Acqua Forte Parade - Visit Leeuwarden

Want to be blown away by the most magical theatre you have ever seen, *on* the water?! Then keep the weekend of October 9, 10, and 11 free! That is when the French theatre company ACQUAFORTE Compagnie (formerly known as Ilotopie) will descend upon our Frisian capital. With the performance 'Acqua Forte Parade', the theatre makers transform the Leeuwarden city canal at the Noordersingel into a fairytale dream where all your senses are stimulated.

Due to weather conditions, the number of shows on Saturday, October 10, is being reduced to 1! Keep an eye on this page and Visit Leeuwarden's social media for the latest updates! We expect to be able to say more about this by the end of Saturday afternoon at the latest.

The new showtimes:

Friday, October 9: doors open at 19:30, start at 20:30

Saturday, October 10: doors open at 19:00, start at 20:00
Please note: Should thunderstorms develop after all, this show will also be affected. didn't make it!

Sunday, October 11: show 1: doors open from 18:30, start at 19:30.
Sunday, October 11: doors open at 21:00, start at 22:00.

A spectacular parade with a touch of Mata Hari

Acqua Forte Parade is no ordinary parade. Along a length of 300 meters, dreamlike scenes unfold on both sides of the route. Thanks to special lighting effects on the water, floating fire, impressive pyrotechnics, and accompanying music, the audience is transported into the imaginary, enchanting world of ACQUAFORTE Compagnie. Especially for Leeuwarden and in honor of its 150th anniversary, the infamous Mata Hari is included in the show as a unique narrative element.

More about the show

Anticipation

In the run-up to the ACQUA FORTE Parade, the group is already setting up shop at various locations in the city center with surprise acts. So keep a close eye out as you walk through the city center starting Tuesday, October 6.

The spectacular parade on the water takes place from October 9 to 11, 2026, and can be seen on the northern city canal, both at the Noordersingel and along the waterfront of the Prinsentuin. The event is free to attend and suitable for all ages.

Who, what, where?!

map

Map

For everyone who prefers a visual overview, we have a map! Besides finding them here and there in the center of Leeuwarden, you can also check it on our website.

Download the map

About ACQUAFORTE Cie

The story

Origin

ACQUAFORTE Compagnie – formerly known as Ilotopie – finds its origins in the Camargue, a marshland in the southern French Rhône Delta. Rivers, lakes, and the sea, together with wooded areas, form – as the theatre company itself describes them – the reservoirs of human imagination. They take the audience along pristine waters and landscapes through a world of imagination.

Unique experience

Ilotopie has been performing worldwide for decades and is internationally regarded as leading and pioneering within water-based (street) theatre. With large-scale water parades, installations, and performances, the company transforms everyday waterscapes into imaginative scenes. With actors walking on water, floating objects, light effects, and music, they create an experience the audience has never had before.

The parade will take place on the northern city canal, between the Vrouwenpoortsbrug and the Noorderbrug. You can find a spot on the Noordersingel or in the Prinsentuin. The intention is for everyone to find a spot and stay seated or standing there, so that you really get to see the full extent of the parade! The boat route will be closed off from the start. So, unfortunately, watching the parade from a boat is not possible. Bring a (waterproof, it is October after all) picnic blanket and let the spectacle pass you by.

They are two different names for the same theater company. Previously, the company was called Ilotopie. Since this year, the theater company has been called Acqua Forte Compagnie.

Yes, the Acqua Forte Parade is the same every night.

You can easily get to Leeuwarden by public transport. The Central Station – where the bus station is also located – is about a 10-minute walk from the Prinsentuin. On this page , you can read everything about public transport in and around Leeuwarden.

Not for now! During the setup and the shows, the water along the Prinsentuin and Noordersingel must remain clear for the spectacle. Therefore, sailing through, mooring, or keeping your boat along the route is not permitted until Sunday, October 11.

Absolutely! The entire Noordersingel along the route has been designated as an extra accessible area. You can recognize this on the map by the striped section. Extra accessible toilets are also available starting from Spanjaardslaan.

Unfortunately not. The waterway between the Noorderbrug and the Vrouwenpoortsbrug is closed to pleasure craft at the start and during the event. So, just find a nice spot along the Noordersingel or in the Prinsentuin and watch the parade pass by from the waterfront.

Yes, there are several parking garages near the Prinsentuin. Parking Garage Oldehove is located right next to the city park, Parking Garage Klanderij and Parking Garage Hoeksterend are situated a little further away but still close to the center, and Parking Garage Zaailand is another good alternative in the city center.

You can also park your car at one of the three P+R sites: at Kalverdijkje on the eastern city ring (free parking), at the WTC-Expo on the western city ring (€4,00 per day), or behind Central Station (max. €5,45 per day). All P+R sites are indicated on ANWB signs.

Yes, the event is suitable for all ages. However, please keep in mind that the parade takes place on the canal, so you will be close to the water in the dark. Children without a swimming certificate must be closely supervised. Wear a life jacket if in doubt.

Yes, the event is free to attend – on all days and at all times.

The Acqua Forte Parade moves from the Vrouwenpoortsbrug to the Noorderbrug. The idea is that you choose a fixed spot along this route and stay there until the show is over. That way, you really get to experience everything. Put on a waterproof jacket (it is still October), bring a picnic blanket to sit on, and make yourself comfortable!

Friday October 9
Doors open at 19:30, show starts at 20:30.

Saturday 10 October
Due to weather conditions, the number of shows on Saturday, October 10, is being reduced to 1! Keep an eye on this page and Visit Leeuwarden's social media for the latest updates! We expect to be able to say more about this by the end of Saturday afternoon at the latest.

Sunday, October 11 EXTRA SHOW
Doors open at 18:30, show starts at 19:30.
Extra show Doors open 21:00, show starts 22:00

Since you choose a spot along the route to stand or sit, it is advisable to arrive on time. This way, you are assured of a good spot from where you can see the parade well.

Make your evening complete

Acqua Forte specials

The Lady-in-Waiting

At De Hofdame, the anticipation starts at the table! Especially for the Acqua Forte Parade, they are serving a menu for €25 pp on October 9, 10, and 11. Choose from Aqua Forte with salmon, Carne Forte with steak, or Terre Forte with savory tart. Had a good meal? Then off you go to the waterfront for the real spectacle!

View the menu

House of Taste

Want to take something tasty to the Prinsentuin? At House of Taste, you can put together your very own Acqua Forte weekend bag. Choose what you're craving, take all those goodies to the waterfront, and pick a nice spot. Let the parade begin!

Visit the House of Taste!

Sophia's

In the mood to be surprised? At Sophias this weekend, take a seat for the surprising chef's menu, complete with a glass of bubbly on the house! What exactly will be on the table? That remains a secret for now. And all this within walking distance of the station. Don't forget to use the code 'acqua forte' when making your reservation!

Reserve your table!

Dairy farm

Zuivelhoeve is also pulling out all the stops for the Acqua Forte Parade! With a well-stocked weekend bag under your arm, waiting for the parade will be a truly delightful experience. What's inside? You'll find out for yourself!

Dig in!