Opening Parade
Gather in the main city square for the parade start
~10:00
Deventer Op Stelten
Jul 3 - 5, 2026ConfirmedSource
Each summer, the historic streets of Deventer become open-air stages for Deventer Op Stelten, a festival of street theatre and acrobatics. Performers from around the world fill the squares with daring stunts and surprising shows, turning the city into a playground for the arts since 1993.
Day 1 · Jul 3
Gather in the main city square for the parade start
~10:00
Deventer, Netherlands
Open in MapsComfortable walking shoes
Awareness of performance schedule
Be an attentive audience to street performers; give space.
Crowd level: high.
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Deventer Op Stelten
Deventer, Netherlands
Each summer, the historic streets of Deventer become open-air stages for Deventer Op Stelten, a festival of street theatre and acrobatics. Performers from around the world fill the squares with daring stunts and surprising shows, turning the city into a playground for the arts since 1993.
Started in 1993, this festival highlights Deventer’s commitment to (outdoor) arts and culture. It is part of Deventer’s identity as a ‘city of stories’ and reflects a Dutch tradition of kotaert (street theatre). The festival integrates local venues (squares, parks, churches) and is organized by the city arts council and volunteers.
Gather in the main city square for the parade start
first-timer tips
Comfortable walking shoes
Awareness of performance schedule
Be an attentive audience to street performers; give space.
Respect performers (often street artists); no glass or large items in performance areas.
Jul 3 - 5, 2026
Confirmed
Deventer
Overijssel
Free public events available
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome

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