Crossing Border is an inspiring cultural festival based in The Hague with a unique combination of spoken word, music, special film screenings and visual arts. Over the years Crossing Border has evolved to become one of the foremost international, interdisciplinary literature and music festivals in Europe.

Programme Crossing Border 2025

The festival evenings on 7 and 8 November will take place at the Royal Theatre Koninklijke Schouwburg and in a separate spiegeltent next to the venue. Audiences can attend performances in several halls. There is also a full daytime programme at different locations:

5 November: We Are Not Numbers: Voices of Gaza's Youth
6 November: Anouar Brahem Quartet – After the Last Sky
6 November: You’ll have to scream LOUDER featuring Dutch-language talent from various disciplines
8 November: Crossing Border NXT, for readers aged 16 and over
8 November: Presentation of the European Literature Prize
8 & 9 November: Kids programme at Theater Dakota and Theater Vaillant
9 November: Alkibiades at the Royal Theatre Koninklijke Schouwburg

Crossing Border Kids
The Crossing Border children's program brings a selection of authors and illustrators of children's literature who showcase the best artistic and literary quality in books aimed at pre-readers (0-4), beginning readers (4-8) and middle school students (8-12). In addition, there will be a number of activities that will appeal to teenagers. You can expect hands-on workshops, interviews about the creative and artistic process behind the stories and of course storytime (reading) from the authors themselves.

With a selection of authors and illustrators, the organization has tried to bring a diversity of voices, languages and life experiences. They believe that stories connect us all and weaving a cobweb of stories can germinate compassion, kindness and understanding in the world.

Check the timetables here