and performance, creating an intimate and magical experience. Expect dazzling costumes, colourful performances and an inspiring celebration of being unapologetically yourself.
→ Experience WagaStorm in The Luminous Playground
The World of Fire
Fire-breather
Small in cast but huge in impact, this spectacular fire show proves that one performer is all it takes to captivate an audience. Watch as flames, skill and precision come together in a breathtaking performance full of energy and excitement. Whether you've seen fire performances before or not, this act is guaranteed to light up your evening!
→ Find the fire show in The World of Fire
The Garden of Imagination
Sketch Artist: Atelier Kronenburg
A single drawing can say more than a thousand words. Meet the Atelier Kronenburg and watch as quick sketches transform into funny, surprising and personal portraits. Whether you choose to sit for a caricature or simply enjoy watching others being drawn, this act brings creativity and laughter to Show Night. Surrounded by the beautiful artistic trees of Tessy de Jong, it's the perfect place to slow down and appreciate the art of illustration.
→ Find the Cartoonist in The Garden of Imagination
Speed Poet: David Mulder
Have you ever wondered what your thoughts would sound like as a poem? At the Speed Poet's table, that's exactly what happens. Share a story, a feeling or simply a few words, and watch as poet David Mulder transforms your thoughts into a unique poem on the spot using nothing more than a typewriter and his creativity. Whether you're looking for inspiration or a personal keepsake from the evening, this is an experience you won't forget.
→ Find the Speed Poet in The Garden of Imagination
Amphitheatre
Sempre Sereno
Sempre Sereno is Wageningen's student musical association, bringing together enthusiastic performers who share a passion for acting, singing and dancing. Throughout the year they work on full-scale musical productions, and during Show Night they'll bring a selection of songs to the stage. Expect powerful vocals, lively choreography and a taste of the magic that makes musical theatre so captivating.
→ Find Sempre Sereno in the Amphitheatre
Wageningen Dance Collective (WDC)
The Wageningen Dance Collective is the performance team of the Student Dance Factory, bringing together experienced dancers with a passion for choreography and performance. Their Show Night performance celebrates diversity, freedom and self-expression through a vibrant mix of dance styles. From energetic commercial routines to expressive contemporary movements, every dancer brings their own story to the stage. Sit back and enjoy a performance that reflects the diversity of both Wageningen and its student community.
→ Find WDC in the Amphitheatre
International Comedy Show
Get ready for an evening full of laughter with three internationally experienced comedians. Ken Parsons combines storytelling, music and witty observations, Hermes Ahmadi shares clever and relatable stories about culture and everyday life, while Karan Karthik brings infectious energy and audience interaction to the stage. Together, they create a comedy show that is welcoming, inclusive and guaranteed to leave you smiling.
→ Find the Comedy Show in the Amphitheatre
The Dreamscape
Art-Caravans
Step into a world where curiosity and imagination take over. Art-Caravans brings three unique interactive caravans to Show Night, each offering a completely different experience. Dive into the playful Ball Pit Caravan, relax among soft companions in the Cuddle Caravan, or lose yourself in endless reflections inside the fascinating Mirror Caravan. Whether you're looking for fun, wonder or a unique photo opportunity, there's something to discover around every corner.
→ Explore Kunstcaravans in The Dreamscape
The Gathering Groove
Bransz
For over 75 years, Bransz has been inspiring young people through dance, theatre, musical theatre and urban sports. During Show Night, they bring an energetic programme packed with entertainment, including dance battles, interactive workshops and performances by talented student teams from Wageningen. Whether you're watching or joining in, Bransz invites everyone to experience the joy of movement and performance.
→ Find Bransz in The Gathering Groove
L'Afrique
Whether you've danced before or are trying it for the very first time, L'Afrique invites everyone onto the dance floor. This dance association offers a wide variety of styles, including salsa, bachata, kizomba and semba, creating a welcoming community for dancers of all levels. During Show Night, they will host alternating Salsa and Bachata workshops, giving visitors the chance to learn new moves, meet new people and experience the joy of Latin dance.
→ Join the workshops in The Gathering Groove
The Sound District
Popcultuur Wageningen
Popcultuur Wageningen supports young, talented artists by giving them a stage to perform their own music. Throughout the year, they organise events such as Quiet is the New Loud!, an intimate concert series hosted in the Wageningen public library, where visitors can discover emerging artists in a relaxed setting. Popcultuur Wageningen is also the local organiser of Popronde, the Netherlands' largest travelling music festival, connecting musicians with unique performance venues across the city.
During Show Night, Popcultuur Wageningen presents three exciting live acts, each bringing their own unique sound to The Sound District.
NAÉ
NAÉ creates dreamy indie pop filled with emotion, warm melodies and captivating vocals. Their live performance offers the perfect opportunity to unwind while discovering original music from one of the talented artists supported by Popcultuur Wageningen. Expect an intimate performance that draws you in from the very first note.
→ Find NAÉ in The Sound District at Vlaamsche Reus
The Cave
With an energetic live performance and a powerful stage presence, The Cave brings fresh sounds to The Sound District. As part of Popcultuur Wageningen's showcase, they represent the next generation of local talent, creating the perfect atmosphere to discover new music during Show Night.
→ Find The Cave in The Sound District at The Doctor
Baby Belushi
Baby Belushi delivers an explosive mix of folk-punk, ska and raw energy. Fierce lyrics, driving rhythms and an electrifying stage presence make every performance unforgettable. As one of the artists presented by Popcultuur Wageningen, they're ready to turn The Sound District into a lively celebration where standing still simply isn't an option.
→ Find Baby Belushi in The Sound District at The Doctor
LED Stilt Walkers
Keep an eye on the streets, because you never know when the futuristic LED Stilt Walkers will appear. Towering above the crowd in spectacular illuminated costumes, these performers bring a magical, otherworldly atmosphere to Show Night. Moving gracefully through the festival, they interact with visitors, create memorable photo opportunities and add an extra touch of wonder wherever they go.
→ Watch for the LED Stilt Walkers as they roam throughout Show Night
