Krokusfestival 2027 – Hasselt, Belgium
Overview
Krokusfestival is a prestigious international arts festival dedicated to young audiences, children, and teenagers, held annually in the cultural heart of Hasselt. For over three decades, the event has transformed the city into a vibrant stage for the performing arts, featuring an eclectic mix of theater, contemporary dance, circus, and puppetry. Hosted by the Cultuurcentrum Hasselt (CCHA), the festival is renowned for its adventurous programming that treats young spectators with the same artistic seriousness as adult audiences, fostering a deep appreciation for culture from an early age.
The 2027 edition marks the 30th anniversary of this landmark event, promising a specially curated selection of performances from over 30 international and Belgian companies. The festival serves as a critical creative laboratory, showcasing world premieres, site-specific installations, and experimental works-in-progress. By blending high-quality production with deeply layered, intergenerational storytelling, Krokusfestival provides a platform where toddlers, teenagers, and grandparents can engage with contemporary themes in a shared, imaginative space.
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Beyond the main stage, the festival center at CCHA becomes a bustling hub of activity where art meets play. Interactive zones and creative workshops allow young visitors to move from being passive spectators to active participants in the artistic process. With its professional networking days and symposia, Krokusfestival also remains a vital meeting point for international artists and programmers, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of the European youth arts scene and a highlight of the Belgian winter cultural calendar.
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Event Highlights
- 30th Anniversary Showcase: The 2027 edition celebrates three decades of artistic excellence with a focus on groundbreaking international co-productions and retrospective highlights from past favorite companies.
- Adventure in the Forest: Several site-specific performances take place in unique locations around Hasselt, moving beyond traditional theater walls to incorporate the city’s urban and natural landscapes.
- HET LAB Residents: Attendees have the exclusive opportunity to witness work-in-progress showings from resident artists at HET LAB, the festival’s dedicated workspace for developing new youth theater.
- Interactive Play Installations: The festival center features immersive, hands-on art installations where children can build, create, and explore sensory environments between scheduled shows.
Why Attend
This festival is the premier destination for families seeking a high-quality cultural alternative during the spring mid-term break. It is ideal for parents who want to expose their children to innovative, world-class artistry that challenges the status quo of “traditional” kids’ entertainment. Attending provides an enriching environment where different generations can discuss complex themes sparked by the performances, from social justice and migration to personal growth and imagination.
For professionals in the performing arts sector, Krokusfestival offers an unparalleled opportunity for professional development and international networking. The benefit of attending lies in the festival’s unique atmosphere, which balances professional rigor with a warm, communal spirit. Visitors gain direct access to the latest trends in Theater for Young Audiences (TYA), making it a valuable resource for anyone involved in education, choreography, or theater production across the globe.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: February 4 to February 11, 2027
- Event Duration: Eight days of performances, workshops, and professional gatherings
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Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are sold primarily through the CCHA online ticket shop, with a physical ticket office open daily at the festival center.
- Admission Type: Most shows require individual tickets, though special “FAMabo” family passes offer reduced rates for multiple performances.
- Ticket Pricing: Individual performance tickets generally range from $12 to $28 depending on the scale of the production.
- Special Seating Options: Seating is typically general admission, with specific floor seating or front-row sections reserved for children to ensure clear sightlines.
- VIP Options: Professional delegates can purchase an accreditation pass that includes access to exclusive networking lunches, evening receptions, and the professional lounge.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Hasselt, Belgium
- Venue Name: Cultuurcentrum Hasselt (CCHA)
- Google Maps Address: Kunstlaan 5, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
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Contact Information
- Email: krokusfestival@ccha.be
- Phone Number: +32 11 22 99 31
- Official Website: https://www.krokusfestival.be/en
- Social Media Links:
- https://www.facebook.com/krokusfestival
- https://www.instagram.com/krokusfestival/
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Brussels Airport (Zaventem) is the most convenient international entry point, located approximately 50 miles from Hasselt.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: Hasselt Railway Station is the city’s main hub and is a 15-minute walk from the Cultuurcentrum.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: The H1 and H11 city buses stop at the “Kunstlaan” station directly in front of the festival center.
- Parking Availability: A large, free parking lot is available at the rear of the CCHA for visitors who validate their ticket at the cloakroom.
- Directions by Car: The venue is easily accessible via the E313 and E314 highways; take the Hasselt-Centrum exit and follow the inner city ring road.
What is this event?
Krokusfestival is an international arts festival for young audiences that presents a week-long program of professional theater, dance, and music. It is held every year during the February half-term holidays in the city of Hasselt.
The event focuses on high-quality, adventurous art for children and teenagers, featuring around 30 different companies from across Europe and beyond. It serves as both a public celebration for families and a professional forum for artists.
Why is it popular?
The festival is popular because of its exceptional standard of artistic curation, ensuring that every show is both engaging for children and meaningful for adults. It has become a beloved tradition for families in the Limburg region due to its welcoming and interactive atmosphere.
Its popularity also stems from its reputation as a “festival of discovery,” where audiences can see innovative performances that are being shown in Belgium for the first time. The combination of great art, a central location, and excellent family facilities makes it a top-tier winter destination.
Attendee Experiences
- Seeing my seven-year-old completely mesmerized by a wordless dance performance was the highlight of our winter holidays.
- The festival center is so vibrant and organized that we were able to spend the whole day there between shows without getting bored.
- I loved that the performances didn’t talk down to the kids but actually tackled real, interesting subjects in a way they understood.
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FAQ's
What is the best way to choose the right shows for my children's ages?
Each performance in the program is clearly labeled with a specific minimum age recommendation, such as 3+ or 12+, based on the content and duration. These age indications are strictly followed to ensure the best experience for the audience, so it is highly recommended to check these before booking your tickets.
Are the international performances understandable for children who do not speak English or Dutch?
Many of the international shows featured at Krokusfestival are "Language No Problem" (LNP), meaning they rely on visual storytelling, dance, or music rather than spoken dialogue. For performances that do include speech, the festival often provides subtitles or ensures the visual elements are strong enough for the story to be followed by everyone.
Is there a place where we can eat and rest between the different performances?
The festival center at CCHA features the Theatercafé, where families can enjoy drinks, snacks, and warm meals in a relaxed environment. There are also several indoor rest areas and interactive zones where children can play and stay entertained while waiting for their next scheduled show to begin.
What should I do if a performance I want to see is sold out online?
If a show appears sold out online, you can check with the festival ticket office on the day of the performance for any last-minute cancellations or returned tickets. However, because many shows take place in intimate theater halls with limited capacity, it is always best to book your tickets as early as possible.
How accessible is the festival for visitors with disabilities or special needs?
All festival locations, including the CCHA and site-specific venues like De Nieuwe Zaal, are fully wheelchair accessible and equipped with appropriate facilities. The main theater hall also features an audio induction loop for the hearing impaired, and staff are available to provide extra assistance to ensure a smooth visit for all guests.
