The Festival of Wonder, which took place over the past three days in Gouda, brought a unique mix of street theater, music, circus, and other creative performances to the public. It was a weekend full of wonder that drew thousands of people to the city center. Nina Angkotta, Marketing & Communications Manager at the organizer, the Goudse Schouwburg, calls it a huge success.
"It was a festival with many highlights, including, of course, the Grande Finale closing act on the Markt. Together with Evert Josemanders (Theater Popidou) and Friso van Vemde (Ashton Brothers), residents of Gouda took center stage in the final performance. Both visitors and artists were enthusiastic about the dozens of acts in Gouda’s beautiful city center, which lends itself perfectly to a festival,” said Nina. Residents of Gouda won’t have to wait long for the next edition. On Saturday, September 18, 2027, the festival will return with the second edition of the Night of Wonder.
The De Verwondering Festival took place in downtown Gouda. Activities were held at locations including the Markt, Achter de Waag, the Nieuwe Markt, Achter de Kerk, and the Vroesentuin. Museum Gouda, the Goudse Schouwburg, the Agnietenkapel, and the Sint-Jan also participated. During the Café Sessions on Friday evening, you could visit various bars and restaurants for music and a drink, such as Check’s, Vidocq, La Cubanita, and De Waag.
The festival marks the opening of the cultural season in Gouda. The Goudse Schouwburg will also host nearly 300 performances this season. In October, for example, you can see *Broederliefde*, Lisa Ostermann, Dilana Smith, Collectief Aqueerius, as well as children’s shows such as *The Little Prince*, *The Little Lamb Who Is a Pig*, and *Skeletje*.
